Portsmouth residents can enjoy free bus travel across the city on Small Business Saturday, 6th December 2025, as Portsmouth City Council partners with local bus operators to encourage shoppers to support independent traders this Christmas.​
Portsmouth City Council has teamed up with Solent from First Bus, Stagecoach South, and Community First’s Pompey Link Service to provide complimentary travel on all Portsmouth bus routes on 6th December. The initiative aims to boost footfall for local independent businesses whilst offering residents a sustainable shopping option during the festive period.​
A Small Business Saturday Taster Market will take place on Commercial Road, alongside a pop-up market at Playland organised by Portsmouth Creates. Local makers, creators, and independent retailers will showcase their products, coinciding with the city’s annual Christmas Market and Port Solent’s Christmas market.​
The on-demand Pompey Link service, connecting Paulsgrove and Port Solent, will offer free travel on both Saturday, 6th December and Sunday, 7th December. Residents can book journeys via the Book a Journey app or by telephone.​
The Small Business Saturday free buses form part of Portsmouth’s £52 million Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), running until 2026. The scheme has already delivered early morning services, late-night routes, tap-on-tap-off technology, and fare-free weekends. Portsmouth has achieved a 20% increase in bus passengers over the past year, with over 12 million journeys taken annually, making it the top city for bringing people back to buses.​
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said the free travel helps residents support local businesses whilst experiencing convenient bus travel across Portsmouth.​
