Portsmouth’s bus network is set for another major boost after the government confirmed £16m in long-term funding to improve services across the city.
The money comes from the Department for Transport’s bus grant and follows a 41 per cent rise in bus use over the past two years.
The funding will be shared between infrastructure upgrades and day-to-day service improvements, giving Portsmouth City Council and bus companies room to plan ahead.
The council says the approach will support new bus priority measures, better bus stops and upgrades to passenger information. It will also help maintain service enhancements such as cheaper fares and extended routes.
Councillor Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport, 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 per cent.
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 DfT has confirmed around £9.5m for bus priority and roadside infrastructure over four years, with £7.2m over three years for revenue-funded projects including fares initiatives and service improvements.
This is part of a wider £91m package for Hampshire and the Solent, aimed at giving councils and operators stability. In Portsmouth, it will support continued joint working through the Portsmouth Buses enhanced partnership.
Simon Goff, managing director of First Bus South, said: “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.”
Marc Reddy, managing director at Stagecoach South, added: “These improvements will help us introduce newer, greener vehicles, enhance journey times and provide a better experience for all our customers.”
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan welcomed the funding stating the city has seen improvements, stating: “Whilst progress is being made on improvements, there is much more we can still do to ensure we have the bus service other cities enjoy.”
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