A coronavirus concession that gave elderly residents free bus travel before 09:30 will come to an end next week.
Islanders with concessionary bus passes can usually enjoy free travel between 09:30 and 23:00 Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and on public holidays.
But, in March, as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s response to the COVID-19 lockdown, the authority agreed a temporary amendment to the concessionary travel scheme. That meant elderly residents could get free travel before 09:30 to make use of early morning slots set aside by supermarkets for older customers during the crisis.
However, now that supermarkets are more accessible, and with more people needing public transport for work and school, the council has decided to end the temporary extension from Monday 29th June.
Island residents with disabled bus passes may continue to travel for free at all times.
Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said very necessary social distancing measures meant capacity on bus services was considerably reduced. He said:
“We were happy to increase access during during lockdown to help our elderly residents make essential journeys for their shopping.
“At that time, there were also very few bus users due to many businesses and shops having to close.
Article continues below this advertisement “However, this is changing and as lockdown restrictions are easing and more businesses reopen, bus services need to be available for commuters who have no alternative but to use public transport to get to work and school.
“With supermarkets now fully stocked and more online delivery slots available, we need to go back to the original rules to help make this work.
“The elderly will also now be at a greater level of risk at peak times due to the increase in passengers. Therefore, it is recommended that should they need to travel they should do so during the off-peak.”
That’s in line with most places now. Should hopefully free up a few more bus seats for people that need to get to work and front line workers.
This temporary concession was for the reasons given above. Your “!’m all right, Jack” attitude is typical of someone who does not make allowances for those who are not so fortunate.
Point of fact is Iam a card holder and deemed at risk as well. My point being some people have been going out well before the shops open thus causing pertenial problems for said front line and people that need to get to work. Also factor in holiday makers now so has to be bourght into line with other councils.
East Cowes Coop is now open until 2200, just in time for the last route 4 bus. Concession cards accepted.
Can’t see why the council should expect pensioners to be in bed by 23.00 hours.
Oh people please remember at the beginning of this so called virus, it was, stay at home protect the the old and vulnerable save lives! Now they have used all that bs up, there’s truth about how they couldn’t careless about the elderly. Still trust and believe the liars (government)?