New Service 33 to reconnect Havenstreet with Island bus network

Residents, visitors and businesses are benefitting from improved transport links as Southern Vectis launched its new Service 33 between Newport and Ryde via Havenstreet on Sunday 27 September.

The new route reconnects Havenstreet with the Island's bus network, providing links to Newport, Ryde and the wider Island network for work, education, healthcare, shopping and leisure. 

Service 33 has been introduced through a partnership between Southern Vectis, Isle of Wight Council, Havenstreet & Ashey Parish Council and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, which have worked together to bring the new service to the community.

To mark the launch, representatives from the organisations gathered in Havenstreet alongside one of the buses that will operate the route.

Richard Tyldsley, general manager of Southern Vectis, said "We are pleased to be introducing Service 33 and providing Havenstreet with a direct bus link to Newport, Ryde and the wider Island network.

"The new route will make it easier for people to get to work, education, appointments, shopping and leisure activities, while also helping visitors travel to and from the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

"We've worked closely with Isle of Wight Council, Havenstreet & Ashey Parish Council and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to make this service possible."

Stewart Chandler, transport strategy manager at Isle of Wight Council, said: “We’re really excited to see the Service 33 launch to further support one of our more isolated rural communities on the Isle of Wight.

“This is one of a wider programme of enhancements that we’re introducing to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Island’s bus network and that our local service offer remains at the high standard that our residents expect.

"We've built upon an extensive public consultation which was undertaken during the preparation of the Island Transport Plan. During that consultation, residents identified improvements to local bus services, increased service frequencies and better connectivity as key transport priorities.

"We've heard this loud and clear from residents and we're proud to have taken this action to address these priorities."

Tony Barry, chair of Havenstreet & Ashey Parish Council, added: "This is fantastic news for Havenstreet and the surrounding areas along the route. For too long the village has been without a public transport service, leaving some people feeling isolated and facing difficult and often expensive journeys to reach community services and shops. Our new bus service is bringing real benefits for many and also give vastly improved access to businesses, visitor attractions and care facilities in the area.

“I’m amazed that the Parish Council Bus Service Campaign has succeeded in just over 12 months, far exceeding my expectations. I’m grateful to everyone who has contributed towards the return of our bus service – Southern Vectis, The Isle of Wight Council, the Steam Railway and the numerous individuals that have helped to get us back on the bus network.”

In addition to serving local residents, Service 33 provides a convenient link to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, helping visitors travel to one of the Island's most popular attractions by public transport.

Marc Morgan-Huws, general manager of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Southern Vectis and IW Council to return bus services to Havenstreet and of course, the IW Steam Railway specifically.  

“As well as providing a second bus connection for our trains, the new 33 provides a great new means to visit our Whistle stop Cafe at Havenstreet."  

Additional journeys will operate at weekends, on public holidays and during school holidays.