Queue-beating Eclipse bus service between Fareham and Gosport celebrates 10th anniversary

The first phase of the busway was opened on April 22, 2012 when a disused railway line was converted for use by buses and cycles. A second phase extending the busway for a further kilometre opened on December 5, 2021.

Considerable investment has been made in two batches of the latest high-specification buses and new infrastructure along the routes since opening.

The E1 & E2 services (operated by First Solent's Fareham depot) have seen a notable increase in bus ridership, which has helped to reduce traffic-related congestion along the busy A32 corridor linking Fareham and Gosport.

Eclipse is a premium brand within First Solent, a subsidiary of First Bus which runs local buses from Southampton in the west and across to Emsworth in the east, with comprehensive local networks in Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth.

First Solent spokesman David Garney said: 'We’re celebrating 10 years of the Eclipse this year and we’re continuing to invest in the bus services with 20 brand new high-specification buses entering service this spring/summer.

'The buses will feature comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, USB charging points and next stop announcements, together with the latest Euro VI standard engines for cleaner air.

'For routes, times and fares, visit firstbus.co.uk/portsmouth or the First Bus App where you can find live bus information, including how many seats are free on each bus! We hope you enjoy travelling with us.’