Hovertravel’s Hoverbus has all-new look, thanks to new operator
Hovertravel has awarded First Bus Solent the contract to operate its Hoverbus service, which connects the hovercraft for crossings to and from the Isle of Wight taking passengers from stops across Portsmouth to its Southsea Terminal.
Starting from Wednesday 1 May, customers will see a new bus with a new livery, although the timetable and route remain the same. To encourage more people to use the service, ticket prices are being reduced, making the Hoverbus an even more competitive option for all passengers.
Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, explains: “Connecting our hovercraft service with both train stations and city centre of Portsmouth is a crucial part of our customer journey and we are delighted to be working with First Bus Solent to offer the Hoverbus. We are also keen to see how we can be a proactive partner for the First Bus Solent network, hopefully offering our customers better access to more connections.”
The Hoverbus circular route includes:
- Portsmouth's The Hard Interchange, for coach connections, Portsmouth Harbour rail station, Gosport Ferry, Gunwharf Quays, Historic Dockyard and Spinnaker Tower.
- Commercial Road, for Portsmouth & Southsea rail station, Cascades Shopping Centre, The Guildhall and City Museum.
- Bus stops for the University buildings.
Passengers are able to alight and board at all stops all along the route.
First Bus Solent’s Commercial Director, James Eustace, said: “We’re very proud to be appointed to run this flagship service, connecting people across Portsmouth and Southsea to the Isle of Wight. HoverBus is a fantastic bus option that that anyone can use – not just passengers for the hovercraft. We look forward to delivering a first-class service for all.
We are also keen to see how we can enhance this service, as well as encouraging wider uptake of the bus, hopefully attracting customers across the city not just those passengers traveling between Southsea and the Isle of Wight.”