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Isle Of Wight Bus Operator Launches 'Think Bus' Campaign

Islanders are being urged to swap their car for a bus in a new campaign by Southern Vectis.

In a bid to reduce congestion and improve air quality across the Isle of Wight, the operator has launched its 'Think Bus' campaign.

The bus firm says its seeing a slow but steady increase in the number of passengers travelling on its buses, in light of pandemic restrictions ending and the recent fuel crisis.

Now, it says, it wants to continue the momentum.

Southern Vectis head of communications, Nikki Honer, said:

“It stands to reason that a bus operator would want local people to choose its services instead of journeying by car - but that’s just one incentive for us to put everything into our ‘Think Bus’ campaign.

“Throughout the pandemic, we continued to transport key workers across the Isle of Wight, to ensure they could carry out their vital roles at hospitals, GP surgeries, supermarkets and so on. 

“Sadly, though, government guidelines scared some away from using buses - and they returned to their cars. Now it’s time to reconsider. 

“Taking the bus should be first choice - just like taking a re-usable bag to the supermarket is. As a community, we have mastered the art of this because buying single-use plastic is frowned upon. 

“The same should apply to local journeys. Taking your car out for a short trip when you live on a regular bus route really should be socially unacceptable.

“Wherever you wish to travel, we ask you to ‘Think Bus’ to reduce your carbon footprint - whether you’re commuting, socialising, studying, or going out for the day. Our journey planners, via our website app, even show you how much Co2 you can save - when compared to driving.  

“For example, taking the route 1 bus from Newport Bus Station to M&S in Cowes will save 1434g of CO2, compared to driving. That’s the same as making 608 cups of tea.

“Sustainable transport can provide the perfect and affordable solution to reducing air pollution here - whatever your reason to travel.”

For more information about Southern Vectis, you can visit islandbuses.info.

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