Isle of Man Travel, Traffic and Motoring News

British Airways new agreement with Loganair to operate Isle of Man London City service

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 17:18:40 GMT

British Airways flights from the Isle of Man will be operated by partner airline Loganair from this autumn.

The airline has signed a new lease agreement with Loganair to operate the important airlink between the Isle of Man and London City from September 1 this year when the current agreement with Eastern Airways comes to an end.

British Airways is leasing a Saab 2000 aircraft from Loganair, who currently operate as a codeshare partner on the airline’s Highlands and Islands services in Scotland.

Luke Hayhoe, British Airways’ general manager commercial and customer, said:

‘We’re delighted to enter into a partnership with Loganair, the two companies have had a business relationship for over quarter of a century.

'The new lease agreement will ensure customers in the Isle of Man have a punctual and reliable service to London City Airport on three daily services, with onward connections to 31 destinations operated by British Airways direct from the Docklands airport.'

Loganair managing director, Jonathan Hinkles said:

'We’re very much looking forward to expanding our partnership with British Airways through this new arrangement to operate the Isle of Man’s flagship service to London City. I’m also pleased that Loganair will continue to support important jobs in the community through the local employment of pilots and cabin crew in the Isle of Man to fly the route.'

Sea Terminal car park to be redesigned and resurfaced

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:48:10 GMT

The main car park at the front of the Sea Terminal in Douglas is to be redesigned and resurfaced in a project due to begin in early September.

The scheme aims to create a safer route for passengers walking between the Sea Terminal and Peveril Square by installing a new footway from the front doors of the building to the pelican crossing.

The new design will feature 38 car park spaces, the same number as the existing car park, plus four electric vehicle charging points. The existing taxi rank and passenger drop-off area will also be accommodated.

Preparatory works will begin in mid-August when the lines in the car park are removed using a machine on hire from off-Island while it is here to support the surface dressing programme currently taking place around the Island.

The car park will remain without lines for around three weeks until the main project gets underway immediately after the Festival of Motorcycling. Normal disc-zone restrictions will apply during this period and motorists are requested to park their vehicles responsibly.

European Union (Maldives Sanctions) Order 2018 and Maldives Sanctions Regulations 2018

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 14:18:44 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise a new sanctions regime in respect of the Maldives.

On 16 July 2018, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Regulation (EU) 2018/1001 imposing restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives, as well as persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses.

The European Union (Maldives Sanctions) Order 2018 which comes into operation today applies the EU instrument to the Island with certain modifications. The Maldives Sanctions Regulations 2018 also coming into operation today, establish the penalties for offences in relation to the EU Regulation and provide that the Treasury may issues licences to authorise certain activities permitted under the EU Regulation.

To date, no individuals or entities have been included in Annex I of the Regulation.

Details of the sanctions regime are contained in Sanctions Notice 48.

Zip Trip app to improve service for bus passengers

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:01:13 GMT

An app developed by Ticketer in collaboration with Bus Vannin is set to transform the way people get around the Island by bus.

Zip Trip provides a range of features designed to make it easier for customers to get to their destinations, including detailed route information, live departure times and how to find your nearest bus stop.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘Zip Trip is a great tool for our passengers and caters for a range of customer needs. Tourists, for example, who may not know exactly where they are, will be able to use the free bus wifi and track themselves on the map. And commuters who have had a long day at work and fancy a little nap on the way home can set an alert to make sure they don’t sleep past their stop.’

Ian Longworth, Director of Transport Services, said:

‘We have had an exciting year so far, with the introduction of Traveline journey planner, then contactless payment on buses and now Zip Trip. A future development is set to include ticket sales available through Zip Trip – and reinforces how we continue to put customers’ needs first.’

Zip Trip can be downloaded on all Apple's App Store or via Google Play.

For further information, contact the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas by calling +44 1624 662525 or get in touch with Isle of Man Transport on facebook.com/IoMTransport or Twitter @iombusandrail

Patient Transfer pilot scheme to be undertaken in collaboration with Bus Vannin

Wed, 25 Jul 2018 16:29:36 GMT

The Patient Transfer Office at Noble’s Hospital is piloting a new service in conjunction with Bus Vannin for people who need to travel off-Island for a healthcare appointment.

From Monday 30 July, patients who live in the north of the Island and currently have their on-Island travel funded by the Department of Health and Social Care will be picked up at home and taken to Isle of Man Airport or the Sea Terminal in Douglas by Bus Vannin.

The return minibus service will start at 5am each day and enable patients on the earliest departures to arrive in plenty of time to catch their flight or sailing.

If the pilot proves successful, the service will be extended to all patients, and their travelling companions, across the Island in September.

For further information, contact the Patient Transfer Office at Noble’s Hospital by emailing patient.transfers@gov.im

Celebration of our Island’s Heritage Transport with action-packed five-day Festival

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 14:36:24 GMT

Isle of Man Railways are busy finalising the last details of preparation for an exciting programme of events in this year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival.

The festival promises to be the best year yet which starts next week and runs from the 25 to 29 July. Government employees together with volunteers have worked together to put on this busy calendar of events.

Events Co-ordinator Anji Street said:

‘Last year’s Manx Heritage Transport Festival was a great success and this year is set to be better yet!’

‘We have pulled out all the stops in order to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the last train on the northern line. To mark the occasion, a locomotive and foxdale carriage will be position on the old track outside the original Manx Northern Station Building at Kirk Michael. This will be available to view all day on the 25 July 2018. This will be the first time since the closure of the line in 1968 that a locomotive has visited the station! So it’s a great photo opportunity’.

But that’s not all, Isle of Man Transport have another 32 events packed into the 5 days. These include Vintage Bus Tours and running days, Free guided walks, illustrated talks and social evening, photograph tours to name just a few.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will also feature enhanced services during the weekend. With an open afternoon on Saturday 28 July, giving an opportunity to meet the trammers in their stables at Summer Hill followed by an opportunity to ride the Broadway lights to the Victoria Pier on a parallel run at 4pm.

Further information on all the events can be found in the Manx Heritage Transport Festival leaflet.

available from www.rail.im or from the Welcome Centre, Derby Castle booking office and main stations.

There are restricted places on some special services so early booking is advised. Go cards are valid for travel on scheduled services.

Stamps Celebrating Manx Electric Railway 125th Anniversary

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 10:27:24 GMT

In celebration of the Manx Electric Railway’s 125^th Anniversary this September, Isle of Man Transport has teamed up with Isle of Man Post Office to commission a set of six stamps featuring photographs from competition winners, which will be issued on Saturday 30 June 2018.

In August 2017, a competition was launched to find extraordinary images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts to help support the 125^thAnniversary of the heritage service.

Isle of Man Post office staff were overwhelmed by the quality of entries and four winners will have their photographs appear on the stamp collection. Runners-up photographs will be used on additional products that complete the collection, including a presentation pack, prestige booklet, decorative sheet and First Day Cover.

Competition winner Richard Pryke said:

‘It’s a great honour to be part of such a celebration and fantastic to see my image of this iconic Railway on a stamp. I am looking forward to becoming further involved in the Manx Electric Railway’s anniversary events’.

This stamp collection forms part of the celebrations of the landmark anniversary, which includes a festival organised by the Department of Transport from 1 – 8 September 2018.

Ian Longworth, Director of Isle of Man Transport, commented:

‘We are incredibly proud that the Isle of Man is home to rolling stock that features in the Guinness Book of Records for having the oldest trams in the world still operating on its original system. It’s great to see everyone embracing the anniversary and September promises to be a fantastic week of celebrations - I hope Island residents as well as tourists will enjoy the festival.’

Maxine Cannon, General Manager for Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said:

‘We have partnered with Isle of Man Transport on a number of their significant anniversaries, but the fact that these stamps feature images from Manx Electric Railway enthusiasts makes these very special. We are also particularly pleased that over the coming months these stamps will also be dispensed from our kiosks and counter network, replacing the current triskelion design’.

Keep up to date on all Manx Electric Railways celebrations and tickets by visiting www.rail.im or Isle of Man Transport Facebook and Twitter pages.

The stamp collection is available to pre-order now from www.iompost.com/MER125.

Record TT passenger figures for Isle of Man Transport

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 15:48:30 GMT

A total of 234,418 journeys were taken by passengers between Friday 25 May and Sunday 10 June, representing an increase of 22,968 journeys compared with the corresponding period last year.

Passenger figures across the Isle of Man’s heritage transport attractions were also exceptional during the TT fortnight with a combined total of 52,617 journeys taken on the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Trams and Steam Railway.

Transport	Passengers 2018	Passengers 2017	% Increase
bus vannin	234,418	211,450	11%
Manx Electric Railway	18,939	14,096	34%
Snaefell Mountain Railway	16,454	10,191	61%
Douglas Bay Horse Trams	8,739	7,202	21%
Steam Railway	8,485	7,980	6%
TOTAL	287,035	250,919	14%

The busiest day during TT 2018 was Tuesday 5 June when nearly 26,500 customers travelled by bus and rail. The combined revenue for Isle of Man Transport during the fortnight was £590,378.

Ian Longworth, Director of Isle of Man Transport, said:

‘What a fantastic 2018 TT. I believe the main reasons for our success this year has been the extra promotion of our unlimited travel Go Cards, the launch of contactless payments on buses and the simple online journey planner Traveline - all this sprinkled with great weather.

‘I personally would like to thank all employees of Isle of Man Transport for the hard work, commitment and extra hours they put in over the TT period.’

Jason Moorhouse, Member with political responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘This is another quite outstanding set of passenger figures for Isle of Man Transport.

‘Over the TT period a special timetable is put in place to meet the additional demand, including more frequent services and stops at popular campsites. Each year the department looks at ways to improve customer satisfaction, services and capacity. I know they are already working on 2019.’

Bus Vannin to provide flexible patient transport service

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 14:20:48 GMT

A new mini-bus service offering Island patients convenient transport between home and hospital will take to the roads from 1 July.

The contract for Patient Transport Services (PTS) has been awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care to Bus Vannin following a full tender process. The service had previously been provided by the Red Cross, and the Department has thanked the organisation, its staff and volunteers for their commitment over the past 10 years.

Bus Vannin currently operates a network of minibuses across the Island serving DHSC day centres and other facilities, and the patient transport service will become part of this operation. It is designed to offer more flexible pick-up times from home or the hospital, with less waiting around.

Patients will travel in Bus Vannin's new Mercedes Sprinter vehicles, equipped with wheelchair lifts and seats recommended by the charity Arthritis UK, designed to offer optimal comfort for patients who suffer from the condition.

In addition, Bus Vannin drivers have received specialist training to ensure they are up to date with current moving and handling procedures as well as first aid. The operator already provides transport for patients undergoing renal dialysis.

DHSC Minister David Ashford MHK said:

'It was time to have a fresh look at our patient transport. The Red Cross has done an excellent job over the past decade, and our decision to award the contract to Bus Vannin doesn't reflect any dissatisfaction. But I see a really positive opportunity to tap into the minibus service which Bus Vannin already operates and integrate these journeys between home and our hospitals.

'Instead of set pick-up times, the new operation will be more flexible in responding to individual needs – which means patients won't have to wait too long after being dropped off at the hospital for their appointments, or afterwards to go home.

He added:

'The drivers understand how to assist patients and ensure their journeys are as comfortable as possible – their training has been a priority. Patients shouldn't see any change in the way they are met and assisted by staff when the new contract begins on 1 July. We are working with the Department of Infrastructure to provide this essential service – it's a joined-up approach which I'm confident will serve us well.'

Bookings for the new service will be taken by a team at Noble's Hospital while journey schedulers at Bus Vannin will plan routes and pick-up times using a specialist software system.

Pack with care and be prepared for airport security

Wed, 30 May 2018 07:56:42 GMT

Passengers travelling through Isle of Man Airport are being urged to check the guidance on hand luggage and help keep security screening queues to a minimum both on and off-Island.

The following advice has been issued ahead of the bank holiday weekend, TT fortnight and busy summer season in support of guidance issued by the UK Department for Transport.

Carefully packing bags at home and carrying only essential items in hand luggage can help reduce the need for lengthy manual checks at security.

Passengers are reminded that when flying from IoM and UK airports:

Liquids, gels and pastes should be packed into hold baggage where possible. If carried in hand luggage, they should be in containers that hold 100ml or less, and packed into a sealed, clear plastic bag (maximum 1 litre capacity) which must be placed in the tray at security
Food or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage, they can obstruct images on the X-Ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items – so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. Passengers who need to take these items on board should therefore allow extra time at security
Sharp items and tools cannot be carried in hand luggage at all.
Large electrical items such as laptops or tablets can be taken into the cabin, but must be removed from hand luggage at the search area and placed in the tray

Items that cannot be identified by the screening officers may be subject to further checks and in some cases may be rejected for travel. The full guidance, including a useful video guide is available.

Tim Baker, Member with responsibility for Ports, said:

‘This guidance not only helps ease queues at security, it can ensure your journey is a lot more straightforward and enjoyable.

‘We are all aware why the checks must take place, but sometimes it’s good to refresh people’s memories on exactly what is required of them when they arrive at an airport.

‘Please take the time to consider whether you’re correctly prepared and able to play your part in making the process as smooth as possible.’

A scheme aimed at improving the flow of passengers at Isle of Man Airport by creating an enlarged central search area is now well under way. The new entrance will be made operational after TT fortnight and new tray return equipment is scheduled to be ready for use by passengers towards the end of July. A second security line will open permanently from late-July, once the recruitment and training of staff is complete.

New warning light in Laxey

Thu, 24 May 2018 15:21:03 GMT

A new roadside warning system has been installed in Laxey.

Flashing amber lights now warn road users of oncoming trams approaching from the Ramsey direction at the Green's Garage level crossing on the A2 Ramsey Road.

The approach to the crossing previously involved an awkward angle for drivers travelling south to see trams approaching from the same direction.

The introduction of the new warning system demonstrates the Department's continued focus on road safety and the reduction of risk associated with the operation of the rail network.

Contactless payments launched on Island’s buses

Thu, 24 May 2018 09:49:27 GMT

Bus passengers will be able to pay their fares through contactless technology from tomorrow (Thursday 24 May).

All vehicles operated by Bus Vannin will offer the simple, safe and secure method of payment in time for the busy TT fortnight, when more than 175,000 passenger journeys are expected to be taken.

The development will provide customers with the option to use their contactless-enabled credit or debit Europay, Mastercard or Visa cards on the quick scan reader for sums not exceeding £30, in line with the system’s transaction limit, as well as through Apple Pay and Android Pay using mobile devices.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, Member with responsibility for Public Transport, said:

‘Simply place your card or device near the reader, collect your ticket and hop on board - what could be easier?

‘The introduction of contactless payments will improve public transport for both residents and visitors, and means customers in the Isle of Man can enjoy up to date technology solutions.’

Ian Longworth, Director of Transport Services, said:

‘Along with the introduction of the Traveline journey planner earlier this year, the launch of contactless technology on the Island’s buses reaffirms the Department’s commitment to providing customers with the most modern and efficient service as possible.’

For further information, contact the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas by calling 662525 or get in touch with Isle of Man Transport on facebook.com/IoMTransport or Twitter @iombusandrail

Three travel partners granted official status for TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:06:58 GMT

The Department for Enterprise has granted official partner status to three local companies to offer travel and accommodation services to visitors to the Isle of Man for the TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in 2019.

VisitIOM.co.uk, owned and operated by Mann Link Travel Ltd, Freedom Travel Isle of Man, and Terrific Travel Ltd, a company developed by Duke Marketing, were successful in their applications for licenses to provide official travel and accommodation services for the TT Races and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling.

The three companies replace Regency Travel who had been responsible for travel and accommodation services for the TT and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling since 2009.

The new travel and accommodation partners will fulfil enquiries from customers, liaise with travel operators and provide and maintain online bookings for a worldwide customer base. They will also provide customers with the facility to purchase tickets for Official TT and Classic TT experiences including VIP Hospitality and Grandstand tickets.

Rob Callister MHK, Political Member at the Department with responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport, said:

'It's great to see three strong local companies awarded official partner status for TT travel and accommodation services. Their proposals demonstrated the potential to deliver a quality visitor experience for both festivals and a clear understanding of the event and what is on offer to visitors.

'The three partners will work with the Department to encourage people to visit the Island by developing competitive travel packages and providing accessible customer support to ensure that their customers have a positive and enjoyable experience in the Isle of Man.'

The three partners will market official travel packages for the TT and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in 2019 under an official licence agreement.

Peter’s Railway author Chris Vine to teach youngsters about steam train travel

Wed, 30 May 2018 08:07:40 GMT

Chris Vine is visiting the Isle of Man for the third consecutive year to speak to schoolchildren about the Island’s steam railway.

The author behind the Peter’s Railway series visited several Island schools in 2016 and 2017 – and the trips proved so successful that Isle of Man Railways has invited him back.

Chris will spend this week with children from three primary schools: Rushen School, Victoria Road School and Henry Bloom Noble School.

Each school will enjoy a trip to Port Erin Railway Station and Museum, where Chris will give a talk before the children take a behind-the-scenes tour.

During the tour Chris will explain how tools and equipment are used, how locomotives function, how carriages are restored and maintained, and how signals operate. The children will also be given the opportunity to find out what it’s like to drive a train using the Diesel Train Simulator in Port Erin Museum.

Chris will pay a visit to each school to help them construct lengths of tracks, which will be put on display at Douglas Railway Station during Peter’s Railway Day on Saturday 19 May, the culmination of Chris’s visit. The family event, which is open to all, will include displays, a chance to ride on the locomotives, storytelling activity sheets and a chance to meet and chat with Chris.

Andy Cowie, Head of Engineering for Isle of Man Transport, said:

‘Chris’s previous visits have really captivated and inspired the children he met and we are delighted that he has returned to enthuse and educate more young people in the operation of our railway.’

'We're also delighted that in addition to working with the schools, there will be an opportunity for the whole community to get involved during Peter's Railway Day.'

For further information call the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas on +44 1624 662525 or get in touch online at:

Website: www.rail.im
Facebook: IoMTransport
Twitter: @iombusandrail

Replacement Peel Harbour Road Bridge design to go on display to the public

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:07:03 GMT

A scheme to replace Peel Harbour Road Bridge is scheduled to begin in September, planning approval pending.

The proposed design of the new bridge will be available for public viewing next week.

Plans will be on display at the Town Hall in Derby Road on Thursday 17 May from midday to 4pm, when officers from the Department of Infrastructure will be available to talk people through what is being planned and how the project will be run.

Planning approval is currently being sought for the scheme, which is scheduled to take 16 weeks.

While the new bridge is constructed, a temporary bridge will span the River Neb slightly downstream, with access gained through Peel marina boatyard. The single-lane carriageway will be under the operation of traffic lights for the duration of the scheme.

The work is essential as the current hardwood timber bridge, which was built in 1938, has reached the end of its life. A rolling maintenance programme has been in place since the 1990s, but further deterioration means it must be replaced.

The replacement bridge will be a single span structure with a concrete deck on steel beams and will continue to carry two lanes of traffic, along with a footpath.

Highway improvements will be made to the approaches in both directions and the load carrying capacity will increase from 20 to 44 tonnes.

The capital project is budgeted to cost £410,000.

Improvements to passenger experience at airport

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:07:16 GMT

Work is now under way on changes designed to reduce queueing times and improve the passenger experience while passing through security at the Isle of Man Airport.

Passengers may experience some noise while contractors work on the new entrance and enlarged central search area, although any disruption is being kept to a minimum.

Building work is scheduled to continue until late May, but will stop throughout TT fortnight when the Airport will be at its busiest.

Immediately after TT, the new entrance will be made operational, in order to enlarge the central search area to provide more space for passengers to prepare for security.

The final stage of the project will see the installation of a range of equipment aimed at improving the flow of passengers through the security process.

New tray return equipment is scheduled to be ready for use by passengers towards the end of July.

A second security line will open permanently from late-July, once the current recruitment and training of staff is complete.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘Our vision is that passengers will have a smooth and speedy flow through the Airport, and I thank people for their patience while the changes are made.

‘I hope that releasing this timeline of information will provide reassurance for passengers, and allow them to look forward to seeing the alterations take shape.’

Ann Reynolds, Director of Ports, added:

‘Opening the second security line will, of course, make a significant difference and the recruitment process is under way to allow this to be manned permanently – a three-shift rota, seven days a week. Security and previous employment checks are clearly a fundamental part of this process and training can only take place once this has been taken care of.’

Further updates on the project will be provided over the coming weeks.

Road tax consultation attracts more than 600 responses

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:08:10 GMT

More than 600 responses were received to a public consultation on the future of vehicle excise duty, commonly known as road tax.

The consultation was carried out by the Department of Infrastructure and featured a range of questions asking for people’s opinions on the collection of road tax and how the system may be modernised.

The collection of road tax has become increasingly complicated, with the current administration system containing more than 80 different payment categories. With discrepancies becoming more apparent, the Department is taking the opportunity to carry out a root and branch review of the issue.

A commitment was expressed within the consultation document to introduce road tax payments by instalments and to assess new licensing technology. Also included was an overview of how other countries achieve the revenue required to ensure their highways remain fit for purpose.

Significant findings raised by the consultation included:

84% were against taxing vehicles progressively more as they get older

Opinion was split over classic cars paying reduced road tax, as they currently do, with 54% in favour and 45% against

89% were against the introduction of a congestion charge to drive into major centres of population

The majority of respondents, 58%, expressed the view that road tax should not be used to influence people’s purchasing decisions

57% thought the maintenance of roads should continue to be funded through the collection of road tax, with 28% in favour of charging per mile driven

There was a firm desire among several respondents to keep any new or replacement system simple, and to avoid unnecessary complication

The results of the consultation are in the process of being considered and will help shape the development of policy in the future.

Kate Lord-Brennan MLC, Member with responsibility for highways, said:

‘The way we pay for the Island’s roads to be maintained is too complicated at present, and assessing the views of drivers and other roads users is crucial in forming a clear picture of how people want it to work. All feedback received during the consultation will be considered as the review progresses.’

Changes to Bus Timetable from 16 April 2018

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:08:15 GMT

Changes to bus vannin services will be introduced on Monday 16 April 2018.

The changes have been brought in to ensure bus vannin offer the best and most efficient service possible.

With the introduction of the new bus timetable the following primary changes to bus services take effect.

Service 1, 1H, 2, 2A, 9, 11, 12, 12A

Services 1H and 9 are to combine and will now be known as Service 10.

An additional Mondays to Saturdays journey departs Castletown at 0936 to serve Douglas town centre and the promenades.

Service 3, 3A, X3

A new Mondays to Fridays 0800 departure from Ramsey as Service 3A operates daily serving Laxey at 0823.

Monday to Sunday departure times from Ramsey after 0800 are revised by 5 minutes to leave at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour.

All Service X3 journeys serve the IOM Business Park.

Service 4, 4C, 29

Daytime Mondays to Saturdays Service 4 and 4C journeys are re-timed to depart Douglas (Lord Street) at 17 minutes past the hour with the corresponding departures from Niarbyl at 10 minutes past the hour and Castletown at 15 minutes past the hour.

The Tuesdays and Fridays morning Service 29 departs Banks Circus at 1005 and operates 5 minutes earlier throughout.

Connecting journeys between Castletown and Peel are still available by changing buses at Foxdale School.

A different timetable operates on the 6 Saturdays during the summer school holidays to provide through journeys from Castletown to Peel return. On these 6 Saturdays connections between Douglas and Peel/Niarbyl or Douglas and Castletown take place at Foxdale School.

Service 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6C

Daytime Service 5 Mondays to Fridays journeys arriving in Ramsey extend from the Bus Station to serve the Cottage Hospital.

Service 5 journeys between Peel and Ramsey will serve Ballawattleworth.

The daytime Mondays to Sundays departure time from Ramsey is changed from 30 to 10 minutes past the hour with resultant changes to daytime buses from Peel to Douglas.

Service 21, 21A, 21B

To provide a direct service from Pulrose to central Douglas, all Mondays to Sundays journeys from Anagh Coar to Douglas operate via Springfield Road, Heather Crescent, Hazel Crescent, Alder Road and Pulrose Road to Pulrose Bridge and not via Groves Road.

New stops are at Springfield Road (between the junctions with Springfield Avenue), Alder Road opposite the bus shelter and on Pulrose Road opposite the Golf Club.

The 2310 Service 21 departure from Douglas (Lord Street) continues to operate via Groves Road on the return from Anagh Coar.

New timetables are now available to view on www.bus.im, call +44 1624 662525 or use the Simply Go Journey Planner.

Public views sought on road safety priorities

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:08:28 GMT

Priorities around road safety are the focus of an online public engagement exercise which is currently under way on the Isle of Man Government’s Dialogue website.

Feedback supplied during the exercise will help to inform the development of a Road Safety Strategy for the Island.

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey MHK said:

‘Issues around road safety are fundamental to our everyday lives, affecting how we move around and enjoy the Island.

‘Looking at ways we can make matters safer is always a positive move and I encourage people to take the time to provide feedback and help shape the Road Safety Strategy.’

The engagement exercise will run until April 30. After registering, users are able to add ideas of their own, read other people's ideas, comment on contributions and rate suggestions, in the same way as last year’s SAVE programme.

The intention is to build a picture of the main themes people would like to see addressed and their ideas on how this can be achieved.

Local issues at specific locations should be reported as normal by using the Department of Infrastructure’s reportaproblem.im website.

Steam Railway services start on Friday

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:09:21 GMT

Spring is officially around the corner with the start of Isle of Man Steam Railway services on Friday 9 March 2018. They will be operating Thursdays to Sundays until the Easter holidays from both directions between Douglas and Port Erin.

The Dining Car steams back into action with Mothering Sunday lunch (11 March 2018) and tea services and a full programme of Dining Cars of the World fine dining evenings, murder mysteries and Sunday lunch services now booking throughout the season.

On Friday 6 April 2018 the first Commuter Club Train service of the year will depart Port Erin at 07.45. Residents in the south of the Island can let the train take the strain of their commute to work and enjoy a full breakfast or tasty bap served with tea or coffee on board the Dining Car carriages. The return Commuter Club trains depart Douglas at 17:45 and offer a selection of bar snacks such as curries, chilli and stews with a full selection of drinks including local ales available to purchase on board. Passengers can now pre-book for this service online via www.rail.im. The Commuter Club Trains will be operating on the first Friday of every month through to November plus during the TT Festival fortnight.

The full calendar of services including new Curry Club services can be found in the Dining Car leaflet available online and at all main stations. Bookings and enquiries should be made to Steamdining@gov.im or tel +44 1624 697457.

Jason Moorhouse, MHK responsible for the Transport Services Division of the Department of Infrastructure said:

'It will be great to see the Steam Railway back in action and I’m looking forward to a busy 2018 on the railways. 2017 season saw an amazing 22% increase in passenger numbers and we are planning to top this. I am already planning my first weekend adventure on the railway.'

Ian Bates, Head of Operations for Isle of Man Transport said

'We would like to remind everyone from a safety view point that all our railway lines are open, with training and maintenance already taking place, therefore please display extra caution especially around the crossing on both the Steam Railway and Electric Railway.'

Rush Hour on the Railways

Easter weekend will see four days of special events to be staged over all three railways – many of which can now be booked online for the first time via www.rail.im.

The exciting Rush Hour on the Railways takes place 30 March to 2 April 2018 and there are events suitable for all members of the family plus enthusiasts.