Elderly residents with concessionary bus passes will be able to access free bus travel all day, every day for essential journeys from next week.
As part of the Isle of Wight Council’s efforts to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, free bus travel will be available before 09:30 to help eligible residents make use of early morning slots for vaccines, healthcare, shopping and other vital appointments.
Previously, free concessionary travel for age-related pass holders was valid between 09:30 and 23:00 from Monday to Friday, and at any time on weekends and public holidays. The relaxation of the rules will continue until schools begin to reopen.
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:
“The council is extremely pleased to have reached agreement with our transport partner to extend our support for elderly residents with bus passes.
“Where possible, we want to support the vital vaccination programme and we hope this move will make things a little easier for older people who have no option but to catch the bus to get to early morning appointments.
“While passenger journeys at peak times remain significantly low due to the current national lockdown, it is very important that everyone observes the guidance provided by the government about social distancing.
“This means avoiding all unnecessary travel, avoiding and minimising social interaction between people. If you have no option but to use public transport, you should follow the public transport guidance.”
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the whole point of after 0930 is to prevent them taking the seats being used by workers. If they are on the bus as well, with reduced capacity, then workers will be left at the bus stop – OAP have all day to get vaccinated – workers have to do it around work
how about prioritising the needs of the worker for once, instead of everyone else..after all, it is the worker that makes sure you have food in the shops, electric in your home, water in your home etc
This is a worry really and a silly thing the council has done I see the point in one respect but what’s worrying it that most of the oap’s have had thier jabs and probobly think they are immune to covid so this opens the door to a free for all not only putting key workers travelling on the bus at risk but the oap’s themselves alot will probably want to go on a jolly to get out and alot of them know they shouldn’t do. but I’d be interested how many oap’s get fined if they go out with out reasonable excuse, my guessing not many of them.