Portsmouth’s 18 bus route is celebrating record growth, with passenger numbers continuing to surge following major improvements earlier this year.
The service was upgraded in April 2025, with extra funding from the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan, increasing weekday frequency to every 20 minutes and extending the route to serve Clarence Pier and the Hovertravel as well as Castle Road shopping area. These enhancements make it easier than ever for people to reach Southsea’s seafront and independent shops.
Since then, the route has gone from strength to strength, with passenger numbers projected to reach around 750,000 this year, marking over 30% year on year growth driven largely by fare-paying passengers. September 2025 saw the highest ever monthly ridership, boosted by Portsmouth’s free bus travel promotion, and the route continues to attract new customers every week.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“”The growth of the 18 route shows how investing in public transport benefits everyone. More people are choosing the bus, which reduces congestion, eases parking pressures and improves air quality. This extension reflects our determination to make travel across Portsmouth easier and better for everyone, and we’re doing it in a joined-up way, linking buses with steadily improving walking and cycling infrastructure, and with key shopping and entertainment destinations like Castle Rd and Clarence Pier.”
This success is part of Portsmouth City Council’s long term integrated transport strategy, designed to make travel easier and better for everyone. More people choosing the bus means less congestion for drivers, improved air quality, and a more sustainable transport network for the city.
The 18 route now connects destinations that are part of wider council investment, including Clarence Pier and Castle Road, where work is currently underway to significantly improve the public realm, in partnership with local residents and businesses. Other enhancements include two new bus stops on Southsea Terrace, improved walking and cycling infrastructure, and nearby EV charge points are creating a better experience for all road users.
Marc Reddy Managing Director at Stagecoach South, added:
“We’re thrilled to see such strong growth on the 18 route, reflecting how much our customers value frequent, reliable, and convenient bus services. The recent improvements, supported by Portsmouth City Council, are making it easier for people to connect with key destinations across the city, from Southsea’s seafront to local shops. This record ridership shows that when we invest in better bus services, more people choose to leave the car at home, supporting a greener, more sustainable Portsmouth.”
For more information on Portsmouth bus services and journey planning, visit: travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport
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 £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/