Sustaining the success of previous investment, Portsmouth’s bus services will receive a further £16 million to continue improving public transport, following a 41% rise in bus use over the past two years.
The funding, provided through the Department for Transport’s Bus Grant, will be spread over several years and split between long-term investment projects and everyday enhancements.
This approach gives Portsmouth City Council the flexibility to deliver major improvements, such as upgraded bus stops, and priority measures, while also supporting service enhancements like fare initiatives, extended routes, and better passenger information. Together these changes will improve the whole bus network and make lasting benefits for passengers and all road users.
Councillor Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
This secure funding, together with the strong partnerships we have built with bus operators, will support our efforts to maintain the improvement in bus services we have achieved over the last 2 years that has raised bus usage by 41%. Investment in buses in Portsmouth is so important as better buses don’t just benefit those who ride them, they reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make journeys smoother for everyone on our roads. Together, we’re building a greener, better-connected Portsmouth for all.”
The Department for Transport has confirmed Portsmouth will receive around £9.5 million for improved bus priority and roadside infrastructure over the next four years, plus £7.2 million over three years for revenue funded projects like enhanced bus services and fares initiatives.
This forms part of a wider £91 million investment across Hampshire and the Solent, giving councils and operators the stability to plan ahead and deliver lasting benefits for local communities. In Portsmouth this means continuing to work closely together through the Portsmouth Buses enhanced partnership.
Simon Goff, Managing Director of Solent from First Bus:
“We welcome this long-term funding commitment, which gives the Portsmouth Buses Partnership the certainty to build on the significant improvements already made to the city’s bus network. With this funding, we can plan further ahead, enhance services, and deliver even greater benefits for passengers in the years to come. This investment strengthens the strong progress already underway and supports our shared goal of a cleaner, more connected transport network.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said:
“This significant investment is great news for Portsmouth’s bus users and the wider community. Working in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, we’re committed to delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable transport that people can depend on every day. These improvements will help us introduce newer, greener vehicles, enhance journey times and provide a better experience for all our customers. We’re excited to build on the strong progress already made and play our part in supporting a cleaner, better-connected future for the city.”
More information about 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/