Bus users have been questioning a spate of cancellations from Southern Vectis that has seen over 150 journeys across the Island cancelled by the bus operator so far this month.
Since 1st June, a total of 154 known journeys have been cancelled across the network with some 95 of these on the Newport-Cowes Route 1 service and 17 on the Route 9 service between Newport and Ryde.
Staff shortages, sickness and absence are being blamed for the majority of the disruption, which is announced via the company’s Twitter feed, with mechanical failures playing a part too with 41 cancellations as a result of a mechanical breakdown.
In other areas of the Island, 42 journeys have been cancelled on Routes 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 as well as the Island Coaster and Downs Breezer services.
Matt Kitchin, General Manager at Southern Vectis has told Island Echo:
“I can confirm that some Southern Vectis journeys have been cancelled recently due to staff shortages. We are recruiting sufficient staff for the summer season but unfortunately some of the new recruits are experiencing delays in receiving their driving licences for PCV bus driving from the DVLA.
Readers got in touch last week after waiting for over 30 minutes for a Route 9 bus, despite the service being advertised as running every 10 minutes.
Mr Kitchin continued:
“I would highlight that 99.5% of journeys continue to operate according to the schedule – but I understand passengers’ frustrations and would like to reassure them that we are doing all we can to keep delays and cancellations to an absolute minimum”.
