The IW Council say that they intended to increase the cost of the Student Rider fare to £1.20 – a 20% uplift. They anticipate that this will save approximately £120k/year.
It is uncertain if this will actually come to pass as the calculation is based on the 2009 / 10 reimbursement arrangements … currently subject to an appeal by the Southern Vectis.
If the appeal goes against the IWC it may, as they put it, “change the anticipated savings figure.” ie. Southern Vectis may put their charge up, thus swallowing some or all of the raised price and additional money they hoped to make.
Back in March 2008, the cost of the Student Rider was doubled overnight from 50p to £1 per journey.
Update: This received from Southern Vectis: We cannot change ANY element of Student Rider. The Council decides to have the scheme – they alone set the fare paid by the student – and they set the payment to us. The only people who can change the payment per journey to us are the DFT as a result of an appeal. Southern Vectis has by law, to accept all these decisions.
