Great Scenic Journeys UK Open Top Bus Cup 2024

Go-Ahead’s Southern Vectis team wins the 2024 Great Scenic Journeys UK Open Top Bus Cup for ‘The Needles Breezer,’ Britain’s favourite open top bus route.

Go-Ahead is delighted to celebrate the victory of ‘The Needles Breezer,’ operated by Southern Vectis, in the prestigious Great Scenic Journeys UK Open Top Bus Cup 2024. Selected from over 250 routes across the UK, the iconic circular route claimed an overwhelming 79% of votes in the final round of public voting.

‘The Needles Breezer’ showcases the best of the Isle of Wight’s natural beauty, connecting Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Fort Victoria Country Park, and The Needles Landmark Attraction at Alum Bay. This breathtaking route has been a fixture on the island since June 1954, delighting tourists and locals alike with its stunning views and heritage appeal.

As one of the island’s largest employers, our operating company Southern Vectis is proud to support local tourism and highlight the Isle of Wight’s unique charm. The award not only recognises the exceptional service provided by its team but also underscores the enduring popularity of open-top bus tours as a quintessential British experience.

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It’s great that this wonderful service has been recognised in this competition. In last year’s final, our New Forest Tours and Toon Tour were represented. It is fantastic to see another of our routes in the final and the win is well deserved.

Martin Dean

Go-Ahead’s Managing Director, Regional Bus

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I am thrilled that ‘The Needles Breezer’ has won this competition. An open top bus trip offers pure old-fashioned fun which people enjoy. Our drivers are friendly, helpful and very experienced with offering tourist advice. The route has some of the most stunning views to offer in the UK and I would encourage everyone to come and have a ride.

Andrew Wickham

Managing Director, Southern Vectis