Additional evening bus journeys to Ventnor and Alum Bay are set to continue as part of plans to use government funding to support several key Isle of Wight routes.
The decision, made at the end of July, will see the revenue element of the Department for Transport’s Bus Services Fund (BSF) for 2026/27 and 2027/28 used to provide continued financial support for Southern Vectis services 5, 6, 8 and 12.
Funding will support additional evening journeys on service 6 between Newport and Ventnor from Mondays to Saturdays.
The route serves Gatcombe, Chillerton, Chale, Niton and Whitwell.
Additional evening journeys on service 12 will also continue to receive financial backing from Mondays to Saturdays. The service operates between Newport and Alum Bay via Shorwell, Brighstone, Brook, Freshwater Bay and Totland.
Services 6 and 12 will receive continued support during the winter period, between October and March, to maintain a consistent operation based on current service levels.
Meanwhile, funding will be used to maintain the half-hourly frequency of service 8 between Newport and Sandown.
Financial support will also continue to maintain the 15-minute frequency of service 5 between Newport and East Cowes.
The measures will be funded through the revenue element of the Department for Transport’s Bus Services Fund covering 2026/27 and 2027/28.
The amount of funding allocated to each service, and the total value of the financial support outlined in the decision, is not provided in the information supplied.
Such a shame the Government don’t fund the Ferries
they seem to have a thing about buses.
Most people in the country are on a bus route. Far less are reliant on ferries. A couple of million quid can buy you a lot of bus journeys & impact on many people. Financial support for the ferries won’t go as far not help as many people.
The government are giving the new Hampshire & Solent Mayor transport powers. With the exception of ferry regulation. Thanks for nothing!
Nice that additional evening bus services will be put on but:
Havenstreet desperately needs a bus service.
There should be a bus service to Havenstreet Steam Railway, which is a main attraction, the White Hart public house, the large care home and for the residents of the village that don’t drive.
Forest Road, Newport needs a bus service. This would support the users of the Forest View Garden Nursery and Cafe, Parkhurst Forest, Hunnyhill School and the prison estate.
word!!
Great additions to an already fantastic service. We are so lucky.