25 February 2010
Alex Carter, Managing Director of bus operator Wilts & Dorset, has confirmed that the company has withdrawn their 3rd year of full title sponsorship of the Bournemouth Air Festival. The decision was influenced by a reduction in the amount of money the bus company gets from the Government’s concessionary travel scheme to fund free travel on buses by the scheme’s pass holders.
’It is with great regret that we are unable to commit to title sponsorship of this year’s Air Festival. We have looked very carefully at our financial options as a result of the unexpected six figure shortfall we now face. The loss of revenue is the equivalent to the salary of 7 bus drivers and with rising operational costs we must look to preserve front line jobs.’
Wilts & Dorset, owned by the Go Ahead Group, is one of many national bus operators concerned that the loss of revenue resulting from the compulsory concessionary travel scheme will eventually force the closure of more routes that become loss making.
Added Alex: ’We have passionately supported the Air Festival from the start, and I’m so pleased we put our names to it. It has been great for my company, great for transport and given us real profile. We’re simply taking a step back from our title position and plan to play a continuing role this year and in the years to come. We shall be delighted to continue to work with the Air Festival team in a Festival Partner role, and we are looking forward to this summer’s event.’
Wilts & Dorset Bus Company Ltd: Registered in England No. 1671355 Registered Office: 41-51 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6EE
