Meet the transport team

I joined the team in 2021, it was my first venture into the world of working in transport after graduating from the University of Portsmouth. I was a bit unsure what to expect but hoped that my degree in Geography and masters in Coastal and Marine Resource Management would stand me in good stead. And it gave me just what I needed to start a job in the real world with a variety of transferable skills and knowledge.

My role was originally a year’s fixed term contract and at the end of the year after a number of successes my role was made permanent. I am now proud to say I provide project, policy and strategy support to the transport strategy team making a real difference to the lives of residents in our city. I have been heavily involved in the exciting electric vehicle charge point projects that has recently seen the first rapid charger for electric Taxis in Portsmouth. It is really fulfilling to see a project that I have worked on come to life.

Most recently, I have been given the opportunity to act up into the role of a Senior Transport Planner with my managers support to gain more experience. I hope this will help open more doors for me in the future as I develop my career in transport within the council. Knowing that I am fully supported and working with a great team makes me excited about what the future will hold.

Lexa is a Marketing Manager promoting the transformational work of the transport team and engaging our residents in projects that make a real difference to people’s lives. After working in the private sector for over 10 years, the pull of working in the public sector and make a direct difference to people’s lives proved too strong to resist.

I joined the council’s marketing team in 2018 on a fixed term contract, but before this ran out, I applied for the role I am in now because I thought I could make a real difference to the way people travel and help create a cleaner and green city.

The past 4 years have flown by, and I have been involved in sharing the exciting news about our funding boosts, developing behaviour change campaigns and giving people a variety of opportunities to be heard. Last year, I even started my Strategic Leadership Apprenticeship Level 7 with MBA. The organisation had the confidence to invest in me, which is really reassuring.

Paul is the National Bus Strategy Delivery Manager and BSIP Programme Director leading a team delivering the £48m Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is a large programme of improvements including highways civils works, improved public transport infrastructure, bus service enhancements, new ticketing initiatives, electric bus programme and complementary initiatives.

Paul is also responsible for Park and Ride Provision in the city and has almost 30 years of experience working in the south of England for District, County and Unitary authorities as well as a large, multi-award winning bus operator.

“For me there are three main reasons for joining the Portsmouth team. The first is the Innovative approach of the team – Clean Air Zones, Parking Policy and clear commitment to improving public transport. A clear track record and “can-do” approach to delivery levers in funding which means the team is unparalleled in terms of the ability to learn and grow experience, especially for those hungry to learn – far exceeded limited experience you may gain in consultancy for example is the second reason. The third is the clear and real commitment to partnership – excellent, honest, and pro-active relationships with our partners brings results in terms of delivery which show results for our citizens. We’re a small team, delivering a large programme over a short period of time – we need to move fast, deliver well and achieve our outcomes.”

There is a clear commitment to deliver transport solutions which enable the economic, social and environmental goals of the residents of Portsmouth which has immense civic pride. The approach is collaborative – with challenge – delivered in a way which empowers our team. With bus operators and other key partners, we are “one team” delivering more reliable, faster, cheaper buses with excellent customer satisfaction. With an expanding electric bus fleet, state of the art new bus depot being built, track record of delivery on bus projects with a great local identity Portsmouth is the regional centre of excellence for those interested in mass transit which would look good on any CV.

I enjoyed the challenge of working in public sector on public transport operations management, infrastructure and contract management for over 8 years in Hong Kong. When I moved to the UK, I hoped to continue my career in transport, and I was so pleased when I successfully became a Senior Transport Planner at Portsmouth City Council. I believe transport is one of the most crucial elements of living, being able to improve the transport system of the city can help improve the living standard of residents.

Since joining the council in 2021 I have had a number of opportunities to develop my knowledge within the transport team on new and exciting projects. I was keen to do more in the public transport area that would draw on my experience of improving some of the Hong Kong bus services, and, thanks to the council successfully winning funding to transform the bus service in Portsmouth a role within this team became available. I grabbed the opportunity, and it’s enabled me to help develop a sustainable transport network, that touches thousands of lives in our region each year. Through the work I do it gives people a way to enjoy trips out of the house, to sustainably connect with friends and families, and reach essential healthcare and schools. I hope that buses will become a crucial part of everyday life for more people.

As I reflect on my career at the council so far, as well as the great projects I have the opportunity to work on, the team are supportive and encouraging which makes a real difference to my everyday working environment. I also have the opportunity to work from home so I can get the most out of my day both in and out of work where I can collect my children from school when I need to.
I am glad to be able to contribute my global knowledge from previous roles into the projects I work on and I am grateful for the council for giving me the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge.

As Parking Office Manager I’ve worked in the Parking Team for 19 years and Parking is a great team to be part of and it has helped me to develop my career. I started in the council 32 years ago as a Secretary/PA and worked my way up to become a manager, the opportunities are there within the council if you work hard.

Operating as an in-house team in Parking means we help each other to ensure projects are completed and Portsmouth is a forward thinking authority, striving to help residents, businesses and visitors and there are always new challenges and projects to get involved in, so every day is different.

I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved with outside organisations including the British Parking Association (BPA) and an currently on their TEC Focus Group and a few years ago I helped to create some of the City & Guilds qualifications for Parking.

I started in the team on a temporary role and quickly found that I really enjoyed working here and am in my sixth year. In that time I have had a number of different roles and have continually been supported to train and further my knowledge. I love working for the Portsmouth Transport team as you get to make a difference to a city and residents.

We have so many varied roles that you can really work on what you passionate about. You can take on new challenges and no one week is the same. The work life balance is great with the ability to work remotely some days and others in the office. The holiday entitlement after your five years service also is a nice bonus along with the LGPS pension.