Coronavirus - COVID19: Service information
Last updated: 16/09/2021
Coronavirus information – Portsmouth, Fareham & Gosport
Lockdown restrictions easing on Monday 19 July
Following The Government’s announcement on lockdown restrictions easing from 19 July, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of some of the measures we have in place to keep our customers safe when travelling on our buses, so here’s a guide for when you get on board.
Wearing masks
We are following government guidance and recommend all customers wear a face mask whilst on board. Please remember that not everyone may wish to wear a mask.
Ventilation & Cleaning
We will continue to ensure that all windows are left open for additional ventilation in addition to our enhanced cleaning regime which will remain in place to keep you and others around you safe.
Social distancing
All seats will be in use from Monday 19 July and our buses will return to full capacity making sure we can take you to where you need to go.
Paying for your journey
Where possible avoid the use of cash and continue to use contactless on board or buy in advance using our mobile app.
Over the coming days we'll be updating the Covid related content on our websites.
Let’s get there together.
Changes to timetables from Sunday 26 September 2021
Please note that there will be further changes to Solent timetables from Sunday 26 September 2021:
| Service 1 timetable |
Service 1 will be reduced to operate every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays. |
| Service 3 timetable |
Service 3 will be reduced to operate every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturdays and every 20 minutes on Sundays. |
| E1 E2 timetables |
These services will be reduced to operate every 10 minutes at peak, and every 12 minutes off peak from Monday to Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays they will run every 12 minutes. |
| X4 X5 timetables |
These services will be reduced to operate every 20 minutes from Monday to Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays remain every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays, but with withdrawals at the beginning and end of the day. |
Changes to timetables from Sunday 19 September 2021
From Sunday 19 September there will be timetables changes on services 2, 7, 8 and 25. You can view and download the new timetable below:
| Service 2 timetable | A reduced level of service will be introduced for all days of operation. |
| The Star 7 (7A 7C) timetable | A reduced level of service will be introduced for all days of operation. |
| The Star 8 timetable | A reduced level of service will be introduced for all days of operation. |
| Service 25 timetable | A winter timetable is introduced. |
Gosport Park & Float ‐ launching Monday 28 June 2021
This six‐month trial from Gosport Ferry, Gosport Borough Council and First Bus Solent offers a combined parking, bus and ferry ticket. Swap the traffic queues for sea views, saving time, money and the environment.
Find out more: www.gosportferry.co.uk/parkandfloat
For the very latest timetable please click here.
Getting to Solent vaccination centres by bus
Our bus services across the Fareham, Gosport & Portsmouth serve the following vaccination centres:
| Solent View Medical Practice, Gosport | Solent Ranger X5 |
| Portchester Practice | Service 3 (precinct) or Solent Ranger X4 (The Fairway) |
| Brune Medical Centre, Gosport | The Eclipse E1 |
| Brook Lane Surgery, Fareham | Solent Ranger X4 (Brook Lane) |
| Fareham Community Hospital | Solent Ranger X4 (Brook Lane) |
| Waterlooville Health Centre | The Star 7 |
| Eastney Health Centre, Portsmouth | Services 1 and 2 |
| Cosham Health Centre, Portsmouth | The Star 7 and service 3 |
| Kingston Crescent Surgery, Portsmouth | The Star 7 and service 3 |
| Lake Road Health Centre, Portsmouth | The Star 7 and service 3 |
| Southsea Medical Centre | Services 1 and 2 (Bradford Junction) |
We’ve got each stage of your journey covered so that you can arrive safely at your destination.
Before you travel
- Use the First Bus App to journey plan and buy your ticket
- Use our Space Checker tool to find when your bus is less busy
- Please bring a face covering as it is advisable (but not mandatory) to wear one from 19 July 2021
- Bring hand sanitiser
- We encourage our customers to download the NHS COVID19 App
At the bus stop
- Use the First Bus App to track where your bus is and the number of free seats available
- Put on your face covering before you board the bus
- When your bus arrives, please allow space for passengers to leave the bus before you step onboard
- Get you payment method ready – mTicket on the First Bus App , contactless card, concessionary pass or the exact change
On board
- We encourage customers to make cashless payments to avoid cash handling
- Our windows need to remain open to maintain airflow
- We have increased our cleaning regime, but please help by not eating or drinking on board and remove any rubbish when you leave
We’re here for you
Contact us by phone 0345 646 0707 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or contact us via Twitter 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday or 9am to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
For further COVID information, our question and answer section plus key worker feedback click here.
Important information and links:
Please visit the NHS website for up to date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The latest information on the current situation can be found online and is updated by the Government.
Ticket Refund Queries
At present, our services are still operating and tickets are purchased in line with our Conditions of Travel. However, the latest guidance on ticket status can be viewed on our help and information page here (FAQ section).
For important extra information please see here:
| For important extra information please see here: |
| First Bus Covid 19 Risk assessment ⇒ |
