Yule never guess what, Portsmouth buses are running on Christmas day

Working with bus providers First Solent and Stagecoach, Portsmouth City Council has compiled a festive public transport timetable, which is designed to help get local people and visitors into town for celebrations, to take people to and from QA hospital, and to reunite families on Christmas Day,

This is one of the first in a series of council led schemes funded by the Bus Service Improvement Plan, a £48 million investment of government funding designed to transform bus travel for Portsmouth residents, workers, and visitors, creating a quicker and more reliable bus service.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said:

“Access to bus services on Christmas Day is still a rarity across the UK we’re delighted Portsmouth can offer these bus services keeping the city connected throughout the festive period, all whilst helping keep Portsmouth’s air cleaner. These services will allow people to visit loved ones in hospital and help families get together.”

“We want to encourage people to travel by bus and really enjoy Christmas and New Year with their friends and family. On Christmas Day, First Solent bus routes 1,2,3,7 and 8, and Stagecoach routes 21 and 23 will be in service running to a special Christmas timetable.”

Local bus companies and other public transport services are introducing several changes to their regular services throughout the holidays, Christmas Day to Monday 2 January inclusive. Please note that buses will run late on New Year’s Eve until 1am and until 6pm on Christmas Day. Each route is different, and you can find out more about here. 

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Solent, said: “Bringing people together, is very important at this time of year. So, to do our bit to make this festive season more memorable, we are teaming up with Portsmouth City Council to put on special bus services on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Although, our services do not normally run on these days, this year, those wanting to travel around Portsmouth will be able to get to their desired destinations by First Solent buses, making it convenient and easy to celebrate with friends and loved ones. This service will be especially helpful for those who work at or would like to visit someone at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, especially at a time when possibly, people might need a visit the most.”

A representative from Stagecoach said: “We’re really pleased to work with Portsmouth City Council on providing services for Christmas Day. These special timetables will make it much easier to get around the city over the festive period.”

Find out more about public transport options over the festive period on the service providers websites and in the timetable below.

Summary of seasonal public transport service and Christmas Day timetable: