By Isle of Wight Observer
FYTbus is the local voluntary bus service for the West Wight.
My team has been very busy over the past year preparing for the launch of our new bus service. Four weeks ago, we started the final preparations for our new bus route launch.
After months of preparation, there was still a lot to do. Last year we installed electric vehicle chargers at our depot and for the last eight months, our new electric bus has been running on our existing A and B morning routes. Now we were preparing for the launch of our new route E, to run on weekday afternoons from Bouldner, through Yarmouth and Freshwater onto Totland and the Needles. This is one of two trials being supported by Solent Transport’s Future Transport Zone Personal Mobility Programme. Local Authority approval of the new route was in place and an application was made to the Traffic Commissioners.
With three weeks to launch, testing of the new app-based booking system was ongoing, driver training was in hand, essential equipment was purchased and new timetables were designed.
Two weeks before the launch, equipment was installed, new timetables printed, press releases prepared, the launch event was organised and invitations issued.
We faced some last-minute hitches in the week before the launch. The automatic door on the electric bus failed, the Post Office could not deliver the 6,500 timetables we had printed for all the properties on the West Wight until after the launch, the catering company was overbooked, parking spaces had not been reserved and approval from the Traffic Commissioners had not arrived.
All these were overcome. The press releases were issued and final arrangements for the launch event were made.
We had a great turnout for our launch at the West Wight Leisure Centre in Freshwater, with HM Lord-Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, unveiling the new FYTbus afternoon service. Recalling a similar event 12 years ago when FYTbus started and another in 2016 when FYTbus received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, she applauded the efforts of the volunteers and the importance of the service that they offer to local people. Bob Seely, MP for the Isle of Wight, spoke of the importance of maintaining local public transport services and using the latest technology to provide an efficient and personalised service.
The FYTbus team is determined to let you know that the service is open to everyone, not just bus pass holders, but all West Wight residents and visitors. FYTbus is a community bus service run by Wight Community Access Ltd, a registered charity based in Totland. It serves the West Wight covering the Freshwater, Yarmouth and Totland areas, which gives the service its name.
Established in 2011 by local residents concerned about the reduction of regular bus services in the area, FYTbus has received the support of local authorities and the National Lottery to establish a truly local transport service for residents and visitors of all ages. We now run three regular local bus routes using diesel and electric minibuses and also provide hospital and school transport, and shopping trips to Newport and Cowes.
FYTbus’s innovative approach doesn’t stop with the new booking system. To complement the new electric bus, we plan to install photovoltaic panels on the roof of our depot and store the electricity this provides for use in the bus.
Bookings can be made by using the FYTbus App which you can find by using the QR code, visiting the website fytbus.org.uk or by calling our office on 01983 752917. The system is designed to make it really easy to use.