Source: City of Portsmouth
Portsmouth City Council has announced that First Bus Solent will operate the PR3 weekend service for the 2025 summer season, running from 7 June to 31 August. First Bus was appointed last year to manage the regular PR1 service for the next five years. The site and PR1 buses have recently been rebranded with a vibrant new look, and customers benefit from new signage at the site, which is conveniently located just off the M275.
The earlier start date of the PR3 will allow visitors from the LGBTQ+ community, along with their friends and supporters, to attend free daytime activities and the community-led parade for National Pride on 7 June – the first major summer event on Southsea Common. This earlier start date also means that more people can enjoy weekend trips to Southsea from the beginning of the summer season.
Portsmouth Park and Ride offers a low-cost, stress-free alternative to city driving, allowing passengers to avoid traffic and enjoy a smoother, more relaxing ride into the heart of Portsmouth, Southsea and seafront. By reducing traffic congestion, the park and ride service plays a crucial role in enhancing air quality while providing an affordable and efficient way to commute and explore the city.
Customers can look forward to swift, convenient journeys to Clarence Pier on the PR3 in just 16 minutes, with buses running every 30 minutes at the weekend. The first bus departs at 9.35 am, and the last bus returns from Clarence Pier to the park and ride site at 7.24 pm. Additionally, a special service will operate every 10 minutes on the weekend of 26 and 27 July to accommodate the large number of visitors expected for the colourful Portsmouth International Kite Festival.
Portsmouth Park and Ride offers excellent value for money – just £4 for up to five people to travel all day on either the PR1 or PR3 services. Customers are encouraged to car share, supporting Portsmouth’s vision of becoming a greener, healthier city.
New ticketing options have also been introduced in partnership with First Bus, making it easier for visitors and commuters to purchase tickets. Flexible fares can now be bought via the First Bus app, and day tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver, using cash, contactless, or card payments.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to revive this popular weekend service to Southsea and seafront for 2025. Our refreshed PR1 service has already been a huge hit with visitors and commuters, so it gives us great pleasure to open up the park and ride experience to a wider range of visitors this summer.”
James Eustace, Commercial Director, First Bus South, said: “It’s fantastic to be providing the PR3 Park & Ride service again for the summer, making it easier than ever for visitors and locals to travel directly to Southsea. It’s a stress-free, convenient, and perfect way to explore – leave the car behind and enjoy the ride.”
This year, the route has been adjusted to avoid road closure along Clarence Esplanade due to ongoing Southsea Coastal Scheme improvements. After stopping at Clarence Pier, the service will head back towards Clarence Parade, along Avenue De Caen towards The D-Day Story, and return to Clarence Parade via Clarence Esplanade.
For more information about Portsmouth Park and Ride, visit https://parkandride.portsmouth.gov.uk