On Monday, Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, attended the ‘first service’ of a volunteer-led community bus programme in Freshwater in West Wight. Mr Turner, a long time supporter of the scheme, attended the launch ceremony and then travelled on the first bus to his next appointment.

The brainchild of Michael Craig and Adrian Harris, the ‘Freshwater, Yarmouth, and Totland Bus’ (the FYT Bus) has been set up with lottery funding to specifically serve the West Wight following a reduction in commercial and subsidised services. Initially there will be two bus routes each with a dedicated minibus in and around the West Wight area. The buses will each have two staff to drive and assist passengers and will be manned by trained volunteers as a non-profit making organisation. Eventually the aim is to put on another route served by an additional minibus. In order to promote usage of the service all journeys will initially be free of charge.
In January, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Norman Baker MP, will officially launch the FYT Bus Service at a ceremony in Freshwater.
Mr Turner commented :
“This is a genuinely excellent initiative, driven by some creative thinking and a determination to provide services to the community who lost out when previous services were withdrawn. With the help of some lottery funding, the scheme has come to fruition and shows what can be achieved. The fact that a Government minister is taking the time to come and officially launch this service serves to underline its great value. I heartily congratulate Michael, Adrian and all the volunteers and wish the FYT Bus every success.”
ENDS Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808