Author: simon
Bestival Bus Service: Highly Recommended
Thursday, 18th September, 2008 at 8:38 am, Isle of Wight
Wow, what a revelation.
On the Sunday of Bestival, we were looking for another method for getting to Bestival after having (just) got out of the car park on Saturday evening (man, did we sleep soundly that night!).
We opted to take the Bestival Bus after having heard good things about the service over the previous days.
After waiting for about two minutes, the bus arrived. With a cheery welcome from the bus driver, we coughed up our very reasonable £2 and took our seats.
Within what felt like no time at all (about ten mins) we were being dropped off at the top of Robin Hill.
What a great service. The bus drivers there and back were friendly, jolly and very accommodating - showing visitors to the Island what a friendly lot we can be. Well done Southern Vectis.
Image: Caiusp
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September 18th, 2008 at 9:23 am
The bus service was great and drivers helpful and friendly but it ended too early. 12.30 was the latest buses which was fine if you are only interested in the Main Stage but Bestival is much more than that - with many of the best acts and djs on well into the morning (for example this year I would have missed Neon Neon, Lethal Bizzle and Aphex Twin if relying on bus).
I think next year some kind of service should be offered ’till atleast 2.30 am. What do you say Rob / Southern Vectis?
September 21st, 2008 at 10:30 am
The problem with providing later services is that they are very expensive. Our experience is that we get a couple of people wanting the West Wight, a few for Ventnor, the same for Seaview, etc. That means we have to keep drivers on at premium rates for a few quid here and there. It also means that we end up needing to bring in more drivers from the mainland, who in turn cost us for accomodation etc.
This year we reduced the planned Islandwide fare from £4 to £3, but if we rann through the nights that would have to rise. The issue then is that the vast majority end up paying more for the few.
Nevertheless, we are looking at providing a more structured and timetabled evening service for next year, and that may well add a single later journey to most places later on.