We’re developing a 10-year Public Transport Strategy (2026–2036) that sets out how we aim to improve bus, rail, ferry, and taxi services in the city. This will be a supplementary document to the Portsmouth Transport Strategy (LTP4), and supports the 2040 City Vision, the Council’s Corporate Plan, and the Local Plan.

It aligns with transport policies across the UK and our region and will help us strengthen funding bids and support regeneration, ensuring our public transport is central to a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Portsmouth. The strategy will cover buses, trains, ferries and taxis, but does not aim to cover long distance coaches, tourist coaches, international ferries and cruise ships.

Delivery of the measures set out in this strategy is largely dependent on the Council securing sufficient resources, principally from central Government. The publication of this strategy and the statement of our plans will support our efforts to secure additional funding.

• Why do we need a Public Transport Strategy?
• Challenges and opportunities
• Our Vision
• Public transport outcomes
• Public transport policies
• How we’ll measure success

Portsmouth City Council, as the Local Transport Authority, is responsible for keeping traffic on local roads moving safely and efficiently in the city. We have duties to develop and implement the Local Transport Plan, maintain bus stops, regulate taxis and private hire vehicles, and enforce traffic rules. The council also supports essential transport services that may not be profitable, provides travel information, and works with rail and ferry operators to improve facilities and plan services. 

Public transport is a key part of how people get around Portsmouth. Every year, over 20 million journeys are made by bus, train, and ferry – connecting residents to jobs, schools, healthcare, and leisure activities. Around 23% of all vehicle trips are made using public transport, and at least 8% of people travel to work by bus, train, or taxi. 

Having a clear strategy helps us: 

• Focus on the most important transport improvements
• Make Portsmouth safer, healthier, and more prosperous
• Attract funding by showing we align with the goals of national government
• Ensure changes benefit passengers and the wider community

In short, the strategy lays the groundwork for a cleaner, greener, and better-connected public transport system for everyone in Portsmouth.

Travel demand and catchment area

Portsmouth and the surrounding city region are growing rapidly, with forecasts predicting an additional 47,000 residents by 2040 – 18,000 within the current city boundary and 29,000 in the neighbouring districts of Havant, Fareham and Gosport.    

This growth means we expect increased travel demand, especially into Portsmouth. Around 30% of all journeys in Portsmouth start or finish outside the city boundary, and this has been gradually increasing in recent years.  There are fewer commuting journeys made today than in the past, but more journeys for other purposes, e.g. leisure trips or accessing healthcare.

Longer journeys over five miles are still mostly made by car, with public transport as the only alternative. However, scattered development patterns make it hard to serve some areas effectively, highlighting the need for targeted investment in better public transport links. 

Bus travel

Portsmouth’s bus network has shown strong performance, with over 11 million passenger journeys in 2024 and a 17% growth since 2023. Satisfaction among residents (users and non-users) is high at 65%, well above the national average of 55%, thanks to improvements like electric buses, better real-time information at bus stops, and better reliability achieved through additional bus priority.  

However, buses still face slow journey times, especially compared to cars, and some routes are slower than they were 20 years ago. This problem affects many parts of the city including Cosham, North End and Southsea , as well as neighbouring areas such as Waterlooville and Havant. To tackle this, the council plans to expand bus priority measures to improve reliability, work with operators to provide faster bus links and new routes to neighbouring towns and suburbs via the motorway network offering a better alternative to driving; enhance real-time information and build on current initiatives which have helped more people to choose the bus. 

Rail travel

Rail travel in Portsmouth is performing well, with 6.6 million journeys in 2023–24 and strong recovery since the pandemic. The city has good regional links, but limited service frequencies, lack of direct routes, and poor station conditions reduce convenience and attractiveness of rail services, and create barriers to greater use. We plan to work with rail operators to improve stations, increase services, and better connect rail with buses, ferries, and walking or cycling routes to promote rail as a sustainable alternative for travel over longer distances.  

Ferry travel

Portsmouth is served by four passenger-only ferry routes including the hovercraft, which together carried 3.2 million passengers in 2024. These services operate regularly and provide important links to and from the city, particularly to Gosport and the Isle of Wight. However, falling usage, high fares, and poor integration with other transport options are concerns. The council aims to improve ticketing, connections, and promotion of ferry services, while encouraging investment in modern, accessible vessels. 

Taxi travel

Whilst taxis are privately operated, they are shared vehicles and act in many ways like public transport. Given their importance in terms of total journeys undertaken, and their role in providing accessibility in places and at times when other public transport is not available, we have considered them within the public transport strategy. 

As the highway authority, the council is responsible for making sure there are enough taxi ranks and places for picking up and dropping off passengers. Portsmouth has nearly 1,500 licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, but only a small number are wheelchair accessible or electric and some out-of-area taxis operate under lower licensing standards.

The council is reviewing taxi ranks, exploring new facilities and EV charging points, and will consider future options like self-driving taxis to improve accessibility and sustainability.  The council would also like to see changes to national legislation to prevent taxi vehicles and drivers that don not meet our standards from operating in the city. 

The Portsmouth Transport Strategy (LTP4) outlines a bold vision: 

“By 2038, Portsmouth will have a people-centred, connected travel network that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport to help deliver a safer, healthier and more prosperous city.” 

For public transport this means: 

“By 2038, Portsmouth will offer a faster, more reliable and affordable public transport network, becoming the primary choice for many and a good, green option for everyone travelling within and beyond our city” 

How we’ll deliver the vision

To realise our vision for a faster, more reliable, and inclusive public transport network, we will focus on delivering a system that is accessible, efficient, and attractive to all users 

 

Accessible and affordable travel 

• Keep fares affordable for all users, with offers tailored to specific users’ needs 

• Ensure vehicles and infrastructure are accessible and inclusive 

• Provide clear, reliable passenger information across the network and online 

High-quality infrastructure and vehicles 

• Invest in modern, easy-to-reach terminals, stations, interchanges, and stops  

• We will create transport hubs at main transfer points and key destinations to facilitate easy and convenient changes 

• Ensure vehicles are comfortable, safe, low- or zero-emission and accessible 

Customer experience and satisfaction 

• Communicate effectively during disruptions 

• Aim for higher satisfaction across all public transport modes 

• Good passenger information, data and insight 

Reliable and competitive services 

• Improve bus and rail travel times to compete with more private car journeys. 

• Expand bus priority and lobby for faster rail services 

• Enhance reliability and punctuality across bus, rail, and ferry services 

Connected and convenient network 

• Strengthen links across all parts of the city, particularly to major employment, retail, education, healthcare and leisure destinations 

• Improve connections to neighbouring areas in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and further afield including London and other nearby cities 

• Support seamless transfers between modes 

The goal is a public transport system that earns trust and offers a compelling alternative to private car travel. 

This will attract more passengers.

Aims 

Our aims for public transport usage growth are to: 

• Grow bus ridership to 115% of 2024 levels, achieving 12.7m journeys / year by 2030, with continued growth to 15 million journeys/year beyond 2030; 

• Support rail patronage growth to reach 2018 levels of 7.5m journeys / year by 2030 with continued growth beyond; 

• Reverse the long-term decline in ferry usage by 2030; and 

• Achieve patronage growth by retaining current users and attracting car users (particularly single occupancy car users) to public transport more often. 

Delivering the aims of this strategy will help Portsmouth’s economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It sets clear aims to strengthen funding bids, guide investment decisions using evidence, engage effectively with partners and communities, and stay aligned with national transport policies and Department for Transport expectations. 

This strategy will support the achievement of three strategic outcomes: 

Economic

Better public transport will boost Portsmouth’s economy by improving access to jobs and education, attracting investment, and strengthening links to key destinations across the region and beyond. 

Social

The network will be more inclusive and easier to use, with affordable fares, better access for people with disabilities, and safer, more secure journeys from door to door – helping everyone in the community to travel comfortably and confidently. 

Environmental

More people using buses, trains, and ferries instead of cars will cut congestion, pollution, and carbon emissions. Cleaner vehicles and expanded Park and Ride services, to destinations like Southsea seafront and Fratton Park, will support better air quality and public health. 

Delivering the aims of this strategy will help Portsmouth’s economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. We have identified fourteen proposed policies that will provide detail on how the outcomes of this strategy will be delivered in practice.  

The policies will provide a clear framework for guiding investment, shaping service improvements, and supporting collaboration with operators and partners. Each policy is aligned to one of three strategic outcomes: economic, social and environmental.  

Policy A: Improve the city centre, local and district centres and key visitor destinations such as major healthcare and leisure sites by improving public transport services and access to them.

Why?

Portsmouth’s city centre is a major employment hub, with 27% of the city’s jobs located there – almost double the national average for a UK city. It’s also a focus for future growth, with plans for thousands of new homes, offices, and leisure spaces. Strong public transport links to the city centre, district centres, and key sites like hospitals and leisure venues are essential to support regeneration, economic activity, and access for residents and businesses. 

How?

The proposed City Centre Road scheme will introduce new bus priority measures and a transport hub at Commercial Road North. Portsmouth and Southsea station will be refurbished, subject to rail industry support, and better connections will be created between The Hard interchange, Portsmouth Harbour station, and Gunwharf Quays. Access to Cosham, Fratton, and Southsea will also be improved through upgraded stops and new transport hubs. 

Policy B: Develop a mostly bus-based rapid transit network that connects key locations in the city with South-East Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, reducing travel times.

Why?

Faster public transport to the city centre and other key destinations is essential to support economic growth, new housing, better quality of life, and environmental goals. Quicker journeys to and from the city centre from more distant city suburbs and neighbouring towns will help reduce car use and make public transport a more attractive option.  It will also provide faster travel time benefits from parts of Portsmouth that are further away from the city centre. 

How?

The South East Hampshire Rapid Transit (SEHRT) network will connect Portsmouth with key areas including Fareham, Waterlooville, Havant, Gosport, and the Isle of Wight, as indicated in the map below. This will provide faster links to Portsmouth for people in over 40% of new homes and 70% of new jobs anticipated across the wider Portsmouth area from 2021 to 2038.  

 It will offer faster, more reliable services, better vehicles and stops, and simpler ticketing. The council will work with operators and neighbouring authorities to develop express routes and improve branding, aiming to shift more people from cars to buses.  New residential developments around the routes will be made bus-friendly to maximise access. 

You can see a map below showing the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit (SEHRT) network. The map highlights key public transport corridors, including bus and rail routes, interchanges, and proposed infrastructure improvements across Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Colour-coded lines and symbols indicate different transport modes and service levels, with a legend clarifying each element.

Policy C: Quicker and more reliable bus journeys through prioritisation of local bus services over general traffic.

Why?

Local buses are vital for getting people to work, school, shops, and health centres Although bus use has bounced back since the pandemic, journey times are still slow, averaging 11 mph in the city compared to average traffic speeds of 25mph on 30mph roads. To attract more passengers, buses need to be faster and more dependable.  

How?

The council will introduce more bus priority measures, like dedicated lanes and signal priority, where practical and beneficial. New developments will be designed to facilitate good bus access. All changes will follow national guidance to ensure they support bus users whilst minimising effects on pedestrians, cyclists or other road users as far as possible.

Policy D: Deliver high quality transport interchanges, stations and stops and improvements to “first and last mile” connections. This includes passenger information provision.

Why?

Making it easy to switch between buses, trains, ferries, and other transport modes is key to making public transport easier to use for journeys where direct routes do not operate. Stations and stops need to be accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone, including those with limited mobility. Good walking and cycling routes to and from these points are also essential. 

How?

We will create high-quality transport hubs at key locations like Cosham station, Southsea Clarence Pier, Commercial Road North and Tipner Park and Ride, with potential further hubs at Fratton station, Hilsea Lido, and Queen Alexandra Hospital– as indicated on the map below. These will be designed to bring together public transport with other services, like car clubs, taxi ranks, rental e-bikes and e-scooters, as well as information and high-quality facilities.  Good walking access routes will be provided. 

Bus stops will be upgraded based on usage and passenger needs. We will also work with rail and ferry operators to improve access and pedestrian routes to stations and terminals. 

Below you can see a map of Portsmouth showing existing, proposed, and potential transport hubs. Key locations are marked with symbols indicating their current or future status as transport hubs, including bus, rail, and ferry connections. The map highlights strategic areas for improving connectivity and supporting multimodal travel across the city.

 

Policy W: Work with the ferry operators to maintain and develop attractive services, fares and improved routes.

Why?

Total ferry passenger numbers between Portsmouth, Gosport, and the Isle of Wight have dropped nearly 50% since 2003. Ferry fares appear high when compared to other similar ferry routes in the UK.    This declining usage affects commuting and limits access to jobs in Portsmouth from nearby areas. Making ferry travel more affordable and convenient for people to access jobs in Portsmouth by ferry could boost usage and benefit the local economy. 

How?

We will work with ferry operators, Hampshire County Council, and the Isle of Wight Council through the SEHRT programme to improve fares, ticketing, service levels, and terminal facilities. As ferries have high fixed costs and receive no subsidies, we will also explore whether government funding support, similar to that provided for buses, could support such improvements and make ferries a more attractive travel choice. 

Policy R:  Work with the rail industry to develop quicker services and new connections to important destinations in other areas.

Why?

Although people travelling by rail at Portsmouth’s stations have nearly recovered to pre-2019 levels, journeys from Portsmouth to major cities like London and Southampton are slower than they were decades ago and there are no direct trains to important places like Reading or Bournemouth, despite significant travel demand.   This limits convenience and utility for passengers and affects Portsmouth’s appeal to businesses and visitors. Comparable cities, such as Southampton and Brighton, have better rail connections. 

Diesel-powered trains are still used on the important Portsmouth – Bristol – Cardiff route, which will soon be life-expired. 

How?

We will work with the rail industry and the Department for Transport to push for faster services and new direct routes. Priorities include quicker journeys to London and Southampton, and better direct connections to key destinations that support economic growth and regional access such as Reading and Bournemouth.   

Improvements to stations, including capacity, accessibility and their condition, will also be prioritised. 

We will support plans to replace the remaining diesel-powered trains serving the city.  This will reduce pollution in the city and improve the quality of journeys to Southampton, Salisbury, Bath, Bristol and Cardiff. 

Policy I: Integrated journey planning and fare payment to provide easy to use seamless multi-operator and multi-modal travel.

Why?

Many journeys in Portsmouth involve switching between buses, trains, and ferries operated by different companies, each with separate fares and timetables. This makes planning and paying for trips harder than it could be. Research has shown that residents want simpler, combined ticket options like those available in other UK cities. 

How?

New multi-operator bus tickets (such as Hoppa90, group, and evening passes) have been introduced through the BSIP programme and we want to build on these. The council will also look to expand the Solent Go scheme, possibly including app based ticketing, building on the lessons from the Breeze trial, to support easy journey planning and payment across different transport modes.  We will promote these schemes to raise awareness of them. 

Policy E: Continue to work closely with public transport operators to deliver integrated, efficient, affordable, attractive services, providing good connections within the city and to other areas.

Why?

Public transport use in Portsmouth has mostly recovered after the pandemic, but there’s still room to grow, especially among older and disabled passengers. Use of English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) passes held by elderly and disabled people is only around 80% of 2019 levels.   

Residents want simpler, more affordable fares and better connections between services. Some rail and ferry routes haven’t fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and local rail use is lower than in similar areas due to infrequent services. 

How?

The council is working successfully with local bus operators through an Enhanced Partnership to improve services and address public priorities. We plan to continue and deepen this partnership.  We will continue to provide support for loss-making but socially necessary services to areas that would otherwise be unserved.   

We are also collaborating with neighbouring councils and the rail industry on the Solent Rail Connectivity project, which aims to deliver more frequent and direct train services from Portsmouth to places like Southampton, Winchester, and local stations in between.  This is aimed at increasing rail commuting. 

Possibilities for reducing travel costs for groups needing support, such as job-seekers, will be explored.   

Policy F: Make all public transport interchanges, stations and stops fully accessible pleasant locations with good pedestrian and, where appropriate, cycle routes to improve the journey experience.

Why?

To make public transport attractive and inclusive, stations and stops must be easy to reach and use, especially for people with disabilities, pushchairs, or luggage. Good walking and cycling routes for the first and last part of a journey are also essential. 

How?

The council will review access routes to busy transport hubs and improve them by adding safer crossings, clearer signs, and more direct paths. It will follow Healthy Streets guidance to reduce walking distances and remove barriers like steps or steep slopes, making travel easier and more comfortable for everyone. 

Policy G:  Work with operators to help ensure that all buses, trains, ferries and taxis serving Portsmouth are fully accessible and provide appropriate standards of passenger comfort.

Why?

Accessible transport is essential for people with disabilities and reduced mobility, and it’s a legal requirement. Comfort and inclusivity also help encourage more people to use public transport. Portsmouth’s taxi fleet, buses, trains, and ferries all need to meet high standards to support a diverse range of passengers. 

How?

The council will work with operators to ensure vehicles are modern, accessible, and meet passenger expectations. It will enforce licensing standards, improve wheelchair access in taxis, and ensure good quality buses are operated. It will also push for better trains and ferry capacity, so no one is left behind or waiting too long. 

Policy H: Work with the police, community safety and public transport operators to improve passengers’ safety, security and comfort while travelling and using the interchanges, stations and stops.

Why?

Passengers need to feel safe and comfortable when using public transport, especially at stops and stations, where concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour can discourage use. Women, in particular, report feeling unsafe in some areas, and improving safety is key to building trust in the network.   

How?

The council will target improvements at locations with recorded incidents, such as busy stops near Portsmouth and Southsea station and Cosham Interchange. Measures may include better lighting, CCTV coverage, and other safety features, funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).   

Policy J: Complete the de-carbonisation of Portsmouth’s bus and taxi fleet.

Why?

Electric buses and taxis help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, supporting cleaner air and climate goals. While 62 electric buses are already in use (27% of the city’s bus fleet), only 2% of taxis are electric – well below the national average.  

Portsmouth has five Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) focussed on road links into the city and a Class B charging Clean Air Zone (CAZ) around the city centre, as shown in the map below.   

As most bus routes serve the city centre, the removal of bus exhaust emissions will improve air quality in the AQMAs and CAZ.  The benefits of improved air quality will also be felt by residents and visitors in other parts of the city.  

How?

The council aims for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2030 and will work with operators to secure government funding to achieve this. It will also support taxi electrification through its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, including installing rapid chargers and EV facilities at transport hubs and at other suitable locations.  

The council supports the potential replacement of diesel trains on the Portsmouth – Cardiff route with bi-mode trains which could run on electric power in the city, reducing pollution. Support will also be given to ferry operators to transition to zero-emission vessels where possible. 

Policy K: Expand the Park and Ride site and its services

Why?

Portsmouth’s Park and Ride has helped cut over 2 million car journeys since 2014, easing congestion and improving air quality. But some key destinations aren’t yet served, and further expansion is needed to support future growth and regeneration. Additionally, the Tipner area is a major residential development allocation in the draft Local Plan, meaning the Park and Ride bus route will be a key public transport link serving these developments. 

How?

The council will work with employers and attractions to boost Park and Ride use, improve ticket options, increase publicity and introduce new priority measures to speed up buses. It will also explore adding services to more destinations, longer operating hours, and increasing parking capacity as part of a new Tipner transport hub. 

We will ask National Highways to provide better signage from the M27/A27 to the Park and Ride site, including electronic variable message signs. 

 

Policy L: Implement promotion & marketing campaigns and behaviour change measures to raise awareness and change mindsets regarding public transport, particularly amongst frequent car users.

Why?

Research shows regular public transport users in Portsmouth report higher satisfaction than non-users, who may be unaware of recent improvements in fares, services, and infrastructure. Many non-users haven’t used public transport in years and default to car travel when public transport may be a good option – contributing to congestion and parking pressures, especially at major destinations in the city.  

Marketing and behaviour change measures are cost-effective ways of encouraging increased use of public transport, and work best when combined with infrastructure and service upgrades.   

How?

Following major public transport improvements, the Council will work with operators to deliver targeted marketing—such as promotional events, taster tickets, and personalised journey planning—to boost awareness and usage. General campaigns will aim to reach non-users, demystify bus travel, and promote environmental benefits. Operator initiatives like driver training will support new users. 

We will continue and build upon existing BSIP initiatives aimed at non-users, such as through social media and the free fare weekends scheme which has enticed many new users to try the bus.  

With 11 million annual visitors, promoting public transport to tourists is vital. The Council will collaborate with Visit Portsmouth and key destinations to improve services and infrastructure, such as the Clarence Pier Transport Hub. 

Monitoring and evaluation are important elements of all our strategies to help us understand if we are on track to deliver the aims and achieve the outcomes identified in this document. 

We already track progress using data on passenger numbers, service reliability, delays, and public satisfaction, and we will continue working with transport operators to improve how performance is monitored.  

All major projects include built-in evaluation, and results are shared in the annual Local Transport Plan Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). As the new strategy is finalised, the council will review and update its performance indicators to make sure they reflect the strategy’s goals.