Despite the wet and cold weather, there was a healthy-sized audience gathered for the first 2023 meeting of the Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users’ Group (IWBRUG) earlier this year.
Bus and rail users were updated on the latest information from Southern Vectis and Island Line bosses, as well as an officer from the Isle of Wight council – read full report below.
Southern Vectis news
At the first meeting of 2023, Southern Vectis general manager, Richard Tyldsley, explained that the bus company had gained more leisure travellers post-Covid. There were less commuters, but around the same overall number of passengers.
Concessionary passes
Richard explained that fewer people were applying for concessionary passes, with the levels at mid-70/80 per cent compared to pre-Covid. He put this down to a change in shopping habits.
There were no drastic changes planned to any of routes in the summer timetable, but, he said, they had adjusted some times to make them more reliable.
£2 fare cap
The introduction of the £2 fare cap has seen some new people using the bus service as well as people using bus more often.
Since the meeting, it has been announced that the scheme has been extended to the end of June 2023.
No shortage of drivers
Richard confirmed there was no driver-shortage problem on the Island and that Southern Vectis currently had 14-15 more drivers than were needed, with some working over in Southampton.
New buses
The purchase of new buses had been hampered by Covid, but last month the operator announced they would take delivery of seven new buses, to serve its Route 1 service, in August and September this year. Although the buses will be equipped with the latest low emissions engines, Euro 6, they will not be electric vehicles.
Island Line news
Mark Dunn, Island Line General Manager, gave an update on various aspects of the Island Line service.
The issue with the road surface in Shanklin car park was discussed, with Mark explaining that it was due to be resurfaced and should be completed by April [NB: This may be completed already, haven’t been that way for a while].
Staffing
In relation to staffing, he explained that most cancellations were not due to a shortage of drivers or guards, but they were training some drivers up to ensure proper coverage. It was the signaller shortage that had been causing the problems, but that they now had five compared to three in October last year.
As reported by News OnTheWight, the works to the pier have been hampered by adverse weather and high tides meaning, the contingency time on the project was being eroded.
Two trains per hour
As reported last week, South Western Railway and Network Rail have postponed platform and track improvements at Ryde Esplanade station, meaning trains started running again from last Sunday, two weeks earlier than planned.
Ryde Pier will remain closed until the completion of the programme in late spring. From next month there’ll be two trains per hour from Shanklin to the Esplanade, with a minibus service from the Esplanade to the Pier Head.
Mark also explained the ambition for better connectivity with the Hover service.
Council updates
Stewart Chandler from Isle of Wight council (IWC) explained they had been kept busy throughout the pandemic, supporting travels operators.
He said IWC still providing concessionary fares support to the operators based on pre-Covid levels.
Ryde Interchange
Ryde Interchange was continuing at pace. As with the works to the Pier, the weather had impacted the timetable for works, with workers have to empty trenches full of water after heavy rain in December and January before they could get on with the job in hand.
Weather was also holding up works to the tram line and works to the station had been held up due to other permissions. Since the meeting, works have come on a long way.
Support for rural bus services
Stewart explained the council’s desire to support and enhance rural bus services, but that they would wait until the market had settled down post-Covid.
They would be looking at the 6, 12, 31 routes as well as the FYT bus in the West – which could be benefiting from a new electric bus in the near future.
Solent Transport
Solent Transport were working with all operators in relation to the Mobility As a Service App (MAS), which would provide real time info etc, the purpose of which would be to help make use of public transport easier for residents.
Local Transport Plan
Work was taking place at a strategy level in relation to the Local Transport Plan with decarbonisation of transport a major factor.
Internal reviews of the draft document were being undertaken and there would be a public consultation in late spring early summer, which would set out the IWC’s aspirations.
Public questions
Public questions included issues including:
- Temporary ramps on Ryde Pier
- A call for concessionary bus passes to the valid on buses from Chale pre-9.30am (there are only five a day currently)
- Concern over the section of road between Brook and Compton.
- Ticket offices at railway stations
- A call for new bus stops prior to the bus station to be added for buses from Cowes and Freshwater
- Ryde Interchange becoming “a no go area for disabled and older people”
- How IWC and travel operators are considering young people in your transport plans.
The next major IW BRUG meeting, which usually includes representatives from the travel operators and the council, takes place later this summer.
Interim meeting tomorrow
Saturday (25th March) sees the next meeting of the (IWBRUG) take place, which non-members are welcome to attend.
Taking place in the small hall at the back of the Methodist Church on Quay Street, Newport, the members’ meeting starts at 11.15am.
