Portsmouth Park and Ride route to Southsea returns this summer, city council confirms

Weekend park and ride services linking Portsmouth with Southsea and the seafront will return this summer, the city council has confirmed.

The PR3 service will run on weekends from June 6 to September 13, connecting the Portsmouth Park and Ride site near junction 1 of the M275 with Clarence Pier in around 16 minutes. Buses will operate every 30 minutes.

The seasonal service is designed to help ease congestion and reduce parking pressures during the busy summer months, particularly around major events on Southsea Common.

This year’s earlier June launch means visitors will be able to use the route for events including Portsmouth Pride on 6 June and Armed Forces Day on June 20. The service will also continue into September to coincide with the Portsmouth International Kite Festival on September 12 and 13.

The PR3 route complements the existing PR1 service and provides direct access to Southsea and the seafront without the need to drive into the city centre.

Portsmouth City Council said the extended summer timetable would give people from the north of the city and further afield more opportunities to enjoy Portsmouth’s packed programme of events and attractions during its centenary year.

Visitors will also be able to use the service to explore the Pride of Portsmouth Lions trail, running throughout July and August, and the newly opened stretch of Southsea seafront between the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Hovertravel terminal.

Councillor Peter Candlish, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Park and ride makes it easy for residents and visitors to reach the city, and we’re delighted to extend this to include the PR3 summer weekend service to Southsea and the seafront.

“Our PR1 service demonstrates just how popular and effective park and ride can be. It’s great that, during this special centenary year, we can welcome even more people to enjoy Portsmouth and Southsea with affordable, hassle-free travel. By reducing traffic, park and ride also supports our ambition to be a greener, healthier city.”

Peter Matthews, commercial development manager, First Bus South, which operates the service for Portsmouth City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to be providing the PR3 Park and Ride service again for the summer, making it easier than ever for visitors and locals to travel directly to Southsea. It’s a stress-free, convenient, and perfect way to explore - leave the car behind and enjoy the ride.”

For more information go to the Park and Ride website.