24 March 2026

Route 44 Expansion Strengthens Community Travel Links Across Chandlers Ford, Valley Park and Eastleigh

A growing community bus service is expanding once again, strengthening vital local travel links and giving residents greater freedom to travel when and where they need to.

Route 44 is operated by Community First, a charity delivering community transport solutions designed around local need. Built on a community transport concept, the service exists to ensure local people can access essential shops, services, healthcare and social opportunities, particularly where conventional commercial services may not fully meet demand. With passenger numbers steadily increasing, the service will extend into Valley Park from 2nd March, creating stronger links between Chandlers Ford, Valley Park and Eastleigh Bus Station.

The service operates using a hub and spoke approach, linking local neighbourhoods into key transport hubs and onward travel opportunities. Residents can connect at Chandlers Ford Precinct, Chestnut Avenue ASDA and Fryern Arcade with the Blue Star 1 service for travel to Winchester and Southampton. At Templars Way, passengers can access the Blue Star 5 service towards Romsey and North Baddesley. Direct links to Eastleigh Bus and Train Stations, as well as Chandlers Ford Train Station, open up wider regional and national rail connections. This integrated approach ensures the service acts as a lifeline, connecting communities into the wider road and rail network.

The expansion is supported by funding from Chandlers Ford Parish Council and Valley Park Parish Council, alongside a grant secured through Hampshire County Council’s Community Led Transport Grant Stream which is funded by UK Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan funding. Sponsorship from Ampfield Meadows has provided further backing.

A spokesperson for Chandlers Ford Parish Council said the expansion reflects the strength of local partnership working and the importance of accessible transport for residents accessing shopping areas, rail links and essential services.

Valley Park Parish Council welcomed the extension as a practical and sustainable step forward, noting that improved connectivity strengthens community cohesion and supports residents of all ages.

Councillor Lulu Bowerman, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Passenger Transport, said: “We are pleased to award this transport grant to support Community First’s expansion of the 44 bus service into Valley Park, adding new destinations to the route. This fits with the Bus Improvement Service Plan, backing locally led solutions in areas where services need some initial support whilst patronage grows. Most importantly, it will make a real difference for the people who rely on the service – improving access to shops, services, and onward travel so that more residents can stay connected to the opportunities they value.”

For Ampfield Meadows, the impact is clear. Kat Andrews, Village Manager at Ampfield Meadows, said: “We are delighted to support Route 44. For many residents at Ampfield Meadows, having the freedom to travel independently to Eastleigh is vital not just for everyday errands, but for staying socially connected. This service enhances quality of life and helps combat isolation. It’s a meaningful step forward not only for our community but supporting the wider community as well, which is hugely important to us. We are looking forward to welcoming new customers to the village to enjoy our services, including a café and restaurant.”

Alex Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of Community First, said the service demonstrates how community transport can evolve when backed by strong local support. He explained that the growth in passenger numbers shows how valued the route has become and that the hub and spoke model ensures residents are not only connected locally but can easily access onward bus and rail services across the region.

New timetables will launch from 2nd March. With continued public support and ongoing collaboration between councils, partners and the charity, Route 44 is set to continue growing as a truly community driven transport lifeline.