Our thanks to Stuart George from The Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users’ Group for sharing this report of the recent meeting. Ed
The Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users’ Group (IWBRUG) held the latest six-monthly public meeting on 19th July in Newport, when about 30 people attended to hear news about public transport on the Island.
Richard Tyldsley, General Manager of Southern Vectis, spoke first and told us the winter bus timetable would contain no major changes, although the additional journeys on route 8 which previously only ran during the peak summer season would continue throughout the winter providing a half-hourly service between Newport and Sandown.
Rise in fare cap sees decline in bus travel
The Department for Transport had increased the fare cap from £2 to £3 in January.
Richard explained that this had resulted in a four per cent decline in passenger numbers.
31 new electric buses
Thirty-one new electric double decker buses, part funded by a successful bid to the department for zero emissions, will enter service in March 2026 and these buses will then form over 60 per cent of the Island’s fleet.
A requirement of the funding was that the new buses must have two dedicated wheelchair spaces and so this will result in there being less seats downstairs, but the space will still be available for buggies and pushchairs when not required for wheelchair users.
Improved performance on Island Line
Mark Dunn, General Manager of Island Line, then spoke and said that performance had improved with 99 per cent of trains running on time for the four-week period up until June, with only five cancellations.
The line along Ryde Pier had reopened as planned in May and passenger numbers had increased by 27 per cent from 2024, and are now the highest since the Covid Pandemic.
Line closures
More engineering work will result in the whole line being closed for the two weeks of the schools’ half term, with a further two week closure in the Ryde area immediately following this.
Local Transport Plan consultation
Stewart Chandler, Transport Strategy Manager for the IW Council, reported that there would be a public consultation on the Local Transport Plan (2025-2040) in the autumn.
The Solent devolution proposals had now been agreed with the government and this means the new mayor will take the lead on transport matters.
Additional bus service improvements are being considered, among them priority for buses at some traffic light controlled junctions and additional bus shelters. Discussions are continuing with Island Roads about costs.
Public Q&A time
After the speakers had finished their presentations, questions and comments from the audience were invited, and this resulted in 24 questions of which only a short summary can be included here.
One person asked if alternate buses on route 5 could be rerouted in East Cowes. Richard replied that this had been considered in the past but he believed it would cause confusion and lose passengers.
However, it would be kept under review.
Another person asked what arrangements would be in place for the road closure through Wroxall in September. Richard said he was unaware of this closure, but would liaise with Island Roads and the IW Council to see what service could be provided.
Get involved
The public meeting provides an opportunity for people to put questions and comments directly to the service providers and the next one is expected to be in January 2026.
If you’d like to know more about IWBRUG, visit the website.
