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Publicly-run bus services delayed by a year

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 3:26 GMT by BBC

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Publicly‑Run Bus Services Delayed – What Residents Need to Know

On June 14, 2024, the city council of Portsmouth announced that the launch of its newly‑planned publicly‑run bus network will be postponed by six months. The decision, revealed in a council briefing and reported by local news outlets, has sent ripples through the community, with commuters, business owners, and public‑transport advocates voicing concerns about the delay and its implications for the city’s mobility strategy.

The Background of the Project

The initiative, branded as the Portsmouth Public Bus Service (PPBS), was first announced in 2022 as part of the council’s broader commitment to reduce carbon emissions and improve public transport reliability. Under the original plan, the council would take over operations from the current private operator, Severn Travel, and run a fleet of 120 electric and hybrid buses covering all major routes by the start of 2025.

Council Director of Transport, Sarah Patel, outlined the project’s objectives in a statement earlier this year: “Transitioning to a publicly‑run system will allow us to standardise fares, increase frequency during peak hours, and accelerate the deployment of zero‑emission vehicles. This is a crucial step in meeting our city’s climate targets.”

Why the Delay?

The council cited a combination of contractual, financial, and logistical hurdles as the main reasons for the postponement:

1. Contractual Disputes – Severn Travel has raised concerns over the revised terms of the takeover agreement, specifically the required capital investment from the council and the extended liability period. “We’re willing to work with the council, but the current terms would expose us to undue risk,” the company’s chief executive, Mark Jones, told the council in a private meeting.

2. Funding Gaps – The council’s budget for the project was originally based on a £10 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT). Recent audits revealed that the grant was contingent upon the completion of an environmental impact assessment (EIA), which had not yet been finalized. Without the full grant, the council faces a shortfall that could affect the procurement of new buses and the refurbishment of depots.

3. Supply‑Chain Constraints – The global shortage of battery components has delayed the delivery of the city’s first wave of electric buses. The council’s procurement team reported that only 30 of the 120 buses could be delivered by the original deadline, and a further 20 could be expected only by late 2025.

Community Reaction

The delay has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Emma Clarke, a daily commuter from the East End, expressed frustration: “I was looking forward to a reliable, affordable service that would let me get to work on time. Now I’ll have to rely on my private car or the old bus routes, which are often late.”

On the other hand, environmental groups have called the delay “a setback, but not a dead end.” “We still need to keep moving towards a greener transport system,” said James O’Neil of the Portsmouth Clean Air Initiative. He added that the council should explore interim solutions such as temporary bus subsidies or accelerated deployment of low‑emission diesel buses while the full transition is delayed.

Interim Measures and the New Timeline

In a statement released on the council’s website, Patel confirmed that a temporary operating arrangement would be put in place to bridge the gap. Severn Travel will continue to run the existing routes under a short‑term contract, with the council providing additional funding to increase frequency on high‑traffic corridors.

The revised launch date for the PPBS is now set for December 2025, giving the council roughly a year and a half to resolve contractual issues, secure the remaining funding, and complete the bus procurement process. The council is also working with the DfT to renegotiate the terms of the grant, with the hope of unlocking additional funds if the new timeline is adhered to.

What This Means for Local Businesses

Small businesses located along key bus routes have already felt the impact of the delay. A joint statement from the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce urged the council to explore more aggressive funding options. “Our customers depend on reliable public transport, and the delay is affecting footfall and revenue,” the statement read. The chamber is also lobbying for temporary subsidies to offset the increased costs of operating their own shuttle services until the public network becomes operational.

The Bigger Picture: Public vs. Private Bus Services

The Portsmouth case echoes a broader national debate about the merits of publicly‑run versus privately operated bus services. In recent years, several UK cities—including Bristol, Leeds, and Milton Keynes—have either moved toward public ownership or introduced hybrid models. Advocates argue that public ownership allows for better integration with other modes of transport, more consistent service standards, and the ability to prioritise environmental goals over profit margins.

Critics, however, caution that public operators may face bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack the flexibility that private companies bring. They point to the Transport for London model, which successfully combines public oversight with private operation under strict performance contracts. The Portsmouth council’s decision to delay the launch of its own network indicates that the transition is not a straightforward process and that a careful balance between public oversight and operational efficiency must be maintained.

Looking Ahead

While the postponement of Portsmouth’s publicly‑run bus service is a disappointment to many, the council has emphasized its commitment to the long‑term vision. Patel announced that the council will hold a public forum next month to discuss interim solutions and gather feedback from residents. She also indicated that the council will work closely with the DfT to secure additional funding and accelerate the procurement of electric buses.

For now, commuters will have to rely on the existing private operator while the city works through the complex layers of finance, contracts, and supply chains that underpin a public‑run transportation system. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Portsmouth can deliver on its promise of a reliable, green, and publicly‑owned bus network in the future.