Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) project summary
This page explains the improvements we are making to Portsmouth’s bus network. Each scheme aims to make bus travel faster, more reliable, safer, and easier to use.
Bus priority infrastructure
Bus signal priority: March 2023 – Q4 2026
We are installing technology at traffic signals so buses can move through junctions more quickly. This will reduce waiting times and make journeys more reliable. The work has been delayed due to other projects but is planned for September 2026.
Red surface treatment on bus lanes: March 2024 – July 2025
We have added red surfacing to bus lanes to make them clearer to other road users. This work is complete.
Park and Ride bus priority improvements: June 2025 – Q4 2026
We are upgrading the slip roads at Unicorn Gate and Tipner Roundabout to help Portsmouth Park and Ride buses move more easily. Phase 1 is complete. Phase 2 starts July 2026.
Bus service support and network development
Bus lane camera enforcement: March 2023 – Q4 2026
We are using cameras to enforce bus lanes and banned turns. Most locations are complete. Work at Charlotte Street, Cascades and Furze Lane will finish in 2026. Three Cosham sites are paused but due to complete by the end of the year.
Extra services: March 2023 – Q4 2026
We introduced new services and changed routes to improve access in underserved areas. This work is complete.
Morning, Friday and Saturday Services: March 2023 – May 2025
We agreed extra early morning and late evening services with operators which have been running since 2023. This work is complete, and new options are being explored for 2026/27.
Targeted Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs): March 2023 – Q4 2026
We added extra CEOs to enforce bus priority measures. This improves journey times and reliability. This work is complete.
Tow away service: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We introduced rapid removal of vehicles blocking bus lanes and junctions. This helps keep buses moving. This work is complete.
Bus stops, stations and interchanges
Hard Interchange – access for passengers: March 2023 – 2027
We are improving signs, lighting and weather protection at The Hard to make it easier and safer for passengers. Work is due to start in September 2026.
Super Stop infrastructure: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We are installing 29 high‑quality bus shelters to improve comfort, safety and accessibility.
Better multi-mode connections: March 2023 – Q4 2025
We reviewed bus to bus and bus to rail connections. Timetables were already coordinated, so no changes were needed.
Bus stop layouts and configuration: August 2024 – Q4 2025/2026
We reviewed and improved the layout of bus stops around the city, with accessibility in mind, including filling in laybys. Most work is complete. Two more sites (Outram Road and City Centre) will finish by September 2026.
Bus stop infrastructure: November 2024 – Q4 2026
We are upgrading shelters to improve comfort, safety and access to information.
Improved information and marketing
Key stop help points and CCTV: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We installed CCTV and help points at busy stops to improve safety. This work is complete.
Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) displays: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We are installing real‑time displays at over 90% of bus stops to improve confidence and awareness.
Route map: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We improved the distribution of the citywide route map. This work is complete.
Upgraded on-bus information: November 2024 – Q4 2025/2026
We upgraded audio and visual announcements on buses to improve accessibility. This work is complete.
Seldom heard groups: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We introduced our Easy Travel Access Fund providing community groups, schools, colleges and more, grants of up to £5000 to buy bus tickets, and/or provide travel training for people facing barriers to bus travel. Phase 3 is complete. Phase 4 will launch in September 2026.
School online training: November 2024 – September 2026
Working with schools in the city, and creating a space online we are creating an information pack to help children learn how to use the bus independently.
White destination boards: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
We are making destination boards across all buses which are easier for everyone to read.
Marketing: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
We are delivering marketing to support all BSIP schemes and encourage non users to ride the bus, with bespoke campaigns, including for Portsmouth Park and Ride. This continues until March 2027.
Welcome host – operators: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
This scheme will target driver training on customer service.
Welcome host: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
Travel Advisers and customer service training schemes have been merged into the Hard Interchange project, where travel advisors are now working to support the public and improve customer services in the busy interchange.
Simpler and more affordable fares
Extend the range of Solent Go products: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2027
We expanded Solent Go ticket options to support multi‑operator travel. And developed the tickets so that they are now available from the bus operator apps.
Tap On Tap Off (ToTo): March 2023 – Q4 2025/2027
We are introducing contactless tap on tap off payment on all buses.
90 min ‘Hopper Fare’: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2027
We have introduced a 90‑minute ticket called the Pompey Hoppa90 allowing unlimited travel across operators.
Portsmouth fares portfolio (groups): June 2025 – March 2027
We have introduced a range of joint operator tickets. We are extending these tickets, the group, evening and 16–19 tickets until March 2027.
Portsmouth fares portfolio (events): June 2025 – March 2027
We are extending free travel events such as Free Fare Weekends and Clean Air Day until March 2027.
Vehicles
Delay management: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
This scheme was stopped due to subsidy rules. It was not possible to separate operator responsibilities from funded improvements.
Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) Services – Taxi Share Link: March 2023 – Q4 2025/2026
We piloted flexible transport called Pompey Link for areas without good bus links. This work is complete, and ongoing.
USB on all buses: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2027
We are installing USB charging ports on all buses. This will finish by March 2027.
Safety and security
Crime and fear of crime programme: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
We are delivering projects to improve safety, especially for women and girls. We are recruiting Travel Safety Officers starting in September 2027.
Other infrastructure improvements
Lake Road: May 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
We are creating a southbound bus, taxi and cycle lane along the A2047 and improving the junction at Lake Road.
A3 Northern Parade: May 2025 – Q2 2026/2027
We are extending and widening bus lanes at the A3/A2047 junction. This work is complete.
Kingston Road: May 2025 – Q2 2026/2027
We are adding a new bus lane, improving crossings, and resurfacing the road.
Arundel Street: May 2025 – Q2 2026/2027
We are improving space for buses at the Fratton Road junction and enlarging the boarding area.
Dunsbury Link Rising Bollard: June 2025 – Q4 2025/2026
We are creating a bus‑only link protected by a rising bollard. This will save around five minutes per journey.
