Portsmouth City Council is set to benefit from an experienced project manager with a history of delivering successful projects, with the appointment of Richard Gagg as project manager for Portsmouth’s Bus Service Improvement Plan. Richard has joined the local authority from First Wessex from June 2023 bringing with him the ambition to get Portsmouth back on the bus.
With over 20 years expertise in commercial bus operations, Richard has gained a deep understanding of the sector, starting his career as a driver and progressing to management roles at various bus companies along the south coast, since 2014. Richard is an expert in getting people from A to B and understands the local transport landscape, this is unique experience which Portsmouth residents will benefit from.
During 10 years of operational management Richard has led delivery on numerous projects in the commercial sector, including in 2015, the full operational launch and ongoing management of a multi-site award winning National Express contract operated by Go Ahead in Dorset and Hampshire. Bringing this experience to the role as project manager at Portsmouth City Council, Richard will be responsible for a range of improvements to bus services in Portsmouth, including delivering improved roadside infrastructure, implementing more real time information systems for easier journeys, traffic signal prioritisation for buses, bus lane camera enforcement, as well as a series of high-profile ticketing initiatives. His role will involve working closely with local bus operators, fostering strong partnerships and leading innovative operations for Portsmouth’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Felicity Tidbury, assistant director for transport, Portsmouth City Council said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Richard to Portsmouth City Council. Richard brings with him a wealth of commercial experience and is an incredible addition to our team. He’ll play an invaluable role in delivering a host of innovative bus service improvement plan projects, that reflect the challenging and ever-evolving travel demands of our city.
“We are building a driven and determined team at the council, who are focused on the delivery of complex and ambitious schemes, aiming to ensure the long-term sustainable economic growth of Portsmouth. I cannot wait to see them roll out across over the next few years”.
Richard Gagg, bus service improvement plan project manager, Portsmouth City Council said:
“Over the last 20 years, I have spent my career focused on bus transport across the south coast. Buses are the backbone of our transport network, providing essential travel options for families, commuters, and pensioners alike. The bus industry is under serious pressure to return the number of journeys made by bus to pre-pandemic levels. I’m passionate about being part of a team who are delivering the innovation required to get more people back on the bus! Which is why I am delighted to get started at Portsmouth City Council.”
More information about the BSIP project can be found on the council’s travel website.