Bus services reduced and some cancelled across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Waterlooville

First Solent has announced further timetable changes to its services across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and Waterlooville after prime minister Boris Johnson announced that people should leave home only to exercise once a day, travel to and from work where ‘absolutely necessary’, shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.

From this Sunday (March 29), services 3, 13, 14 and 22 will operate a Sunday service seven days a week.

Services 1, 2, 7, 8, 17/18, E1/E2 and X4/X5 will also operate a Sunday timetable plus additional services during peak times to ensure key workers.

All other services have been temporarily cancelled.

First Solent’s managing director Marc Reddy said: ‘With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we have made the decision to move to a Sunday timetable to support those who still need to get to and from work and get out to shops and pharmacies, whilst fulfilling our own role as vital key workers during this time of national crisis.

‘Just a few weeks ago it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation the UK faces, and which First Solent is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

‘Rest assured everything is being done to keep key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus.’

Concessionary Travel Cards can now be used before 9.30am every day of the week

Mr Reddy added: ‘We also encourage all customers to switch to contactless payments and purchasing tickets via our Mobile app where possible. We will still accept cash payments but appreciate their assistance in helping to limit the spread of coronavirus and keep our drivers safe.

‘Regular customers can be assured we will endeavour to get more frequent services back up and running as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.’

Service information in the First Bus app may not reflect updated timetables immediately so customers are advised to refer in the first instance to the First Solent website by visiting firstgroup.com/portsmouth-fareham-gosport/news-and-service-updates/coronavirus-covid19-service-information