Portsmouth secures a £4.7m funding boost to expand and enhance bus services

Even more improved bus fares, upgraded bus stops and information displays, more accessible buses and faster journeys are just some of the benefits to come from the latest government investment in bus services.

Portsmouth City Council's £4.7 million funding boost adds even greater capacity to its already ambitious bus service improvement plan, creating exciting new opportunities to expand and enhance services for residents.

This additional funding builds on the success of the £48 million government funding in 2022, which has already delivered transformative improvements to the Portsmouth bus network. In partnership with local bus companies First Solent and Stagecoach South, the council has introduced affordable joint ticketing options, new 24/7 bus routes, more buses in evenings and weekends and much more. These efforts have resulted in a remarkable 22% increase in bus passengers in the past year, with Portsmouth rated number one city in the UK for bringing passengers back to the bus.

Looking ahead, residents can expect improvements to bus stops and routes in the coming months, improving convenience and accessibility. With this latest investment, the council can expand on these successes, driving even more positive change for transport in Portsmouth. More people on buses means fewer cars on the road, which reduces traffic congestion, leads to smoother traffic flow, and helps to develop cleaner air, benefiting everyone in the community.

The council's transport team is now developing detailed plans to ensure this funding delivers maximum impact for residents, focusing on improving reliability, accessibility, sustainability, and convenience.

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, Portsmouth City Council said:

" This extra funding means we can build on the great work already happening in Portsmouth. Our partnership with First Solent and Stagecoach South is delivering real results, better buses, more reliable services, and improved routes. We are already seeing the benefits with a 22% increase in bus passengers over the last year. It's all about making bus travel a top choice for people across the city."

Simon Goff, Managing Director, First Solent said:

"Working with Portsmouth City Council, First Solent is committed to continuing to enhance bus services across the Solent region. Further BSIP funding allows us to go even further for the people of Portsmouth, delivering more services, connecting communities, and driving forward greener, cleaner travel for all."

James O'Neill Commercial Director, Stagecoach South said:

"Stagecoach is thrilled to continue our strong partnership with Portsmouth City Council as we build on the fantastic progress already made under the Bus Service Improvement Programme. This new funding will help us further enhance bus services, making sustainable and accessible travel an even better option for the community."

For more information on the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan visit https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport/

Data taken from the DfT bus statistics data tables, which can be found on the website: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/bus-statistics-data-tables#local-bus-passenger-journeys-bus01

More information about the funding allocation can be found on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-service-improvement-plans-local-transport-authority-allocations/bus-service-improvement-plans-local-transport-authority-final-allocations-2025-to-2026

More information about the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan

The Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is Portsmouth's visionary delivery scheme aligned with the government's National Bus Strategy and aims to dramatically improve bus services in Portsmouth and to encourage passengers back to the bus. This programme is managed by an enhanced partnership between local bus companies Stagecoach South, First Solent and Portsmouth City Council. With a £48 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT) the Portsmouth BSIP aims to increase bus usage in Portsmouth by engaging with the local community, and transforming the bus network in the city, so that it is faster, more reliable, and more affordable. The Portsmouth BSIP has already funded early morning travel, and later night services, tap on tap off technology, fare free weekends to encourage residents to try the bus, Christmas Day bus services and much more, with even more exciting developments planned for 2024/2025. More information can be found on our website: https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport/

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