The cost of the Isle of Wight Council’s ‘Spare Seat’ term ticket is rising by 50% from £63 per term to £95 per term, it has been announced.
The Spare Seat scheme, which is now to be called ‘Privilege Seat’, is for students that are not eligible for free school transport, but require the use of the Vectis Blue school buses. Now parents will have to pay an additional £32 per term to send their children to school using this method.
In a letter sent to parents this morning, the Isle of Wight Council have said the large increase in price is to “better reflect the true market value whilst remaining cost effective in comparison to alternatives”.
As well as an increase in cost, the way in which parents/guardian apply for a ticket is changing. Currently, applications are made from 00:00 on 1st July for the forthcoming academic year (starting in September) and seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Under the new rules, there will be an ‘application window’ for when applications can be received. Seats will be allocated on a completely random basis using an automated randomiser. The application window will commence from 00:00 on Monday 27th June 2016 and close at midday on Thursday 7th July 2016.
Parents will not be able to apply for privilege seats outside of the application window and will need to specify which service they are applying for. Parents can only apply for one service per application form and will only be able to apply for the bus services which are offered.
Parents will be informed towards the end of July whether or not they have secured a privilege seat.
The number of available privilege seats for each service will be specified in the information provided to schools as well as on the Isle of Wight Council’s website (www.iwight.com/schooltransport) from 27th June
Sixth form students will not be able to apply for a privilege seat prior to the autumn half term period – the actual dates of application window will be announced later in the year. Sixth form students are expected to make their own transport arrangements for at least the duration of the first half of the autumn term (1st September 2016 – 23rd October 2016).
As is the case currently, if payment has not been made for a seat then children will not be permitted to travel. This will be strictly enforced from September 2016.
Anyone with queries should contact the Transport Team at the Isle of Wight Council on 01983 823780 or via email at [email protected].
