MP Bob Seely has welcomed an announcement that the Government will invest £290,025 to support bus services across the Isle of Wight. 

The funding means the Island has benefitted from a total of £580,050 funding from the Government to support bus services since 2022. 

The investment comes from the £80 million Bus Services Improvement Plan 2024-25 fund, of which there have been three rounds – building on the £80 million invested in 2023-24 and £1 billion invested in 2022. 

It comes on top of a further £140 million announced in May from the extension of the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG), taking the total to continue supporting and protecting bus services across England to £300 million into 2025.

To help people with the cost of living and save on everyday travel costs, the Government has also invested £200 million to extend the bus fare cap, with single bus tickets capped at £2 outside London until the end of October 2023 and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024.

Welcoming the news, Mr Seely said: “Our bus services on the Island are important. Many Islanders rely on them to get to work or to see family and friends.

“This is a really good use of Government money to keep bus fares low and encourage people to use them. It’s especially important given the cost of living pressures.

"This Conservative Government funding will protect essential bus services - all part of getting a better deal for the Island."

Roads Minister Richard Holden MP said: “Buses are the most popular form of public transport and millions of people across the country from the Tees Valley to Torbay rely on their local service to get to work, attend medical appointments and see loved ones.

“We are providing a further £80 million to help local authorities improve and protect essential services, delivering for local communities across the country by enhancing transport connections, supporting passengers and growing the economy.”