A NEW bus service between Totton and Southampton is due to be launched on Sunday.

The City Red 1 service will operate seven days a week between the Calmore area of Totton and Southampton's main shopping area, making it easier for people to visit places such as Westquay, Marlands and the SeaCity Museum.

Buses will depart from Bearslane Close in Calmore, calling at Richmond Close, Testwood Crescent, Totton Shopping Centre, Southampton Central Station and the city centre.

City Red says the journey will take about 35 minutes.

Over the past few weeks, the operator has been busy promoting the new service on its social media channels with the tag line “The ‘1’ you’ve been waiting for”.

As part of the marketing campaign, managers and other staff visited the Bargate yesterday to hand out information leaflets and promotional items as well as answering questions from the public.

The daytime service will operate every ten minutes Monday to Friday every 20 minutes on weekends and public holidays.

City Red's interim managing director, Simon Goff, said: “We are really excited to introduce the newest edition to the City Red family.

"We’ve added smart buses featuring cleaner Euro VI engines for City Red 1.

"With a number of popular destinations along the route, including Southampton Central Station, Westquay, Marlands, ASDA and the SeaCity Museum, plus the Civic Centre and Art Gallery, we hope this new service will finally meet the needs of bus passengers in this part of the city."

The new service was welcomed by David Harrison, a town, district and county councillor for part of Totton.

He said: "It is very welcome news.

"Anything that provides improved public transport options for local people has major social, economic and environmental benefits. I hope the service is well used and becomes sustainable.”