The first new £5.8 million school buses hit the road (From Daily Echo)

The first new £5.8 million school buses hit the road

9:59am Thursday 11th October 2012 in News

The first 17 of 37 new state of the art buses purchased by Southern Vectis are now in service for the renewed school bus contract following agreement with the Isle of Wight Council.

One of the new UK built single deck Optare Solo, compete with seat belts, on board CCTV, electronic destination displays and automatic vehicle location equipment installed, was inspected by students of Medina College as part of the launch of new vehicles.

The new fleet, including the 20 double deckers due for delivery in December, represents an investment of £5.8 million by the Go Ahead Group owned bus operator.

Andrew Wickham, managing director Southern Vectis, said that the company is delighted to introduce the buses, in a new Blue Vectis livery, to support the eight year contract.

He said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide home to school transport. It is not only good news for the pupils and the schools we serve but for the job security of the 70 staff who keep the service on the road.

“The new buses will also be available to community groups running volunteer buses when those are not required for the school lift.”

Councillor Dawn Cousins, cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "Through this contract with Southern Vectis the council is investing in better buses for children and young people whom we have a statutory responsibility to transport to school on the Island - with CCTV, seatbelts and digital destination displays featured on the buses as standard.

“I am pleased our partnership with Southern Vectis is resulting in improved transport, thus ensuring safe travel to and from school."

Nathan Thomas, head teacher at Medina College added: “I am very pleased to see the improvements in the bus service and this will impact positively on pupils feeling safe and happy on their journey to school.”