The Isle of Wight bus operator formally unveiled eight new single and double decker buses at the Isle of Wight Conflict History and Remembrance Museum in Northwood, Cowes.
Southern Vectis managing director, Andrew Wickham, said,
“We are incredibly proud of our new vehicles – and the improved timetable to go with them.
“In our December 2013 survey, customers were very clear about the enhancements they wanted to see on this popular service and we have listened to them.
“In fact, we have invested £1.2 million in our Newport to Cowes route and we’re looking forward to seeing the buses out and about, transporting those who use this service whilst living on or visiting the island.
“Southern Vectis is introducing a number of changes to Route 1 – providing more seats during busy journeys and the very latest technology on-board our buses.”
Podcast with Matt Kitchin
We managed to grab a few minutes with the General Manager at Southern Vectis, Matt Kitchin.
He revealed during our chat that the famous arch that Route 1 drivers have to turn into at Fountain Yard in Cowes is thought to be the tightest place a bus goes in the UK on a regular bus route. It’s currently driven through even seven minutes.
Click the play button to hear what else Matt had to say,
Photo gallery of the new bus
The skies were a little overcast today, but the new buses were still gleaming.
Click on images to see larger versions
Trying our hand at driving a bus
Those joining Andrew at the event include Passenger Focus director, David Sidebottom.
Guests, including OnTheWight, were given the opportunity to try driving the latest buses to be used on the route (more on that later), and admired a display of buses that had previously served the route over the past 50 years.
There was a mock-up of the Fountain Yard arch at the launch, so those attending who were given the chance to drive one of the new buses, were able to see just how skilled you have to be to drive through it with a bus.
For more information about the event and Route 1, please visit www.islandbuses.info
Our thanks to Southern Vectis for sponsoring for this feature. Please support them, as they and other businesses taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
