Free bus travel will return every weekend throughout September in Portsmouth, helping residents and visitors save money, explore more of the city and choose a greener way to get around.
The initiative is being delivered through a partnership between Portsmouth City Council and local bus operators.
The offer will be available on 5 to 6 September, 12 to 13 September, 19 to 20 September and 26 to 27 September. It applies to people of all ages using First Bus, Stagecoach and Pompey Link services in Portsmouth. Β
The initiative is funded through Portsmouth's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), a major investment programme that is making bus travel quicker, easier and more reliable, helping more people choose the bus for everyday journeys.
September is also Catch the Bus month, a national campaign celebrating the role buses play in connecting communities and helping people travel more sustainably. The free weekend offer gives residents the opportunity to leave the car at home and discover just how easy it is to get around the city by bus.
Taking advantage of the offer is simple. No ticket is needed. Just board the bus and ride, as long as your journey starts within the Portsmouth boundary. Whether you're heading to the shops, meeting friends, visiting the seafront or travelling to an event, the scheme makes it easier to get around without worrying about the cost.
Passengers can use the offer to travel to some of Portsmouth's biggest September attractions, including the brand new Luminarium light installation at Victoria Park, and the International Kite Festival on Southsea Common, both taking place during the weekend of 12 to 13 September.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said:
Following the success of previous years, we're delighted to be bringing back the FREE weekend free bus travel promotion in September. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to try the bus for free, whether that's for a day out with the family, a shopping trip, visiting friends or simply getting around the city.
"Bus services in Portsmouth have improved significantly in recent years, with improved bus infrastructure, more frequent services and simpler ticketing options. As a result, we've seen bus use grow by 53% in the last three years, and we want even more people to discover the convenience, value and reliability of travelling by bus. Every journey made by bus helps reduce congestion and supports our ambition to make Portsmouth an easier and greener place to travel around. I encourage everyone to plan a trip this September and see just how easy it is to travel around Portsmouth by bus.
Doug Claringbold, First Bus Regional Director, South and West, said:
Itβs great to be partnering with Portsmouth City Council once again, making it easier for people to explore the city with free bus travel on weekends throughout September. We hope it encourages more residents and visitors to choose the bus and enjoy all that Portsmouth has to offer. See you on board!
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said:
Weβre pleased to be supporting Portsmouth City Councilβs free weekend bus travel offer again this September. With free travel available across Stagecoach services in Portsmouth every weekend, itβs a great opportunity for residents and visitors to leave the car at home, explore the city and enjoy everything Portsmouth has to offer. We hope the scheme encourages more people to give the bus a try and experience the convenience, value and more sustainable way to travel.
Alex Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at Community First, said:
Weβre delighted that Pompey Link is part of the free travel weekends this September. Itβs a great chance for residents and visitors to try our demand-responsive service, connecting Paulsgrove and Cosham with Port Solent, the Lido and into Portsmouth, with easy onward connections from Cosham Interchange. We hope free travel weekends will give more people the opportunity to use Pompey Link and discover a convenient, flexible way to get around.β
Find out more
For details of participating bus routes, visit: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/freebus
To plan a journey, view the Portsmouth public transport map, which includes details of almost all public transport (local bus, coastal ferries, National Express and train services) in Portsmouth.
