Families can enjoy affordable days out across Portsmouth this summer, with free bus travel for children throughout August alongside discounts at attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues during the school holidays, as part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, funded by the UK Government.
From 1 to 31 August, children aged five to 15 can travel free on local buses operated by Stagecoach and First Solent, as well as the Pompey Link service. As under-fives already travel free on Portsmouth buses, all bus journeys within the city will be free for everyone aged 15 and under throughout August.
The offer aims to make it easier and cheaper for families to enjoy everything Portsmouth has to offer over the summer, from outdoor adventures and events to attractions, shops and restaurants.
Families wondering how to make use of the free bus travel offer might want to see how many lions they can spot on the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail, Β take part in this year's Stomp for Stamps challenge or explore the open spaces of Hilsea Lines.
Activities and events taking place at Portsmouth's museums and libraries, along with many other free and low-cost opportunities, can be found on the city's free and low-cost activities webpage: portsmouth.gov.uk/lowcostactivities
A range of Portsmouth businesses are also taking part in the Great British Summer Savings campaign by offering discounts and special deals for families throughout the summer holidays. Families can find the latest participating offers at Visit Portsmouth's summer savings webpage, where deals will be updated throughout the holiday period: visitportsmouth.co.uk/summersavings
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
As the school holidays begin, many families are looking for affordable ways to spend time together and explore their city. Free bus travel for children is a fantastic opportunity to get out and about without worrying about transport costs.
Whether you're visiting one of Portsmouth's attractions, heading to the seafront, exploring our green spaces or taking part in one of the many free activities happening across the city this summer, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said:
We welcome the Department for Transportβs recent announcement regarding free bus travel for children aged 5 to 15 throughout August, which is a fantastic initiative aimed at supporting families and encouraging sustainable travel during the school holidays.
We know how important affordable travel is for families over the summer, which is why Stagecoach is supporting the scheme and has been working with the Government, Trade Unions, and our colleagues to ensure we can deliver it safely and effectively for everyone.
We will share a full update, including participating routes and information for passengers, on our website and social channels before the scheme begins.
Doug Claringbold, Regional Director of First Bus South and West, said:
We're delighted to be part of an initiative that encourages families to get out and enjoy everything Portsmouth has to offer this summer.
From the historic waterfront to the city's parks, attractions and events, there are so many opportunities to explore. By offering free bus travel for children throughout August, we're helping more families make the most of the school holidays and choose the bus as a simple, convenient way to get around.
Alex Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of Community First, said:
We're really pleased the recently extended Pompey Link is taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme. Free travel for children makes family days out more affordable, whether it's a trip to Port Solent or the new Hilsea Lido, and because Pompey Link is on demand, families from Paulsgrove, Cosham or visiting the area can book when they want to travel, know exactly when their bus will arrive and have seats waiting for everyone.
