THE ISLE OF WIGHT BUS AND RAIL USERS' GROUP IS A VOLUNTARY BODY, ESTABLISHED IN 1985 AND MEETING EACH MONTH IN NEWPORT.
The group exists to promote the interests of bus and rail users in the Island and to campaign for improvements in public transport. We work to improve the lot of those for whom it is a necessity and to encourage its wider use.
Over the years since 1985 considerable improvements have been made to the quality of vehicles - engine performance, seating comfort, etc., - and many local bus service links introduced, or revisions to routes made. Both Summer and Winter timetables have been enhanced through Southern Vectis initiatives and also local authority discussions.
We have a good working relationship with the operators and with the Local Authority officials.
Our interests range from the general, such as concessionary fares, to the particular, such as co-ordination between bus and ferry services and Island Line trains, down to the detail of specific routes in local districts.
We hold members' meetings every month in Newport and twice a year - (normally January and July) - we organise a public meeting, where representatives of the bus and train operators and the council attend to address the public, answer questions and outline service changes.
This forum has been well attended and found to be mutually beneficial, providing a unique link "face-to-face" between passenger, operator and council. We are trying to help bus users or potential bus users. You can help by joining or by attending a meeting to express your viewpoint.
Annual membership (usually Feb to Feb when we hold our AGM) is just £5.00 (or £7.00 for two people living at the same address) & application forms are available at members' meetings, although new members are welcome to join at any time of the year.
Membership Secretary: Mr John Yunnie, 17 Whitehead Crescent, Wootton Bridge, RYDE, Isle of Wight, PO33 4JF. (Tel. 01983 885145).
Affiliated to Bus Users UK since 1989 and Railfuture.
A recent response from our MP: