School bus fares will cost 40p a journey from today (Tuesday 2 April) for those using Go School smart travel cards.
The change has been made to generate extra revenue and support operating costs for the heavily-subsidised schools service.
Savings of £1m must be delivered from within Isle of Man Transport operations over the next three years. This target was set as part of the SAVE programme and included in this year’s Budget package, unanimously approved by Tynwald in February.
Jason Moorhouse MHK, Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:
‘We appreciate this 10p rise does not make welcome news, but it is designed to reduce the subsidy currently being carried by the taxpayer for this important service.
‘The new fare will carry a student to and from school or college for £4 a week, which is incredible value and compares extremely favourably with similar services in the UK.
‘Buses, trains and trams play an important role in our community, but they must be financially sustainable in order to serve our needs into the future.’
Go School cards can be bought and topped-up with journeys online at www.bus.im or in person at Ramsey Bus Station, Laxey, Castletown, Port Erin and Derby Castle stations, Isle of Man Airport, House of Manannan in Peel, and the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.
All journeys loaded on to SCH cards prior to the price rise coming into effect will be honoured.
Standard fares will continue to apply for anyone who does not pay for journeys in advance on a Go School card – half-fare for children and older students on production of an accepted ID card, and full fare for students aged 20 and over.
For fare enquiries, visit www.bus.im, contact the Isle of Man Government Welcome Centre by calling +44 1624 662525 or email publictransport@gov.im
