Children Aged 5 To 15 Can Travel Free On Southern Vectis Buses Throughout August

Children aged between five and 15 will be able to travel for free on Southern Vectis buses throughout August as part of a Government-backed scheme.

The offer runs from 1 August to 31 August and is designed to help families save money on days out by encouraging the use of public transport across the Isle of Wight.

However, Southern Vectis says a number of terms and conditions apply, with some services excluded from the scheme.

How Children Aged 5 To 11 Can Travel For Free

Children aged between five and 11 must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult to qualify for free travel.

Concessionary bus pass holders also count as fare-paying adults.

When boarding the bus, adults should tell the driver their destination and how many eligible children are travelling with them.

A free ticket will then be issued for each child, which must be kept for the duration of the journey.

A new ticket must be issued for every journey, even if multiple trips are made in one day.

Southern Vectis recommends adults use its tap on, tap off payment system, allowing fares to be capped at the price of a Day Rover ticket where applicable.

How Children Aged 11 To 15 Can Travel For Free

Children aged 11 to 15 can travel independently and still claim free travel.

They simply need to tell the driver where they are travelling and keep the ticket issued for their journey.

Children aged 14 and 15 must be able to prove their age if requested. Accepted forms of ID include a birth certificate, passport or a 2025/26 school bus pass.

Southern Vectis says a clear photograph of these documents on a mobile phone will also be accepted.

If a driver reasonably believes a passenger is older than 15 and they cannot provide proof of age, they will be required to pay the appropriate fare.

The operator has also confirmed that a 15-year-old cannot accompany a younger sibling aged under 11 and claim free travel. Children under 11 must travel with someone aged 16 or over, who may be asked to provide identification.

Which Services Are Excluded?

The free travel scheme does not apply on:

• Night buses

• The Needles Breezer

• The Downs Breezer

• The Island Coaster

Already Bought A Bus Pass?

Customers who have already purchased monthly or three-monthly tickets covering August may be entitled to a partial refund.

Southern Vectis says eligible customers should contact its customer services team on 0330 0539 182, Monday to Friday between 8am and 5.30pm, to arrange this.