By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Council has approved a series of bus service improvements aimed at boosting connectivity, supporting rural communities and strengthening public transport across the Island.
Department for Transport Bus Services Fund revenue funding and other transport-related funding will be used to enhance services, introduce new routes and maintain improved frequencies on key corridors.
The changes will begin when Southern Vectis introduces its new timetable on Sunday, September 27.
A new Service 33 will run between Newport and Ryde via Havenstreet, reconnecting the village with the Island’s principal towns. Additional journeys will run at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays, with support from Havenstreet Steam Railway.
Funding will continue for additional evening journeys on Service 6 between Newport and Ventnor and Service 12 between Newport and Alum Bay, while winter support will help maintain existing service levels during periods of lower demand.
Service 8 between Newport and Sandown will continue to run every 30 minutes, while Service 5 between Newport and East Cowes will retain its enhanced 15-minute timetable.
In Newport, funding has been approved for redesigned Services 38 and 39 from October through to 2031. The revised network will improve links for Carisbrooke, Gunville, Pan, Staplers, Whitepit Lane, Sylvan Drive and Fairlee.
Southern Vectis general manager Richard Tyldsley said the operator was looking forward to introducing the changes and continuing to work with the council.
