Source: City of Portsmouth
Portsmouth has hit a major milestone this year, with over 1 million bus journeys being taken each month, as figures reveal a 22.3% increase in bus usage over the past year. This surge in passenger numbers places Portsmouth in the top four cities across England for bus travel recovery, with the city ranking as the highest improver in the UK.
Much of this success is thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), launched in January 2022 with £48.3 million in funding from the Department for Transport (DfT). The Portsmouth BSIP is being delivered in partnership with local bus companies First Bus South and Stagecoach South and has been instrumental in revitalising the city’s bus network, earning the city the prestigious Partnership for Excellence Gold Award at this year’s UK Bus Awards in recognition of its innovative approach to public transport improvements. This is all part of the council’s overall plan to make travel in the city easier, faster and greener.
Key achievements of the Portsmouth BSIP include the launch of the Pompey ticket range and the Pompey Young Person ticket, aimed at making bus travel more convenient, affordable, and accessible for passengers. These include discounted travel options for students, young people, those travelling in groups or at night, and those hopping on and off for 90 minutes, and the tickets can be used on both First and Stagecoach buses.
The council have run a host of fare-free schemes to encourage new riders to give the bus a try, which generated over 191,000 extra bus journeys over September weekends in 2023 and 2024, increasing bus patronage by over 46%.
In addition, the city has introduced two 24/7 bus routes and increased services during evenings and weekends to better meet the needs of commuters and those traveling at off-peak hours.
2024 has also seen the launch of the Easy Travel Access Fund, which has helped improve accessibility and convenience for passengers with disabilities and additional mobility needs and communities who have found it difficult to access the bus, by providing funding to the community groups, businesses and charities who need it. These initiatives have been vital in making bus services more inclusive and user-friendly for a diverse range of passengers.
There are also improvements to bus stops in the city, with upgraded information screens expected to pop up in the new year, and other bus stop and bus lane improvements aimed at making bus journeys faster and more reliable have been proposed. These improvements, which are expected to continue throughout the year, will enhance the overall passenger experience and contribute to further growth in bus usage.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Portsmouth is leading the way in getting people back on the buses, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come. Over the past year, our city’s bus network has gone from strength to strength, with over 1 million passengers now using buses each month—a fantastic 20% increase in just a year.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about making buses a more inclusive, innovative, and reliable way to travel. We’re determined to keep building on this success, ensuring that buses remain an easy and affordable choice for everyone in Portsmouth.”
Simon Goff, Managing Director at First Bus South, added:
“The Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan has been a game-changer for public transport in the city. We’re so proud to be part of this transformative partnership, which is delivering an innovative, award-winning bus network for local people. This has been a fantastic year for bus travel, as we rolled out Portsmouth’s first electric buses, showing our commitment to delivering cleaner, modern and more accessible travel.
The numbers of people using the bus in Portsmouth shows what can be achieved when local authorities and bus operators work together toward a shared vision, and we’re excited to continue delivering improvements that make a real difference for Portsmouth’s residents.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, said:
“We are delighted to have partnered with Portsmouth City Council to transform bus travel in the city. The 22.3% surge in bus usage and the milestone of over 1 million journeys per month are remarkable achievements that highlight the positive impact of the Portsmouth BSIP.
By making travel more convenient, accessible, and affordable, we are not only improving the passenger experience but also supporting greener and more sustainable transportation for the community. This success reflects the strength of our partnership and the shared commitment to delivering better journeys for everyone in Portsmouth.”
For more information on public transport in Portsmouth, visit https://travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/bsip/.