Many thanks to Stuart George from the IW Bus Users Group for sending through this important information regarding free bus travel for pensioners. Ed
The IW Council has decided to withdraw free travel for pensioners on Southern Vectis’ Breezer (Open-top) & Island Coaster services on and from Friday 15 May on the grounds that they are tourist services.
The withdrawal of the Island Coaster from the scheme will particularly hit Ventnor, Whitwell and Niton residents as this provides the quickest way to travel to the West Wight.
In future, local pensioners will still be able to travel free to the West Wight, but only by changing at Newport which will take longer and ironically will cost the council more in reimbursement payments to Southern Vectis.
The government has given local authorities the discretion to continue to allow local residents to use excluded services but, in spite of a request by the IW Bus Users’ Group, the IW Council has chosen not to do so.
Additionally, although the Bus Users’ Group accepts the Breezers are tourist services under the government’s definition, it believes the Coaster doesn’t meet the government’s definition as the following extract from the DfT’s advice shows:
“We believe this proposal will only affect services which are clearly tourist services. By this we mean the type of services which charge premium fares and may provide a commentary or tour.”
As neither of these apply to the Coaster, the Bus Users’ Group believes the Council’s action may be illegal and is currently seeking further advice.
In the meantime pensioners may wish to enjoy using the Coaster before 15 May while it’s still free.
Image: Copyright Southern Vectis
