Latest news with #Vannin
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Future of bus route to Isle of Man beauty spot being reviewed
The future of bus services to a folk village and beauty stop at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Man is being reviewed, the infrastructure minister has Vannin's seasonal service to Cregneash and the Sound was last run in summer 2023 but was pulled after being deemed not financially decision has been branded "short-sighted" by Arbory and Rushen Commissioners, and faced criticism for being at odds with the Manx government's tourism growth Michelle Haywood said she was "definitely intending that there should be some level of service down there". The latest updates to timetables published by the government-owned bus company does not include the operator had previously applied to the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) to withdraw the RTLC has confirmed it has been advised by the Attorney General's Chambers that it had no legal powers to stop the bus operator from terminating the service, and only a formal letter of notification from Bus Vannin of its intention to scrap it was needed. 'Real need' Prior to her appointment to the post of infrastructure minister Haywood, who is MHK for the area, had criticised the decision to pull the services completely in a statement this week, Arbory and Rushen Commissioners said both Cregneash and the Sound were "key" tourist sites, and the service played a "critical role" in allowing access to a "stunning" part of the on the current situation, Haywood said she had "a lot of sympathy" with the views expressed and had called for a "full review"."I see a real need for a bus service that goes to Cregneash and then down to the Sound as well," she said."It's an immensely popular spot for people to visit and it's a real shame that we don't have public transport that serves it."I'm definitely reviewing the situation, I'm definitely intending that there should be some level of service down there." Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
09-04-2025
- BBC News
Mobility scooter users can apply to use bus route in Manx capital
Users of some mobility scooters can now apply for the right to use a bus route that operates from the city centre to the outskirts of the Isle of Man's Vannin users of the class 2 vehicles would undergo boarding and awareness training before being issued a permit to use the services on route 21 from government-owned operator said the scooter had not previously be allowed due to "inconsistent manoeuvrability" and issues with boarding on a number of Eric Corkish, who first called for a rule change in 2019, said while the time it had taken was "ridiculous", it would make a "big difference" to those eligible to use it. Anyone who would like to use the route need to complete the relevant paperwork, including providing details of the scooter, and undertake boarding and awareness user will then be issued with an identity card to be able to travel on the route, which starts at Lord Street in the capital, and visits Pulrose, Anagh Coar, Noble's Hospital, Vicarage Road and the Isle of Man Business government said data would be gathered from the scheme would be used when considering any future expansion of the scheme. Mr Corkish, who's left leg was amputated in 1994 due to blocked artery, said while he was fortunate enough to be able to drive, it was more expensive than taking the bus and "not everyone can drive to get about because of their disability".The Ramsey resident said a trial, which allowed him to board buses on his scooter from September 2019 to January 2020, gave him the chance to use more facilities on the island, such as the National Sport Centre in scooter user said while the service on the number 21 route was a "good move" that he would be applying to use, he saw "absolutely no reason" why it could not be rolled out across the had been "a long time coming", as "up until now I've been able to use my scooter to reach the steps of a plane but I can't ride a bus using it", he said. Improving accessibility Class 2 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph (6.4km/h) and cannot be used on a road unless there is no of Infrastructure political member Dawn Kinnish MLC said the new service would "ensure greater inclusivity" and allow the operator to gather data to help shape future services. Kinnish, who is also chairman of the government's Accessibility Steering Group, said she welcomed work by the Highway Services Division to introduce 30 new kerbs allowing step-free access between buses and pavements at suitable stops across the island over the next 12 raised kerbs were designed to assist those with mobility or access needs but also include a tactile finish to "help people with a visual impairment", she government has confirmed no other routes have currently been earmarked for a further widening of the scheme. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
