Champagne shock for bus fan Tina

ISLAND Coachways yesterday welcomed on board its 1,500,000th passenger of the year.

Tina Smith, 46 (pictured), a regular user of the service, was presented with a bottle of champagne and travel card by deputy Environment minister Jenny Tasker.

Passenger numbers have increased dramatically, by 73% since 2000. Island Coachways managing director Hannah Beacom put that down to islanders being more aware of their travelling options.

'The big growth has been at commuter times,' she said. 'I like to think it's down to the service and the staff. We are reliable and affordable.'

Mrs Smith said she had been using public transport for most of her life.

'I get the bus all the time,' she said. 'It's good transport and I like using it as it gets me to the places I need to go. I'm pleased with them. The bus drivers are very pleasant and friendly.'