Another letter to the Editor from Ron Chonner Esq., This time he is concerned about buses on the Island. In his own words. Ed
I am writing to warn you and your readers of what I believe to be yet another blow at our precious Island life.
Everyone will have noticed the influx of blue buses to the Island during the last summer months, and no doubt like me, assumed these were borrowed from Bluestar (nee Solent Blue Line) in order to help cope with the holiday trade.
Sinister methodology
However it now seems a more sinister methodology was – and is – at work. And as evidence of this I point out the following facts:
- Even though the holiday season is long past there yet remain among us a number of blue painted buses. Ex-Bluestar no doubt.
- A number of Vectis coaches and subsidiary buses now sport the identical blue hue at least in part.
- Many of our respected Vectis green buses have been re-upholstered with fabric of the same alien colour.
- Most telling of all, Ryde bus station has been repainted in two- tone Vectis green and Bluestar blue.
Bluestar Southern?
So we must ask ourselves, why this sudden import of mainland livery? Is it the beginning of a slow obliteration of our traditional and much revered green?
Does it herald the slow yet inevitable obliteration of that great brand, ‘Southern Vectis’? To be replaced perhaps by ‘Bluestar Southern’ or even (dreadful thought) ‘Solent South’?
Southern branch of Southampton?
Are we in short about to become nothing more that a subsidiary of that aggressive mainland company? To be known in future as just a southern branch of Southampton and Bournemouth?
I believe there is a very real danger this may be so. I believe also that other outrages may lie in the pipeline. Such as the proposal that bridges to the mainland are now essential and logical,in order for through services to run. Ventnor, Freshwater, Newport and Eastleigh for example.
Many of you may consider such fears groundless, even a touch fantastic perhaps. But one day you may see our familiar bus-stop signs being replace by blue tinted designs. Then it may be too late.
