National Awards Success As Southern Vectis Named Large Bus Operator Of The Year

Southern Vectis is celebrating this week - after parent company Go South Coast was named Large Bus Operator of the Year in the RouteOne awards. 

“This is fantastic recognition for the entire Go South Coast team - and not least all my colleagues here at Southern Vectis,” said Go South Coast managing director, Ben Murray. 

“We have been working incredibly hard to make travel with us an even more attraction option, and to encourage local people to leave their cars at home and take the bus instead.

“This will help ease traffic congestion across the Isle of Wight and, in turn, improve air quality here.

“Our strong partnership with Isle of Wight Council has been particularly effective - with a successful joint bid for funding from the Government’s Zero Emmission Bus Regional Area scheme.

"This has paved the way for a fleet of brand new electric buses, due to arrive at Southern Vectis’ depot in early 2026."

The RouteOne Awards also recognised the outstanding achievements of former Go South Coast managing director, Andrew Wickham, who passed away in May this year. 

Announcing the award, RouteOne editor, Tim Deakin, described Andrew as:

“One of the most competent and impressive leaders the industry has been privileged to see.

"On many occasions, he moved mountains in the face of adversity to do his best for the customer.

"He leaves bus services in his region in a much better place than he found them.

"Perhaps, above all else, he leaves the wider industry in a much better position than he found it.”

For more information about Southern Vectis, please visit islandbuses.info