Southern Vectis is urging families across the Isle of Wight to get out and explore the island this half term – with the help of the £2 fare cap.
The local bus operator is keen to help people discover the many gems the area has to offer – despite half term coinciding with a cost of living crisis that affects many people living on the Island.
Southern Vectis has signed up for the Department for Transport’s (DfT) £2 fare cap initiative – which means our customers can now travel on any single journey, on many of our buses, for £2 or less.
They can also use any payment method – including tap on, tap off contactless, the app, and cash.
Nikki Honer, Southern Vectis head of communications, has said:
“We are all feeling ‘the pinch’ at the moment – and it’s presenting a real challenge for those who have taken time off to be with their children this half term,”
“And this scheme will be in place until 31 March. What some people don’t realise, is that the cap applies to longer journeys – which would give them the ideal opportunity to spend time together exploring attractions – of which the Isle of Wight has many.
“For example, our route 8 offers a great day out at Robin Hill, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary can be reached on routes 2 and 3, and the Needles Landmark lies along route 7. Tickets for all single journeys are just £2.
Article continues below this advertisement “There are plenty of free attractions too. With the weather taking a turn for the better, the island’s enviable coastline can be reached on many of our bus services. And, with local beaches still allowing dogs at this time of year, we’re happy to transport them too – free of charge.
“Aside from the positive effects the £2 fare cap can have on people’s pockets, it can make a real impact on the Isle of Wight’s air quality too. With fuel costs high, it is an extra incentive for local people to ease their cost of living by leaving their cars at home and opting for sustainable transport instead.
Pity Hovertravel and Wightlink don’t do something similar. Would love to get off the Island for a break but can’t spare £50 plus.
No thanks, I would rather go where I want to go when I want to go, rather than walk half a mile to some bus stop, stand in the freezing cold for ages, just to get a bus that won’t stop anywhere near where I want to be. The car is far more convenient and costs a hell of a lot less, even with the government £2 single fares, and is a lot more comfortable.
Looks like Southern Vectis is feeling the pinch as its buses are always empty.
Apart from 9-30 am bus pass brigade!!!!!
I on the odd occasion when I do get the bus appear to be the only 1 paying!!!!!!….
Cannot think when anyone else was paying!!!!!
Surely it would be cheaper to run single decker buses on the quiet times??????
Good offer. Shame they’ve put children’s fares UP to £2 a journey!!
wouldn’t be too bad if it didn’t take hours to get anywhere
Would be nice if they reduced the prices of monthly tickets as well. Still £110for 30 days. They reduced prices just not for the people that actually use their services all the tome.