'It's surreal we've made our bus campaign a reality'
She said there were about 13 people on the first journey, with campaigners on later services reporting up to 20.
However, she said she remained concerned that an expected drop in passenger numbers during the winter months could lead to the service being cut again.While the campaign group's aim had been fulfilled, it would now work to advertise the route and ensure that members of the public were aware of it, she said. The service travels via St John's, Foxdale, Silverdale, Ballasalla, the airport, Castletown, Port Erin, Port St Mary and Cregneash.Ms Viohl pointed out how the route serves the historic and scenic sites of Peel and St John's in addition to Cregneash and The Sound."It's not just a plain bus trip, you can actually have an experience," she said."It is not just about being able to see these historical and archaeological sites, but it is about connecting the residents who live in the area."This is a community issue now and it is good to see that residents and the wider community, including bus drivers, are passionate about it."Protests from the pressure group, as well as local authorities in the area, led to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood committing to review the withdrawal of a previous service to Cregneash and the new route was announced in June.
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