Go-Ahead has been given the provisional green light to take over Uni-Link services beginning this October, fighting off competition from Minerva Accord and First Group. The existing contract, held by Minerva Accord, will run out in September 2008. The University has not made any formal announcements yet but this marks a major move for Uni-Link’s future.

Go-Ahead owns several major public transport companies including Bluestar (formerly known as Solent Blue Line), Stagecoach, Southern Railway and Wilts & Dorset, the same company that runs Bournemouth University’s UniLinx bus services. It reportedly won the Uni-Link contract because their tender was cheaper than Minerva Accord and it has a good track record in Bournemouth.

With the contract going to Go-Ahead, most Uni-Link drivers expressed their unhappiness over the University’s decision. Some speculated that perfomances will drop and we would see an increase in prices while others predicted an uncertain future for its current staff. Another commented that Uni-Link will lose its character as a small tightly-run company once it is taken over by a major corporation looking to serve their own stakeholders’ interests. One driver who has been with Uni-Link since its inception has suggested that he will leave by the end of the year, while other drivers are going to wait and see.

The contract includes a clause that Uni-Link will run with exactly the same operational structure for one year before significant changes are made. The effects for students and passengers will remain to be seen. Interestingly, not many realise that the change of contract is taking place, let alone recognise the implications it would make towards the future of our bus services.

The University is currently looking to employ a new Transport Manager before the contract is finalised and formal announcements are made. The post was previously held by Alec Gore.

The University’s dedicated bus service began in 1996 when shuttles operated between the main Highfield campus and the Oceanography campus. In 1999, the University signed contracts with First Group to provide bus services under the "Uni-Link" branding. However, one year later, due to poor performance, the University decided to set up a separate company called Uni-Link and awarded Minerva Accord the contract to run the company.

Throughout their tenure, Uni-Link has gone from strength to strength. 993,000 passengers travelled with Uni-Link in the first year and it became the third fastest-growing UK bus network by its third year. Uni-Link went on to win several awards including the 2005 Green Gown Award for best UK University Transport Service.