ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL UPDATE: Extended hours to use concessionary bus passes to end
A coronavirus concession that gave elderly residents free bus travel before 9.30am will come to an end next week.
Islanders with concessionary bus passes can usually enjoy free travel between 9.30am and 11pm 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 9.30am 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, 29 June.
Island residents with disabled bus passes may continue to travel for free at all times.