Stagecoach and First Bus are to offer free bus travel on weekends in Portsmouth courtesy of local Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding.
Portsmouth City Council is leading the collaboration to coincide with Bus Users UK’s Catch the Bus Month.
The free bus travel offer, which repeats that made by the council in previous years, will apply to all journeys starting within the Portsmouth boundary.
Passengers will continue to be able to make use of other offers made via the city’s BSIP funding, such as the Pompey bus ticket range, new routes and more frequent bus services, and night buses.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, says: “Following the success of previous years, I’m delighted we are once again offering free bus journeys for everyone in Portsmouth on every weekend in September.
“Bus travel is convenient, affordable, and helps to reduce congestion and improve journey times for everyone using the roads.
“We’ve seen a 17% rise in the number of bus users over the last year and want more people in Portsmouth to choose the bus.
“Whether you’re a regular passenger or you haven’t taken the bus before, this is the perfect opportunity to use the bus and see how easy and accessible it can be.”
The use of BSIP funding was welcomed by government Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, following a £4.7 million allocation for Portsmouth City Council for 2025/26.
“Buses are the lifeblood of local communities, which is why I am delighted to see Portsmouth City Council leading the way by offering free bus travel next month, thanks to £4.7 million of government funding,” he says.
“With Catch the Bus Month just around the corner, there has never been a better opportunity to get on board. I encourage visitors and residents in Portsmouth to make the most of this offer to give a boost to the local economy, driving growth and access to opportunity – a key part of our Plan for Change.”
Stagecoach and First Bus hope the initiative will lead to more residents giving the bus a try.
Simon Goff, Managing Director at First Bus South, says: “This initiative is always a great opportunity for people to try the bus, whether for shopping, leisure, or attending fantastic local events like the LOOKUP Street Art Festival.
“We hope it encourages more residents to discover how convenient and affordable bus travel is.”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, adds: “Buses are a convenient, sustainable, and inclusive way to travel, and we hope that initiatives like this will encourage even more people to choose the bus long term.
“We’re committed to making local bus travel easier and more attractive and we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers on board.”
