02/09/2026
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All bus journeys will be free every weekend in September for everyone in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth City Council has announced, alongside local bus operators, that all bus journeys in the city will be free every Saturday and Sunday throughout September.
The offer applies to all First Bus, Stagecoach and Pompey Link services. No ticket is needed, simply board and ride, as long as the journey starts within the Portsmouth boundary.
The offer is funded through the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, a programme of work aimed at encouraging more people to choose the bus for everyday journeys.
Residents can take advantage of the free travel to visit events including the Luminarium Light Installation and International Kite Festival, taking place on September 12 and 13.
Councillor Peter Candlish, cabinet member for transport, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to try the bus for free, whether that’s for a day out with the family, a shopping trip, visiting friends or simply getting around the city.
He said bus journeys in Portsmouth have increased by 53 per cent over the past three years, following improvements to infrastructure, more frequent services and simpler ticketing.
“Every journey made by bus helps reduce congestion and supports our ambition to make Portsmouth an easier and greener place to travel around. I encourage everyone to plan a trip this September and see just how easy it is to travel around Portsmouth by bus.”
Doug Claringbold, First Bus Regional Director, South and West, said it’s “great” to partner with the council again to encourage “more residents and visitors to choose the bus and enjoy all that Portsmouth has to offer. See you on board!”
Marc Reddy, Managing Director of Stagecoach South, said the free travel presents a “great opportunity for residents and visitors to leave the car at home, explore the city and enjoy everything Portsmouth has to offer. We hope the scheme encourages more people to give the bus a try and experience the convenience, value and more sustainable way to travel.”
Alex Barrett, Chief Operating Officer at Community First, said: “We’re delighted that Pompey Link is part of the free travel weekends this September. It’s a great chance for residents and visitors to try our demand-responsive service, connecting Paulsgrove and Cosham with Port Solent, the Lido and into Portsmouth, with easy onward connections from Cosham Interchange.”
For details of participating bus routes, visit the council’s free bus travel page. To plan a journey, the Portsmouth public transport map includes details of almost all public transport in the city, including local buses, coastal ferries, National Express and train services.
For details of participating bus routes, visit: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/freebus. To plan a journey, view the Portsmouth public transport map.
✍Original copy by Toby Paine, Local Democracy Reporter
