'Disappointment' as Portsmouth area left out of transport funding bid
PLANS for a 'transformational' rapid bus system in and out of Portsmouth have been postponed after the city was excluded from getting a slice of £1bn from the government in a move branded 'disappointing.'
Politicians said it was a 'shame' Portsmouth had been left out of the transforming cities fund that saw Southampton awarded £57m during the Budget announcement on Wednesday.
Councillor Lynne Stagg, the city council's transport boss, said: 'The Portsmouth city region bid for a rapid transit network serving Portsmouth and our surrounding towns was truly transformational, and we are disappointed that we will not be able to progress our plans at this stage.'
However, the city has been invited to seek a share of a separate pot of £117m from the department for transport (Dft) that is also on offer to Norwich and Stoke-on-Trent.
Cllr Stagg added: 'South East Hampshire Rapid Transit is still very much an ambition for Portsmouth and south east Hampshire. We will continue to work with our partners to seek funding opportunities in addition to the £117m, which has been ring-fenced by the DfT for public transport improvements."
'We must improve connectivity and access to jobs and education, and I am absolutely convinced a sustainable rapid transit system is what this area needs to prosper.'
It is hoped the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit will link areas covered by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council to create a network of bus priority routes between Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, and Portsmouth.
A new transport hub at Ryde interchange would improve public transport links between the Isle of Wight with the mainland.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan expressed his disappointment. He said: 'At Wednesday’s Budget the Chancellor specifically mentioned new funding for Southampton, but failed to mention Portsmouth’s promising proposals to improve transport in our area.
'Sadly any rejection by ministers of our plans will be another example of disappointment for Portsmouth by this current government. Our city must stop being neglected by this government.'
Portsmouth council deputy leader Cllr Steve Pitt added: 'Our plea to government is don't just tell us what is the problem, help us to solve it.'