User:Editor5807/Isle of Wight bus services

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Isle of Wight bus services are operated by two companies, Southern Vectis and Wightbus. Southern Vectis have a network of 18 bus routes linking most places on the Island to Newport. Wightbus operate local services and take many island students to and from school. Wightbus is currently non-profit making and owned by the Isle of Wight Council.

History
April 1905 saw the start of bus services on the island, with the Isle of Wight Express Syndicate operating a circular service running Newport, Shanklin, Sandown, Ryde, then back to Newport. Later in 1922, the Vectis bus company was formed. At first the company used only double deck buses. However a review later found the island's roads were not suitable for this type of vehicle, meaning single deck buses had to be used instead. Double decks were first re-introduced in 1936.

In 1929, the Vectis Bus Company was bought out by Southern Railway, forming Southern Vectis. From then it was always owned by large national concerns and after 1970 was part of the state-owned National Bus Company. In 1986 with privatisation the bus company was bought by its management team and has stayed independent until 2005, when it was bought by the Go-Ahead Group.

Competition has been faily limited on the island, with Southern Vectis remaining the dominant bus operator. The 1970s saw Wightbus and Seaview Services being started, but this had little impact.

In recent years, bus usage has been on the increase again on both Southern Vectis and Wightbus services, partly due to a new simplified network introduced by Southern Vectis, but mainly because of free travel for the over 60's and Student Riders.

Subsidised fares and routes
Students under the age of 19, in full time education on the Isle of Wight now receive discounted fares under the Student Rider scheme, administered by the Isle of Wight Council. Initially only 50p per single journey was payable, anywhere, at any time. The scheme can also be used on Wightbus services. It is estimated that around 1.5 million Student Rider journeys are made each year. The unprecedented success of the scheme has led to huge amounts being paid out by the Isle of Wight Council to support it. This lead to the 50p fare doubling to £1 per single journey.

Island residents over 60 years of age or anyone with a disability, can now be able to travel for free in the council area, under the Government's England-wide scheme. The introduction of subsidised fares has resulted in a significant rise passenger numbers, which has led to increased services, cheaper fares and many more drivers jobs. It is estimated that around 2.8 million subsidised journeys are made per year. From 1 April 2008, new bus passes are due to be issued England-wide, that aren't limited to the area of the local authority, meaning pass holders can travel the country free. Southern Vectis have made a number of service improvements in preparation for this, for example the Needles tour now has an extra bus rostered to the route in case of overcrowding.

However, the subsidised fares have recently been put under threat, particularly the Student Rider scheme. On the 16 November 2007, the Isle of Wight Council proposed to cut the 76 per cent it pays for each concessionary fare down to 48 per cent. It said that if the current rate continued to be paid to Southern Vectis in 2008-09, the company would be making huge profit from it. However Southern Vectis said it would leave them out of pocket by more than £1 million, and normal passenger fares could have to be risen as much as 54 per cent. The cut was agreed by the Isle of Wight Council in November 2007, and as a result of this, further rises to fares will take place from 1 April 2008. The cost of concessionary travel in 2007 was £3 million, it is expected to rise to £5 million in 2008.

As a result of this row, Southern Vectis announced that from the new timetables on 17 March 2008 almost all evening, Sunday and night buses would be axed, and some routes significantly changed. More details about the service cuts emerged soon after.

Bus stations
There are three bus stations on the Isle of Wight, most services from them are run by Southern Vectis.

Newport
Newport bus station is located in the town centre of Newport, the island's capital, on Orchard Street. The old bus station was demolished in late 2005 to make way for a new development of five major clothing retailers. The new bus station is located just behind. Work was completed late in July 2006. During the stages of redevelopment, a temporary set of bus stands was put in place in Church Litten, with buses running along a new bus lane, with the road converted to one way. Its redevelopment is pictured.

The new bus station features a new, indoor and heated waiting area and information desk. New seats and lighting have also been installed and from July 1 the entire bus station became a no smoking area. Bus stands clearly label where routes stop to simplify waiting for buses.

Bus lanes feature in Newport town centre, leading to the bus station to allow buses to arrive on time, known as the 'Red Carpet'. However one section of the bus lane in South Street, close to the bus station, which was originally put down on a temporary basis while the new bus station was being built has been proved 'not legal', effectively meaning any other vehicle can use the bus lane as well.

Ryde
Ryde bus station is slightly smaller than Newport bus station and is located on the esplanade with the Hovertravel passenger hovercraft service and Island line railway station, while the Wightlink Fastcat service sails from the end of the adjoining pier. There are plans to re-develop it into a new interchange to act as a gateway to the island.

However, these plans have been subject to continual delay, and it was recently announced by the Isle of Wight Council, that it would be delayed again. Benches and litter bins that had been removed for construction work to commence are now being reinstated and the temporary Esplanade bus stops are being removed. It is thought that now work could be delayed for as much as 18 months.

Yarmouth
Yarmouth bus station is located to the West of the island and serves Southern Vectis route 7 in both directions as well as The Needles tour during the summer timetable. It lies next to the Wightlink ferry terminal. As well as the three stands for buses, the area features a number of other parking paces for visiting coaches to park in, this is often full in the summer. There is a large bus shelter for waiting passengers, this doubles as a passenger information kiosk in the Summer months. There are also large signs promoting the services in addition to the usual bus stop flags.