Former First Bus and Go South Coast manager Richard Gagg has been appointed Project Manager for the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) by Portsmouth City Council.
Mr Gagg was most recently Operations Manager for First Wessex in Weymouth. Before that he held the same role with Go South Coast subsidiary Salisbury Reds. He has over 20 years’ experience in commercial bus operation.
Mr Gagg’s responsibilities in Portsmouth will include improvements to bus services in the city via the delivery of upgraded roadside infrastructure such as additional real-time information systems and traffic signal prioritisation, and greater bus lane enforcement. He will also be involved with ticketing initiatives and working closely with operators.
Portsmouth City Council Assistant Director for Transport Felicity Tidbury has welcomed Mr Gagg, noting: “Richard brings with him a wealth of commercial experience and he is an incredible addition to our team.”
She continues: “He will play an invaluable role in delivering a host of innovative BSIP projects that reflect the challenging and ever-evolving demands of our city.” Portsmouth City Council says it is focused on the delivery of “complex and ambitious schemes” to improve the area.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Gagg adds: “Over the last 20 years I have spent my career focused on bus transport across the south coast. Buses are the backbone of our transport network, providing essential travel options for families, commuters and pensioners alike.
“The bus industry is under serious pressure to return the number of journeys made by bus to pre-pandemic levels. I am passionate about being part of a team that is delivering the innovation required to get more people back on the bus, which is why I am delighted to get started at Portsmouth City Council.”
The local authority was indicatively allocated £48.3 million towards its BSIP submission. It is also part of successful Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas work with Hampshire County Council that will see 62 battery-electric buses from Wrightbus enter service with First Hampshire and Dorset.
