Islanders who usually travel across the Isle of Wight by car are being urged to try taking the bus instead on Monday (22nd September).
World Car Free Day is an initiative aimed at easing congestion and improving air quality by promoting mass transit, cycling and walking to motorists as alternative methods of travel.
Southern Vectis is marking the day by encouraging more people to use its services. And those using its app for the first time can enjoy reduced travel on Monday.
Southern Vectis head of communications, Nikki Honer.
“As a local bus operator, it stands to reason that we want more people to travel with us, but there is a very serious message behind Car Free Day.
“Reducing car traffic, even for a day, leads to lower air pollution and better respiratory health for those living and working on the island. Private cars and vans contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions – and just one of our double decker buses has the potential to remove up to 75 of them from our roads.
“This is our opportunity to show people who don’t usually travel by bus, just how far we have come over recent years. We have invested millions of pounds in a new fleet of buses to operate our services here – carrying the very latest Euro 6 engine, releasing fewer emissions than the average new diesel car. And, even more than that, a whole new fleet of electric buses is due to arrive next year.
“Anyone using the Southern Vectis app for the first time on World Car Free Day will have access to a 10 percent discount on a 24 Hour Rover and 24 Hour Rover + Breezer tickets – so they will have unlimited travel at a reduced rate for the entire day.
Article continues below this advertisement “We’re looking forward to welcoming new passengers on-board next Monday – and we are fully confident they will enjoy the experience enough to travel with us again many times in the future.”
Those taking advantage of the World Car Free Day offer can download the special Rover on the Southern Vectis app using the code CARFREE25. Even those wishing to take just a single journey can still take advantage of the £3 fare cap, which is currently in place for travel across the Southern Vectis network.
For more information about Southern Vectis, visit islandbuses.info.
I would love to go car free on Monday but the combination of Island Roads closing a main bus route(7) for an expected 6 months and the Southern Vectis diversion missing out a good area of West Wight it is the car for me until February at least.
I have appealed to Southern Vectis to see if they could use an alternative diversion that would take in Norton Green and Norton (including Norton Grange where there are a lot of upset holidaymakers who booked there on the understanding of the bus route) but not even the courtesy of a reply.
Think I will be going BUS Free !!
Bugger off more bloody control bullshit netzero bollocks.
Just wait until they mandate digital ID’s
You wouldn’t believe they are letting the b oats in
just so they can persuade people digital ID’s will
solve the problem
Bit like the J abs, safe and effective!
How about a van free day too
Lol
Would if drivers were more welcoming to disabled people
They are too busy standing outside vaping or smoking
Would love 2,but I only get 1 bus a day,Monday to Wednesday, no good to me
If they really cared about the environment the buses would be cheaper.
Spot on.
Iv got to pick up copper pipe and fittings
Could you stop off while I get my order? The accommodate me and my 12 x 3mtr lengths on your bus?
I don’t think so
3 customers dotted around Cowes in the morning. Ryde for 4.30pm all while carrying 2 heavy work bags!! I don’t think so!!