THE long-term future of a late night bus service in Winchester appears uncertain after disappointing passenger numbers in the first year.
City councillors on the town forum have agreed to commit up to £13,000 to ensure the service runs for a second year to September 2014.
The service operates between the city centre and Badger Farm, Stanmore, Weeke and Harestock on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The last bus leaves the bus station at 12.10am, returning at 12.33am.
The service by Stagecoach has been operating for 12 months but only averages between five-seven passengers per trip, the town forum heard on Wednesday.
A report to the meeting said: “The number of users has not grown to a level which would make it commercially viable....It is improbable that use of the bus will increase to a level which would make it commercially viable so continuation will require on-going financial support from the Forum.”
The city council hopes for better marketing at the university to make it attractive to students.
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