Legislation was laid before Parliament yesterday (Monday) giving all local transport authorities across England new powers to run their own bus services – powers previously limited to mayoral combined authorities.
OnTheWight got in touch with leader of Isle of Wight council (IWC), Phil Jordan, who is also the IWC cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, to find out his views on the new legislation.
Subject to more detail from the Government, Councillor Jordan said,
“In principle, we would certainly look at what is being offered as a route to trying to improve bus services on the Island.”
Jordan: Already insisted ferries are included in any devolved transport powers
He went on to explain that the three unitary authorities — Southampton, Portsmouth and IW — have already, in a broader sense, been looking at devolved powers on transport generally.
The council leader added,
“Whilst we have only just submitted our Expression of Interest (EOI) to Government on a devolved power deal, I have already insisted the Island has a red line on ensuring ferries are included in any devolved transport powers.
“But, on buses, there are opportunities potentially within a devolution arrangement that might be deliverable anyway, regardless of the latest Government suggestions.”
Jordan: The opportunities are likely to be severely constrained
The potential for IWC to have more authority over bus routes and fares could seem like good news, but there are expected to be limitations.
Councillor Jordan said,
“We do need the detail however… And, almost certainly, without additional funding, the opportunities – even commercial ones (Manchester Franchise their service, for example) – are likely to be severely constrained.
“As we know, the need for extended services (let alone affordable pricing) will almost always rest where the current commercial companies leave gaps in their services due to commercial constraints.
“That said, one might imagine the Local Authority running the whole Island service (at arms length) as a not for profit operation, using some of the potential profits from the existing services and investing that (as a commercial subsidy?) in wider, later, cheaper services.
“Or, if given full powers by Government, charging for the franchise, but including quantified minimum level services as a delivery requirement.
“Much to look at and consider.”
IWC: Too early to form a position
OnTheWight also asked Isle of Wight council the same and a spokesperson replied,
“It is too early to form a definitive position. We will wait to see how this new legislation goes forwards and take stock of any guidance to Local Authorities.”
IWBRUG: We would encourage people to make more use of the existing bus service
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users’ Group told OnTheWight,
“We need to see more detail, but have plenty of suggestions for improvements to bus services, such as real time information at bus stops.
“We agree with Councillor Jordan that many improvements will be dependent on additional funding and would encourage people to make more use of the existing bus services”.
Tyldsley: In our view, franchising of bus services is a backwards step
Richard Tyldsley, Southern Vectis general manager, told OnTheWight,
“Southern Vectis has invested millions of pounds over recent years, to bring new, low emissions, buses to the Isle of Wight. We also run an expansive network of services across the island – including late night buses.
“In addition to this comprehensive network, we are one of the few UK bus companies to operate Christmas Day services, which are vital for many of those wishing to visit friends and relatives – both at home and those in St Mary’s Hospital.
“In our view, franchising of bus services is a backwards step and is likely to be far more expensive than the current arrangements – with a substantial amount of additional funding required to cover the considerable extra administrative resources required.
“Southern Vectis currently provides an award-winning level of service across the Isle of Wight, with very little subsidy from the local authority, and with no financial risk to tax payers. To recreate this quality and density of service under franchise would be impossible without significant additional council funding.
“We already enjoy an excellent working partnership with Isle of Wight Council. This relationship has allowed us – through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP+) – to increase the frequency of Route 5 between Newport and East Cowes to every 15 minutes during the day, Monday to Friday.
“Alongside this, we have been able to introduce new evening journeys to our Route 6 and 12 services. The BSIP+ has also funded a winter Sunday service for Route 6.
“We will continue to work closely with the council and look forward to seeing bus-friendly highways improvements. These will, in turn, help us to speed up the services we offer across the Isle of Wight.”
Find out more
You can read more about the Government plans on the website.
Article edit
12.40pm 11th Sep 2024 – IWBRUG comment added
3.30pm 11th Sep 2024 – RT comment added
