There was jubilation in Havenstreet at the weekend as a long-awaited bus service returned to the village, more than 10 years after the last regular service ran.
The new Route 33 began operating yesterday (Sunday), reconnecting Havenstreet with Ryde and Newport and putting the village back on the Island’s regular bus network for the first time since 2015.
The Southern Vectis service runs via Haylands and Havenstreet, providing a new public transport link for residents while also improving access to local businesses, visitor attractions and care facilities along the route.
Councillor Tony Barry, Isle of Wight Councillor for Newchurch, Havenstreet and Ashey, was among those on hand to welcome the first bus as it arrived outside The White Hart Inn.
He was joined by Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Councillor Sam Newnham.
Councillor Barry has been a driving force behind efforts to restore a bus service to Havenstreet, having worked on the campaign both as a parish councillor and, more recently, as the area’s Reform county councillor.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council carried out a survey last year which showed strong support for the return of a regular service. More than 200 survey forms were distributed, with residents raising concerns about social isolation and the difficulty and expense of reaching shops, community services, schools and workplaces without a bus connection.
The campaign ultimately helped pave the way for the introduction of Route 33 through the Isle of Wight Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Councillor Barry has said:
“In Havenstreet this morning to meet the first scheduled bus service through the village in over ten years, the new Route 33.
“This is fantastic news for Havenstreet and the surrounding areas along the route. For too long the village has been without a public transport service, leaving some people feeling isolated and facing difficult and often expensive journeys to reach community services and shops.
“Our new bus service is going to bring real benefits for many and also give vastly improved access to businesses, visitor attractions and care facilities in the area.
“I’m amazed that the Bus Service Campaign I spearheaded with the Parish Council has succeeded in just over 12 months, far exceeding my expectations.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed towards the return of our bus service – Southern Vectis, the Isle of Wight Council, the Steam Railway and the numerous individuals that have helped to get us back on the bus network.”
The service runs 3 return journeys on weekdays during school term time, increasing to 5 return journeys at weekends, during school holidays and on public holidays.
