Next stop: Better Buses for Pompey
Evening and night buses are on the way after a £48m campaign victory for Portsmouth Lib Dems.
“This is fantastic news for local people” says Cabinet Member for Transport Gerald Vernon-Jackson.
"“It will help the local economy and environment plus means more people have the option to leave their car at home which benefits everyone.”
“This is particularly going to help people who can often be disadvantaged - both younger and older people, the disabled and people who work shifts.”"
The investment will see the number 2 and 23 routes run through Southsea all through the night.
Cheaper fares for 16 to 19 year olds have already been introduced and a brand new high-tech fleet of 60 electric buses will help cut pollution and congestion.
“We made sure the council put in a great bid for Portsmouth, and it has paid off,” says Councillor
Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth's Lib Dem-run council.
“While Hampshire and Labour-run Southampton are seeing cuts to local buses and other services, the Lib Dem team in Portsmouth lead the city effectively and get action.”
The £48 million bus investment will deliver:
- Early morning buses from 5am will help people on early shifts at St Mary’s and QA hospitals, the Port and other local employers.
- 16 to 19 year olds will get cheap fares to help them get to college and work.
- More than 60 new electric buses, to help cut air pollution and reduce congestion across Portsmouth... plus other service improvements.
“The largest investment in the country for bus services - £48 million - has been achieved by Portsmouth’s Liberal Democrat-led City Council, after a successful bid for outside funding.”