Southern Vectis is urging bus passengers in rural parts of the Isle of Wight to ensure drivers can see them when they are waiting at unlit stops.
As winter approaches, and with the clocks going back this weekend, more journeys will be made in the dark – and the local operator is keen to ensure drivers can see those wishing to board.
Southern Vectis head of communications, Nikki Honer.
“Not all bus stops on the island are lit – especially those in more rural areas.
“Anyone wearing dark clothes and standing still whilst waiting for their bus may not be seen.
“We are asking people to help our drivers at these unlit stops to see them, by shining a light onto the road, and gradually rotating it as the bus approaches – being careful not to shine it into our driver’s eyes.
“Many people have a torch on their phones, but we understand if not everybody is able to make themselves seen. Our drivers will still pay extra attention to help ensure customers are able to board during the darker mornings and evenings.”
Southern Vectis customers are reminded that the clocks are going back this weekend – Sunday 29th October.
For more information about a career with Southern Vectis, visit islandbuses.info
Suggest SVOC make sure hedges are cut back at country bus stops so passengers can be seen any time of day. The stop at the top of St lawrence Shute is completely invisible if you are catching the bus to Newport. To be seen you actually have to stand in the road.
They always used to say, wear something light at night, not only the bus drivers need to see you but other motorists too, especially those who drive faster than conditions permit.
An additional problem for fellow drivers is when ethnics are waiting in poorly lit bus stops. Perhaps Burkas ought to be made of fluorescent material for Winter wear.
I find that remark offensive and in very poor taste. IE, please remove it.
Just because YOU or anyone else finds something ‘offensive’ doesn’t necessarily mean that remark isn’t true.
Cyclists would soon be ostracized if they wore dark clothing so it OUGHT to be a case of when in Rome for these coloured people if they wish to be seen in the dark, wear something lighter or, as the article says shine a light, face it, the phone is rarely out of their hands, so no hardship
Safety ignores the overplayed race card and all should do their bit to help.
I prefer some sexy reflective ankle bracelets
Unknown why Southern Vectis cannot put PRV solar lights at these bus stops… that would keep the visibilty , or issue reflective arm bands…with pocket for bus pass
Carry a torch and wave it at the bus but not in the drivers eyes, we did this as kids during the war
We could try and build some lights around bus stops? And more places to actually seat, not just lean?
They do it all the time in little villages in Eastern Europe from EU levelling fund. Now that we had Brexit, surely we can start levelling up our own infrastructure?
Wear an Hi-vis simple.
Can be purchased very cheaply on Ebay