Portsmouth’s 18 bus route has achieved record passenger growth following service improvements introduced earlier this year, with numbers expected to reach 750,000 by year-end.
The route received significant upgrades in April 2025 through funding from the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan. Weekday services now run every 20 minutes, whilst the route has been extended to include Clarence Pier, Hovertravel and the Castle Road shopping area, providing enhanced access to Southsea’s seafront and local independent retailers.
Passenger numbers have surged by over 30% year-on-year, driven predominantly by fare-paying travellers. September 2025 recorded the highest monthly ridership in the route’s history, supported by Portsmouth’s free bus travel initiative, with new passengers continuing to use the service weekly.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “The growth of the 18 route shows how investing in public transport benefits everyone. More people are choosing the bus, which reduces congestion, eases parking pressures and improves air quality. This extension reflects our determination to make travel across Portsmouth easier and better for everyone, and we’re doing it in a joined-up way, linking buses with steadily improving walking and cycling infrastructure, and with key shopping and entertainment destinations like Castle Road and Clarence Pier.”
The success forms part of Portsmouth City Council’s integrated transport strategy, aimed at creating a sustainable travel network across the city. Increased bus usage contributes to reduced congestion for motorists and improved air quality throughout Portsmouth.
Portsmouth’s 18 bus route now connects areas benefiting from council investment, including Clarence Pier and Castle Road, where public realm improvements are underway in partnership with residents and businesses. Additional enhancements include two new bus stops on Southsea Terrace, improved walking and cycling infrastructure, and nearby electric vehicle charging points.
Marc Reddy, Managing Director at Stagecoach South, added: “We’re thrilled to see such strong growth on the 18 route, reflecting how much our customers value frequent, reliable and convenient bus services. The recent improvements, supported by Portsmouth City Council, are making it easier for people to connect with key destinations across the city, from Southsea’s seafront to local shops. This record ridership shows that when we invest in better bus services, more people choose to leave the car at home, supporting a greener, more sustainable Portsmouth.”
Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan
The Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) represents Portsmouth’s delivery scheme aligned with the government’s National Bus Strategy, designed to improve bus services and encourage increased passenger numbers.
The programme operates through an enhanced partnership between Stagecoach South, First Solent and Portsmouth City Council. With £52 million in Department for Transport funding, the Portsmouth BSIP aims to increase bus usage by transforming the city’s bus network to be faster, more reliable and more affordable.
The Portsmouth BSIP has funded early morning and late-night services, tap-on tap-off technology, fare-free weekends, Christmas Day bus services and additional initiatives, with further developments planned for 2025.
Department for Transport figures show Portsmouth has experienced a 20% rise in bus passengers over the past year, making it the top city for bringing people back to bus travel, with over 12 million bus journeys taken annually.
