Have Your Say on Bus Lane Improvements in Portsmouth

We are inviting local residents to have their say on proposed improvements to bus lanes across the city. These proposed changes are part of the £52 million Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), aimed at making bus travel faster, more reliable, and more accessible while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

About the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP)

The Portsmouth BSIP is a major investment in public transport in Portsmouth. With £52 million in funding, the council plans to transform bus services, making them more efficient and convenient for everyone. As part of this plan, several key roads in the city—Lake Road, , Arundel Street, and Walton Road southbound Eastern Road—have been identified for bus lane improvements. These changes are designed to reduce delays, ease congestion, and create a more efficient public transport network.

Proposed Improvements to Key Bus Lanes

The proposed improvements will target several key areas across the city:

1. Walton Road (Southbound on Eastern Road) 

• Enhancements to the bus lane and bus stop to allow buses to merge more efficiently into general traffic.
• A new footpath for pedestrians and cyclists along Eastern Road, with added greenery and planting to improve the area’s aesthetics and safety.

2. Arundel Street 

• Widening of the existing bus lane by narrowing the footpath between Clifton Street and Fratton Road, providing buses with more space to move without blocking traffic.
• Improvements to bus stop accessibility by widening the path on the south side of the road.

3. Lake Road 

• Widening of the existing bus lane by taking space from the footpath between Buckingham Green and Hanway Road, allowing buses to navigate the turn more easily and reducing delays.
• Creation of a new cycle path through the green space to offer cyclists a safer route and better connectivity.

How You Can Get Involved

We want to hear from you! Local residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed changes, whether through the online survey or by attending one of our local events. This is your chance to help shape the future of bus services in Portsmouth.

Upcoming Local Events

Come along to one of the events to speak directly with council representatives and share your views:

• Fratton Community Centre (Arundel Street & Lake Road proposals)
  Monday, 2 December | 3pm – 7pm
• South Road Church (Walton Road proposals)
  Tuesday, 3 December | 3pm – 7pm

If you’ve already shared feedback on the Walton Road proposal earlier this year, feel free to join again in December to provide any additional thoughts.

Online Survey

Can’t make it to the events? You can still share your thoughts through our online survey. The survey is open until 23 December 2024, and your input will be essential in finalising the proposals.

Take the survey now

Why Your Feedback Matters

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
"We know that Portsmouth residents want accessible, reliable, and timely local transport. These improvements will make bus journeys quicker, more reliable, and more comfortable. Whether you travel by bus, car, or bike, your feedback is vital in helping us create a transport network that works for everyone."

Next Steps

The feedback gathered from the survey and events will be analysed, alongside traffic modelling and other data, to help finalise the proposals. A decision on the improvements will be made in the new year, and work will begin in the coming months.

Stay Informed

For more information and updates about the bus lane improvements, please visit this webpage - travel.portsmouth.gov.uk/BSIPbuslanes.