Southern Vectis’ managing director, Andrew Wickham, is heaping praise on his team of drivers and support staff for their efforts during this week’s adverse weather.
Since Thursday afternoon the Island has been covered in snow and ice, but on the whole Southern Vectis buses have continued to fight the elements. A normal service has now been resumed as the temperature rises and the ice melts away.
The bus operator’s social media accounts have been inundated with compliments from those travelling across the badly-hit Island. Southern Vectis have also kept the Island’s media well-informed, with regular updates being fed through to Island Echo’s live updates page.
Andrew has today said:
“Our customers are always quick to tell us about our service – good or bad – and this very challenging week has been no different.
“Despite the best efforts of the ‘beast from the east’, the team here is doing absolutely everything possible to keep buses running because we know they are relied upon by so many.
“Southern Vectis drivers have had to call upon all their skills and experience to cautiously negotiate very tricky conditions, helping our customers reach their destinations safely. We’ve had countless messages praising them for their professionalism -and I agree with them.
A double decker bus became stuck in Sandown yesterday when it skidded and came to rest side-on down Fitzroy Street. On Thursday, a double decker bus hit a bus shelter in Seaview – but nobody was hurt.
Andrew has gone on to say:
“I have nothing but absolute admiration for them – and for the rest of our operations and customer services teams, for their sterling efforts. They too have had great feedback for the regular and detailed service updates that are keeping people informed about which buses are running and when.
“It really is a case of pulling together to try and ensure everyone across the Isle of Wight is able to travel if they need to.
“This has been a real test of our resilience, and I’m absolutely delighted that everyone at Southern Vectis has come through with flying colours. A job very well done. Congratulations to all those involved.”
