City centre to ferry terminal bus link reinstated

A bus link between Liverpool's Isle of Man Ferry Terminal and the city centre has been restored.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) said the shuttle service, now operated by Al's Coaches, restarted on Sunday and will serve passengers on all sailings.

The double-decker bus will stop at Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool One Bus Station, and the ferry terminal on Triskelion Way.

Jack Falkes, from Merseyside-based Al's Coaches, said the shuttle service would be "reactive" to any ferry delays and work around them for the benefit of passengers.

Situated at Princes Dock, the new ferry terminal is 875yd (800m) from its previous location at Pier Head.

The bus service begins two hours before any scheduled departure of the Douglas-bound Manannan fast craft.

It will leave from Skelhorne Street and complete a loop visiting Liverpool Lime Street, stand five at Liverpool One bus station, and the ferry terminal.

A second lap will begin 80 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to leave.

The bus will then wait at the terminal.

Once all foot passengers have disembarked the ferry, the bus service will complete a full circuit.

If there is sufficient demand, Mr Falkes said his company would have capacity to provide an extra service.

He said he hoped the service would "bridge the gap" for foot passengers "with suitcases and shopping" and make it "easier to get to the city and other transport connections".

The new terminal officially opened in June 2024 - three years later than originally planned. The bill to Manx taxpayers spiralled from an initial £38m to at least £70.6m.

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