Portsmouth City Council has published its public transport strategy for 2026–2040, setting out a long‑term plan to make travelling in and around the city faster, easier and greener for everyone.
This forward-looking strategy supports the wider City Vision for 2040 and the council’s goals for cleaner air, easier travel and better connections for communities. It outlines how Portsmouth will improve bus, rail, ferry and taxi travel to support a city where public transport is a convenient, reliable and attractive choice for more people.
Key aims of the strategy include:
- Faster and more reliable bus services within Portsmouth and to neighbouring areas through the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit network, supported by additional bus priority schemes coming forward through the Bus Service Improvement Plan
- Working with transport operators and government to promote improved rail and ferry connections, including more frequent services, better stations and connectivity and more affordable fares
- Modern, accessible infrastructure, including new bus shelters with live bus times and transport hubs that allow people to easily switch between different modes of transport
- A greener transport network, with ambitions for a fully zero‑emission bus fleet
- A safer and more inclusive system, with improvements to accessibility and personal security across all public transport options
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This strategy sets out a bold but achievable plan for transforming how people travel in Portsmouth. Public transport is vital to our city’s future by supporting easier and more convenient travel, improving air quality and helping us meet our climate goals. I’m delighted to see this important strategy published, and I look forward to working with our partners and communities to bring its ambitions to life.”
Richard Soper, speaking on behalf of the South Hampshire Bus Operators’ Association (SHBOA), said: “We welcome this new Portsmouth policy. It shows a clear vision that puts community wellbeing first. Growing public and shared transport, alongside more walking and cycling, is essential to improving life and supporting growth sustainably. We’re pleased to see bus use rising. Faster, more reliable journeys encourage more people to travel by bus, reduce traffic, and support investment in cleaner, zero‑emission vehicles that improve Portsmouth’s air quality. Operators are commercial businesses, but we work together where it helps passengers. Our joint SolentGo mobile ticketing is one example of making travel easier across the region.”
The document also includes an action plan showing how improvements will be delivered in the short, medium and long term, with clear commitments to investment, partnership working and regular monitoring.
Residents and stakeholders can now read the full Public Transport Strategy 2026–2040 online here.
PIC-Portsmouth CC/FirstBus
