New Bus Service And Timetable Changes Confirmed Across Isle Of Wight

A new bus service through Havenstreet and a range of other timetable improvements have been approved as part of a major investment in public transport across the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight Council has agreed funding for new and enhanced services, with the changes designed to improve connections, support rural communities and make it easier for people to access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.

The changes will come into effect when the new Southern Vectis timetable begins on Sunday, 27 September.

New Service 33 Through Havenstreet

One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of Service 33, running between Newport and Ryde via Havenstreet.

The new route will reconnect Havenstreet with the Island's main towns and wider bus network, helping to tackle concerns around rural isolation.

Additional journeys will run at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays, with support from the Havenstreet Steam Railway.

Evening Services To Continue

Funding has also been approved to maintain additional evening journeys on Service 6 between Newport and Ventnor and Service 12 between Newport and Alum Bay.

The services are intended to give people living in rural communities more opportunities to travel later in the day for work, leisure and social activities.

Winter funding will also continue, helping both routes maintain their existing service levels during periods when passenger numbers are lower.

More Frequent Buses On Busy Routes

The Council is also continuing to support enhanced frequencies on some of the Island's busiest corridors.

Service 8 between Newport and Sandown will continue to run every 30 minutes, while Service 5 between Newport and East Cowes will retain its enhanced 15-minute frequency.

The Council says continued growth in passenger numbers could help make the services commercially sustainable in the longer term.

Changes To Newport Bus Network

Further changes are planned in Newport, with funding approved for a redesigned town bus network using Services 38 and 39 from October 2026 through to 2031.

The revised routes have been developed following analysis of passenger demand and discussions with local stakeholders.

They are designed to improve connections for communities including Carisbrooke, Gunville, Pan, Staplers, Whitepit Lane, Sylvan Drive and Fairlee.

The services will also provide stronger links with Newport town centre, employment areas, shops and healthcare facilities.

The Council says the performance of the services will be reviewed every six months, including routes, stops and timetables, to make sure they continue to meet residents' needs.

The investment is being funded through Department for Transport Bus Services Fund revenue funding and other transport-related funding.

It follows consultation carried out for the Island Transport Plan, during which 53% of respondents prioritised more frequent local bus services, while 58% wanted better connections between different modes of transport.

The Council's transport strategy manager, Stewart Chandler, said the changes would support rural communities while protecting the Island's busiest bus corridors.

Southern Vectis general manager Richard Tyldsley said the company was pleased to be working with the Council to deliver improvements based on feedback from local people.

The Council says the overall aim is to provide a more reliable, affordable and connected bus network while encouraging more sustainable travel across the Island.