Higher bus ticket prices have now been introduced by Isle of Wight bus firm, Southern Vectis.

The operator has blamed significantly increased running costs for its second hike of the year - but it comes just months before the introduction of a government price cap on fares over £2.

As previously reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, following a review, Southern Vectis announced it needed to increase some prices but added the move was a reluctant one.

A Southern Vectis spokesperson said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have kept any price rises to an absolute minimum."

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How much have Southern Vectis's bus ticket prices gone up by?

  • Adult single: Up by around 10p, 20p or 30p
  • Child single: Depends on the length of journey, but prices are now between £1.50 and £2.70 (eg. A child fare ‘medium hop’ is up from £1.75 at the start of 2022, to £2.10 now)
  • Period passes and multi-trip bundles have gone up 
  • Adult day rover: Unchanged at £10
  • Adult 48-hour rover: Up from £16.50 to £17.50
  • Adult 30-day multi bundle: Up from £117 to £130

Southern Vectis says its best-value tickets are available via its mobile app, leading to calls for a rethink from some passengers without mobile phones.

For single and day tickets, the firm suggests we use its Tap On Top Off system - for which you will need a card

Under current plans, between January 1 and March 2023, the government will introduce a £2 cap on single fares on most services in England. The plan was announced in September.

Isle of Wight Council said it had expressed its concerns to Southern Vectis about the hike's impact on residents reliant on public transport to access education, employment or health appointments.