THE IW COUNCIL is set to consider introducing the most comprehensive package of concessionary bus travel ever offered to Island residents.
The proposed measures — due to be discussed by cabinet tonight (Tuesday Nov 20) — will include the requirements of the new National Free Travel scheme but would also go further by offering free travel to the Over 60s during peak hours and on Island Line rail services. Subsidised travel for those with severe and enduring mental health illness is also recommended to continue.
But at the same time, the council is in discussion with Southern Vectis over the amount of subsidy the authority pays the bus company per journey.
The IW Council believes a new arrangement is required because the number of journeys now being undertaken is far in excess of those made when the current deal was struck.
It is expected that by the end of the financial year nearly 2.8 million subsidised journeys will have been made — that means the current number of concessionary fare journeys is more than double that in 2005/6. Such a shift onto the buses is almost unprecedented in the UK.
“It is fantastic news that the scheme is being so well used,” said Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson, IW Council cabinet member for environment and transport.
“More Islanders are getting out and about than ever before and they are also doing so on public transport which is better for the environment than by making car journeys.
“But this usage does mean we have to look at the cost of providing the service. While we are delighted people are making use of the scheme, we have also to ensure that public money is being spent in the best possible way.”
In the years it has supported concessionary bus fares, the council has steadily increased the amount it spend each year in this area reflecting the phenomenal take-up of the scheme.
The cost of concessionary travel last year was £3 million but this year it is expected to rise to £5 million.
Government advice is that bus operators must be no better or worse off as a result of the concessionary bus fares scheme and the council hopes to reach an agreement with Southern Vectis – but if agreement cannot be reached with operators, the Government will make a judgement via an appeals process.
IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: “The concessionary fares scheme is about offering free travel to those who may need it most, not strengthening the financial standing of private companies.
“The council is suggesting a way forward that continues to support bus travellers at unprecedented levels. But we as a responsible authority must ensure that taxpayers’ money is used to serve public interest not private gain.”
