First Bus will introduce a new express service between Fareham, Portsmouth Harbour and Southsea later this month, cutting journey times by almost half along part of the route.
The new X3 will begin operating on 26 July, running up to every 30 minutes between Fareham bus station, Portsmouth city centre and Southsea.
According to First Bus, the new route will almost halve journey times to Southsea compared with the existing service 3.
Journeys between Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour will take around 35 minutes, while the full trip to South Parade Pier is expected to take approximately 50 minutes, compared with an average of 90 minutes on service 3.
The operator says the X3 has been designed to complement rail services while offering additional intermediate stops not served by train.
George Burton, Head of Network at First Bus, says: “Our new express will expand further fast transport connections and complement existing train travel, giving customers added stopping points along the route.
“This has been purposely planned to provide excellent connections from the early morning and late into the evening.
“We believe it will prove popular with commuters and also visitors as the summer holiday season gets under way.”
The launch forms part of a wider package of network changes across the area from 26 July.
To support the introduction of the X3, weekday peak frequency on service 3 will reduce from every 10 minutes to every 12 minutes.
The X3 will operate from early morning until late evening, with departures between 0725hrs and 2345hrs Monday to Saturday.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, says: “We’re pleased to support the introduction of the new X3 express service, giving residents and visitors a faster and more convenient way to travel between Fareham, Portchester and Portsmouth.
“At the start of the summer, I’m especially pleased it will give another fast bus route to the fantastic new Southsea seafront.
“Through our Bus Service Improvement [Plan], we’re investing in better, more reliable services across the city which helps to make bus travel a more attractive choice to key destinations.
“This is already making a difference, with bus journeys increasing by 53 per cent in the last three years.”
