With the steady increase in traffic congestion as vehicle numbers
increase by 3% a year, the Island’s bus company has been obliged
to restructure its services. As of April 2nd Southern Vectis has
made significant changes to make Island bus travel easier,
cheaper and simpler. The changes began last January with
the introduction of through tickets for multiple bus journeys,
extended "Rover" tickets with unlimited travel up to three months and return tickets on evening journeys after 7.00pm.
The really big changes started in April. Thanks to government
legislation all over-sixties are entitled to free bus travel. If you
are eligible you can obtain a free Islander Card from the Southern Vectis travel shops (see below) with two passport photos, some proof of your age and a household bill confirming your address.
Thanks to the IW Council April also saw the introduction of 50p fares for all children aged five to nineteen in full time education. They will need to carry a Student Rider Card which is available at school. If you study on the mainland please contact the IW Council Public Transport Section (821000). The new fare will also apply to the Islandline train.
Newport is now the hub of the bus system, with all services
running in and out of the town. All the other bus garages have been closed and the round-the-Island buses are gone. The result is a far simpler bus timetable with increased frequency on the busiest routes. Newport’s new bus station is due to open in July.
Ryde is the second hub of the new bus networkwith Service 9 to
and from Wootton and Newport every fifteen minutes, Service 3
to the Bay and Ventnor every half hour Service 4 to East Cowes
via Wootton every half hour, extending to Seaview every hour and less frequent services to Newport via Havenstreet, Sandown via Bembridge and half hour services to Tescoes.