'It's surreal we've made our bus campaign a reality'

Members of the Save Our Cregneash Bus group used the service on Saturday

A campaigner who fought for the return of a key bus connecting Isle of Man beauty spots has said it was "surreal" to finally board the new service.

Christa-Marion Viohl started the Save Our Cregneash Bus after the Department of Infrastructure scrapped the seasonal 28 route last year on financial grounds.

On Saturday a new 8S route from Peel to The Sound, via the airport and Cregneash, was launched along with the 8, which runs in the opposite direction.

Ms Viohl, who took a taxi to Peel to take the maiden voyage, said it was "somehow surreal" being onboard and urged people to "use it or lose it".

She said there were about 13 people on the first journey, with campaigners on later services reporting up to 20.

The new route runs between Peel and The Sound

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.