Portsmouth funds later and earlier buses

Portsmouth City Council is funding later and earlier operating bus services in the city.

The Council has collaborated with First Solent and Stagecoach to provide early buses from 4.30am, as well as services until 1am on Friday and Saturday nights.

These changes were developed through engagement with the local community, which included a city-wide survey, as well as engagement with user groups and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders which took place in August 2021.

This is one of the first in a series of council led schemes funded by the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The changes are now in effect for First Solent bus routes, while for Stagecoach the improved services will start on 3 January 2023.

“It became clear from the survey, that some workplaces in Portsmouth that rely on shift work will need their workers to be able to arrive and depart at varying times throughout the day and sometimes night” – Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Solent

Simon Goff, Managing Director for First Solent, said: “In collaboration with Portsmouth City Council (PCC) and through their city-wide survey of residents and local stakeholders in the community, it was evident that we needed to work with PCC to extend the hours on certain routes. It became clear from the survey, that some workplaces in Portsmouth that rely on shift work will need their workers to be able to arrive and depart at varying times throughout the day and sometimes night, making it crucial that they have an efficient route to their place of work.

“Therefore, we would like to thank PCC for funding extended operating hours on key First Solent routes that are particularly important to shift workers and will make journeys easier for other members of the public, wanting to travel around Portsmouth.”

“We really hope it will help encourage more people to use public transport as part of their daily routine” – Gordon Frost, Managing Director for Stagecoach South

Gordon Frost, Managing Director for Stagecoach South, said: “It’s fantastic news for the residents of Portsmouth and we’re pleased to be working with Portsmouth City Council on delivering these extra journeys. We really hope it will help encourage more people to use public transport as part of their daily routine.”

More improvements to bus services across Portsmouth are due next year.

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