Millions poured into improving bus services in the South
It's part of a £7bn government support package
Last updated 4th Apr 2022
Areas across the South will be among those to benefit from a £7 billion Government support package to overhaul and level up transport schemes.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Portsmouth and West Sussex have been chosen for funding for improvements to their bus services.
The funding aims to make services in areas outside London more frequent, more reliable, easier to understand and use, cheaper, or greener.
Improvements will also include integrated ticketing and more bus lanes to speed up journeys.
In all, Portsmouth will receive £48.3 million to help deliver on its Bus Service Improvement Plan, while £17.4m has been given to West Sussex and £8.9m to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
“Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal.
“The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.”
Today's funding follows the announcement last week of £200 million for almost 1,000 new electric or hydrogen buses, with 34 being supplied to areas in Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.