A new on-demand public transport service launched in Portsmouth will connect the areas of Paulsgrove and Port Solent, and better provide easy and affordable travel in the area, says Portsmouth City Council which is introducing the Pompey Link DRT operation for a 10-month trial period until the end of March. The concept, which has been widely trialled elsewhere, is new to the city and the service will be delivered by charity Community First using funding from the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The service has been designed to improve public transport connections for both Paulsgrove and Port Solent, and so that Paulsgrove residents can more easily reach the shopping and entertainment facilities at Port Solent, while Port Solent residents benefit from easier access to the city’s Queen Alexandra Hospital and other bus and rail links. The Port Solent area previously lacked direct public transport connections.
Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport at Portsmouth City Council, said: “We’re excited to introduce Pompey Link, which provides better transport connections in the Paulsgrove area and a vital link to Port Solent, an area we know is currently underserved
by public transport. Whether you are travelling for work or leisure, Pompey Link is a convenient and affordable travel option, and I hope people will try it.”
Chief Executive of Community First Tim Houghton added: “We are delighted to offer the Paulsgrove and Port Solent community a reliable, affordable and more flexible way to travel. This service allows people to book a journey when they need it, reducing the need for fixed routes and providing a more responsive, environmentally friendly transport solution. This new service will be a lifeline for passengers, especially in Port Solent, who might not have access to transport to get to social and health appointments as well as for essential shopping trips.”
The service will operate from 0900 to 1900hrs Monday to Saturday, and not on Sundays and bank holidays.
