User:Editor5807/Isle of Wight bus services

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Isle of Wight bus services are operated by two companies, Southern Vectis and Wightbus. Southern Vectis have a network of 18 bus routes linking most places on the Island to Newport. Wightbus operate local services and take many island students to and from school. Wightbus is currently non-profit making and owned by the Isle of Wight Council.

History

April 1905 saw the start of bus services on the island, with the Isle of Wight Express Syndicate operating a circular service running Newport, Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde, then back to Newport. Later in 1922, the Vectis bus company was formed. At first the company used only double deck buses. However a review later found the island's roads were not suitable for this type of vehicle, meaning single deck buses had to be used instead. Double decks were first re-introduced in 1936.

In 1929, the Vectis Bus Company was bought out by Southern Railway, forming Southern Vectis. From then it was always owned by large national concerns and after 1970 was part of the state-owned National Bus Company. In 1986 with privatisation the bus company was bought by its management team and has stayed independent until 2005, when it was bought by the Go-Ahead Group.^[1]

Competition has been faily limited on the island, with Southern Vectis remaining the dominant bus operator. The 1970s saw Wightbus and Seaview Services being started, but this had little impact.

In recent years, bus usage has been on the increase again on both Southern Vectis and Wightbus services, partly due to a new simplified network introduced by Southern Vectis, but mainly because of free travel for the over 60's and Student Riders.

Subsidised fares and routes

Students under the age of 19, in full time education on the Isle of Wight now receive discounted fares under the Student Rider scheme, administered by the Isle of Wight Council. Initially only 50p per single journey was payable, anywhere, at any time.^[2] The scheme can also be used on Wightbus services. It is estimated that around 1.5 million Student Rider journeys are made each year. The unprecedented success of the scheme has led to huge amounts being paid out by the Isle of Wight Council to support it. This lead to the 50p fare doubling to £1 per single journey.^[3]

Island residents over 60 years of age or anyone with a disability, can now be able to travel for free in the council area, under the Government's England-wide scheme. The introduction of subsidised fares has resulted in a significant rise passenger numbers, which has led to increased services, cheaper fares and many more drivers jobs. It is estimated that around 2.8 million subsidised journeys are made per year. From

However, the subsidised fares have recently been put under threat, particularly the Student Rider scheme. On the

There are three bus stations on the Isle of Wight, most services from them are run by Southern Vectis.

Newport

The new bus station features a new, indoor and heated waiting area and information desk. New seats and lighting have also been installed and from July 1 the entire bus station became a no smoking area. Bus stands clearly label where routes stop to simplify waiting for buses.

Bus lanes feature in Newport town centre, leading to the bus station to allow buses to arrive on time, known as the 'Red Carpet'. However one section of the bus lane in South Street, close to the bus station, which was originally put down on a temporary basis while the new bus station was being built has been proved 'not legal', effectively meaning any other vehicle can use the bus lane as well.^[11]

Ryde

Ryde bus station is slightly smaller than Newport bus station and is located on the esplanade with the Hovertravel passenger hovercraft service and Island line railway station, while the Wightlink Fastcat service sails from the end of the adjoining pier. There are plans to re-develop it into a new interchange to act as a gateway to the island.

However, these plans have been subject to continual delay, and it was recently announced by the Isle of Wight Council, that it would be delayed again. Benches and litter bins that had been removed for construction work to commence are now being reinstated and the temporary Esplanade bus stops are being removed. It is thought that now work could be delayed for as much as 18 months.^[12]

Yarmouth

• Transportation on the Isle of Wight
• List of Southern Vectis bus routes

References