Isle of Wight Community transport

County advice overview

There are only a few community transport operators on the Isle of Wight. You may find it difficult to arrange transport and should plan well in advance.

Key tips

It is important to plan your use of community transport in good time. You may wish to consider:

• Community transport providers are often in high demand, so it is best to book your journey several days in advance if you can.
• You may need to register with the service in advance of your first booking and a membership fee sometimes applies in addition to travel costs.
• At the time of booking, inform the provider of any mobility and accessibility needs you may have and which equipment you intend to travel with. 

Operators

FYT bus

www.fytbus.org.uk

Contact: 01983 752917 or fytbustotland@gmail.com

FYTbus operates two set routes in the Freshwater, Yarmouth and Totland area. 

Concessionary bus passes are accepted. Alongside the regular FYT minibuses, a wheelchair-accessible car is available.  

Cost

If you do not qualify for a concessionary bus pass, you can save money on all FYTbus scheduled journeys using the FYT bus pass.  A FYTpass is free of charge if you live in the postcode areas: PO39, PO40 or PO41. It will entitle you to travel on the buses for just £1.00 per journey, rather the standard fare. Your FYTpass will be valid for five years.

Shopping

Door-to-door shopping trips, to supermarkets and the Riverway shops in Newport, are available on Saturdays, twice a month. The FYTbus travels from Freshwater, Yarmouth or Totland to Newport. They can also go to Waitrose in East Cowes if needed. You will need to book in advance.

Medical appointments

In addition to the two set routes, FYTbus offer door-to-door transport for medical appointments, including outpatients at St Mary’s, GP surgeries, dentist of other medical care. To request transport, email, telephone or complete the form on the website below, at least two working days before your appointment. Fees apply.

Aspire Ryde Volunteer Minibus

Contact: 01983 716020 (“Living Well option”)

As part of the Aspire Ryde project, Living Well operate a volunteer minibus for medical appointments. As this is a popular service, you will need to give as much notice as possible.

Costs

You need to register for the service which is free of charge. You can register when you make your first booking. Mileage fees are charged from the driver’s home.

John’s Club

www.johnsclubisleofwight.com

John’s Club provides a unique service offering social and recreational activities for disabled people, people with learning and mental health difficulties.

John’s Club owns six minibuses ranging from 10-16 passenger seats and including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Driven by volunteers, the buses are used to transport members around the Island and the Mainland. They are also used for yearly trips and holidays.

The service is restricted to members of the club only.

Travel costs

Community transport costs can vary depending on the service provided. 

Many schemes are run by not-for-profit organisations and only charge based on their actual operating costs. So, the fare you pay will be competitive with public transport costs in most cases. Fares are much cheaper than taxis and there is sometimes a reduced rate for bus pass holders.

Check with the individual provider when booking your trip, or browse their website, to receive an estimate of costs.

Special assistance

Assistance is variable for each service. Information can be found on an operator’s website or by contacting them by telephone.

When booking any community transport in your area, be clear about your mobility requirements and check in advance that the service is able to accommodate your mobility equipment.

Travelling with mobility equipment

Check with the individual community transport scheme, regarding travelling with mobility equipment. Services vary depending on the type and size of equipment that can be carried, due to space.  

Most minibuses are wheelchair accessible, although may have limited capacity for wheelchairs. 

Voluntary car schemes often require passengers to be able to transfer independently. Some can stow foldable wheelchairs and aids.