Successful Portsmouth private hire vehicle bus lane trial could be made permanent

Allowing private hire vehicles to use five bus lanes in Portsmouth to improve reliability has proved a success, and could be made permanent, the council has reported.

Portsmouth City Council carried out a successful 14-month trial of Portsmouth-licensed private hire vehicles, giving them permission to use five bus lanes (Cavell Drive, Mile End Road, Marketway, Bishop Crispian Way and Queens Street).

Now recommendations are being put forward to make the trial locations permanent and to carry out road safety audits on an initial further 14 bus lanes for potential expansion in the future.

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, cabinet member for transport, said: “Private hire vehicles provide essential transport in the city especially for those travelling in groups or for those that can’t catch the bus, walk or cycle. Developing and improving the reliability of public transport is essential for our residents and businesses in Portsmouth while also ensuring the safety of road users when making changes in the city. I look forward to considering the recommendations.”

All bus lanes can be used by buses and coaches as well as “Hackney carriage” taxis, emergency vehicles, pedal cycles and rental e-scooters. This trial has taken a considered approach to expanding this to include private hire vehicles in some bus lanes, and monitoring carried out during the trial showed a slight improvement in journey times. If made permanent the sites will continue to be monitored.