Southern Vectis To Retain Extra Evening Services

Extra evening journeys on two Southern Vectis routes will be kept.

It is thanks to approved Isle of Wight Council plans worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Ongoing financial support for a series of bus service enhancements, using funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), has been signed off by Simon Moon, County Hall’s strategic director for community services.

There will be continued backing for proposals including additional evening journeys, from Mondays to Saturdays, on the Number 6 and Number 12 buses.

The half hourly frequency of the Number 8 service and the 15-minute frequency of the Number 5 will also be kept.

In addition, Numbers 6 and 12 will continue to be financially supported during the winter period from October to March, to ensure a ‘consistent operation’ based on ‘current service levels’.

A council decision report says extra evening journeys on the Number 6 and Number 12 buses allow the public to access the evening economy and stimulate increased sustainable use of the services.

“Principally improved public transport provision will help local communities to access services in relation to education, employment, healthcare, social care and retail, which otherwise may not be available,” it says.

“It helps to address social isolation, especially in rural areas, where geographical and economic factors that otherwise limit transport options.

“Use of public transport, as a sustainable means of travel, can benefit future generations through reducing pollution and improving the wider environment, when compared with private car usage.”

The report also says many young people use public transport – especially those who can travel independently but are too young to drive – when accessing activities and education.