PLANS for a new multimillion-pound bus network that could revolutionise public transport across Fareham and Gosport have come a step closer to reality after receiving £6.9m of government funding.

The investment will expand south-east Hampshire’s rapid transit scheme.

The existing transit scheme runs for 2.8 miles between Fareham and Bridgemary which is served by the Eclipse bus, is used by one million people last year.

Phase 1B would see a dedicated busway running to Rowner Road in Elson with further plans to extend it to Ann Hill Road in the town centre.

Councillor Rob Humby, Hampshire County Council’s transport portfolio holder, said: “With this substantial investment, we can now take forward our long-standing plans for the £10.4 million scheme to extend the Gosport-to-Fareham transit busway.”

Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council added: “I welcome the funding for the extension into Gosport which we have been chasing for years.

“The transit scheme is a huge success because the buses are frequent, clean, properly priced and people are actually getting out of their cars and using the bus instead.”

But Councillor Peter Chegwyn, leader of the Lib Dem opposition on Gosport Borough Council, said the money would be better spent on existing bus subsidies.

Works on the busway is expected to start within two years.