New bus improvements set for Hampshire with nearly £1 million investment
Upgrades planned at bus and transport hubs across the county
Hampshire is set to see significant improvements to its bus stations and transport hubs, thanks to an investment of nearly £1 million aimed at enhancing passenger experience.
The County Council has approved £950,000 for modernisation efforts, including real-time departure screens, new passenger shelters, improved seating, enhanced signage, refreshed road markings, better lighting, and CCTV installations.
Havant, Winchester, Eastleigh, and several other locations will see upgrades to make the waiting environment more welcoming and attractive.
According to a council report, many of Hampshire’s bus stations and transport hubs have not seen substantial investment in recent years, leading to concerns about their appeal as a public transport option.
The report describes these areas as the "shop window" of bus travel, emphasizing the need for them to be inviting and well-equipped.
Beyond bus stations, the council has earmarked £350,000 for projects to facilitate easier transit between buses and trains, with enhancements at several railway stations, including Fareham, Brockenhurst, New Milton, Chandler’s Ford, Portchester, and Basingstoke.
The funding comes from the government's local authority bus grant programme, which allocates over £27 million in capital funding for Hampshire between 2026/27 and 2029/30.
This investment supports Hampshire's wider ambition to increase bus use, aiming to double annual passenger journeys from 21 million in 2023/24 to 42 million by 2034/35.
Officials warn that failing to invest in passenger facilities could deter bus travel and lead more people to choose cars, highlighting the importance of improving waiting areas along with enhancing bus services.