VB readers may remember back at the end of March the council released news of a new deal between themselves and Southern Vectis.
As part of the new agreement, we were told that Wightbus local bus services would be replaced with buses provided by Southern Vectis, but driven by voluntary drivers.
“Big Society in action”
The council aimed to save £280,000 by ceasing the Wightbus services as part of their budget approved in February this year.
Last night, the BBC reported that the council would be providing a grant of £150,000 to cover the costs of training the drivers, medicals, CRB checks etc., with Cllr Edward Giles hailing the project as “Big Society in action”.
The grant would enable 60 volunteer drivers to operate nine routes across the Island.
We got in touch Unison representative for the Island, Mark Chiverton who told VB, “I’ve been in discussion with the council over the transfer of all staff, but this is the first time I’ve heard about it. I am very concerned and will be investigating further.”
Update 11.57am: We contacted Southern Vectis asking which routes would going to be run by volunteers. They informed us of that those they are training for and will operate with their vehicles are …
- Havenstreet and Wootton circular
- Sandown Circular (inc Lake Morrissons)
- Gurnard / Northwood / Cowes circular
- Route 6 infill to hourly (via St Lawrence / Undercliff Drive)
