Local authority objects to scrapping of bus route

The number 28 route previously transported passengers between Port Erin and the Sound

A local authority in the south of the Isle of Man has voted to object to a bus route to a popular beauty spot being scrapped.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall announced the number 28 service linking Port Erin and the Sound would not continue in July.

At a meeting on Tuesday Port Erin Commissioners agreed to write to the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) to object to the revocation of the licence for the route.

In its submission it said the "convenience to the public would be greatly reduced" and it was in the "public interest for its retention to meet a social need".

Mr Crookall previously said the route was not “financially viable” and 929 passengers had used the weekday-only 2023 service compared to 3,202 who took advantage of the six-day service run in 2019.

Only 28% of the passengers who used the service last year had been fare-paying and the daily cost of running the route was in excess of £220 against the £33 in revenue taken each day, he said.

'Core service'

During the authority's September meeting, members raised concerns the move went against government's plans to boost visitor numbers and questioned why figures for unlimited travel Go Cards were not included.

The board's statement to the RTLC said it was "of the opinion that this is service is a core service with tourist attractions, both domestic and holiday residences, and businesses... and not a 'non-core' service as stated in the application".

"The convenience to the public would be greatly reduced with the removal of this service and that it is both necessary and in public interest for its retention to meet a social need," it added.

Members also agreed to contact other local authorities to encourage them to address the issue with the regulatory body responsible for public transport vehicles.