| Portsmouth residents are being encouraged to support locally owned businesses this festive season by taking part in Small Business Saturday, with the added bonus of FREE bus travel throughout the city.
On Saturday, 6 December 2025, Portsmouth City Council, in partnership with Solent from First Bus, Stagecoach South and Community First for our Pompey Link Service, is offering free bus travel across all routes in Portsmouth to celebrate the businesses that make our city unique and vibrant.
The day will feature a Small Business Saturday Taster Market on Commercial Road, a pop-up market at Playland hosted by Portsmouth Creates, both will feature a variety of local makers, creators, and independent retailers who will showcase their products. This will run alongside the city’s annual Christmas Market, and Port Solent’s Christmas market creating a festive atmosphere and a perfect opportunity to shop locally for holiday gifts.
The free bus travel is part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), a £52 million initiative transforming the city’s public transport network. This scheme, which runs until 2026, aims to make bus travel more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly, while reducing traffic congestion and boosting air quality for everyone.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“We are thrilled to offer free bus travel again this year to help residents get out and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday. Local shops and traders are the heart of our local economy, and this initiative is a great way to shine a light on them during the festive season. It’s also an ideal opportunity for residents to experience the ease and convenience of bus travel across Portsmouth.”
Simon Goff, Managing Director of Solent from First Bus:
“Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the independent traders who bring so much character and creativity to Portsmouth. We’re proud to partner with the council to offer free bus travel once again, helping residents enjoy the city while supporting the local businesses that help our communities thrive. We hope people take the chance to leave the car at home, enjoy a great day out, and discover something new on their local high street.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said:
“We’re delighted to join Portsmouth City Council in supporting Small Business Saturday by offering free bus travel across the city. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to discover and enjoy the incredible range of local shops and markets, all while travelling sustainably and conveniently. We hope this initiative encourages more people to leave the car at home, explore their local community, and make the most of the festive season with ease.”
Alex Barrett, Chief Operating Officer Community First said:
“It’s fantastic for the on-demand Pompey Link to be supporting businesses across the area, especially the independents in and around Port Solent. Small Business Saturday is all about celebrating the local traders who give Portsmouth its unique character, and we’re proud that our flexible, community-focused service can help more residents reach them easily and sustainably.“
Pompey Link, the council’s on-demand shared minibus service connecting Paulsgrove and Port Solent, will also be free to use on Saturday 6 December as well as free on an additional day, Sunday 7 December. This flexible service makes it even easier for residents in the north of the city to join in the celebrations and shop local. Simply book your ride via the Book a journey app or by phone, and enjoy a convenient, sustainable way to travel without the stress of parking.
Plan your journey and find out more about free bus travel on Small Business Saturday at: https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport/small-business-saturday-2025/
| 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, Solent from First Bus and Portsmouth City Council. With a £52 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 2025.
According to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures, Portsmouth has seen a 20% rise in bus passengers over the past year and is recognised as the top city for bringing people back to bus travel, with over 12 million bus journeys taken every year.
More information can be found on the Travel Portsmouth website: https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip/ |
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