Big bus discounts incoming for Pompey's young people

Young people in Portsmouth have reason to celebrate as the city unveils a new initiative that promises to make bus travel more affordable and accessible to its younger population.

Effective from the 23 October 2023, the "Pompey Young Person" ticket range will offer discounted bus fares to individuals under the age of 19. These discounted fares will be available on bus routes starting within the city, with the aim of easing the financial burden for young people while enhancing their access to education, training, work, and leisure destinations. This latest development is part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan, a collaborative effort to transform bus services between Portsmouth City Council and local bus companies, Stagecoach South and First Solent.

The "Pompey Young Person" ticket range will include single tickets, return tickets, day passes, 7-day passes, and more, offering child fares for young people up to age 19. Both First Solent and Stagecoach South will provide these discounted ticket options, catering to young people up to the age of 19, some tickets will be made available on the bus, and others through the bus company mobile apps and online.

This new offering is made possible through the £48 million Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan, a comprehensive project aimed at transforming and improving the accessibility and affordability of bus services within the city. It marks the first in a series of ticketing offers set to roll out, including discounts for jobseekers, evening promotions, and hop-on-hop-off options.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said:

“We know that many of our residents are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and supporting people through this is an important priority for Portsmouth City Council."

"It is more important than ever that we have a public transport network that meets people’s needs, supports their ambitions, and helps them to succeed, and this is the first of a series of bus ticketing schemes which aims to do just that."

Marc Reddy Managing Director of Stagecoach South said: “We're pleased to see Portsmouth City Council invest further in sustainable public transport, making it easier than ever for young people to switch to bus.” 

“With the high cost of living impacting on people's lives, we want to do everything we can to keep local people connected, and in collaboration with the city council, we want to make buses affordable and accessible for everyone.”

Simon Goff, Managing Director, First Solent said: “Buses provide a vital link for young people. Working in partnership, we’re delighted to support Portsmouth City Council’s new fares initiative, giving more young people the opportunity to get to where they need to be by bus.

“Along with the ticketing offers that the Bus Service Improvement Plan is delivering, we’re proud to be part of the Council’s plans for cost effective, greener travel with the arrival of our electric buses, due to the city in early 2024.  This really is an exciting time for bus travel in Portsmouth.”

Katy Quinn, Principal and CEO, Portsmouth City College said: ‘With traffic levels and the cost of living continuing to rise, buses are an increasingly important and energy-efficient mode of transport for our students and their families, so we’re delighted by this initiative. Not only is it a great way of getting to college, it’s also brilliant for socialising and exploring the city.”

For further information on public transport in Portsmouth, please visit travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/public-transport.