Decision on scrapping southern bus route postponed

A decision on allowing the Isle of Man's bus operator to withdraw a route to a popular beauty spot in the south has been put on hold by the transport licensing body.

Bus Vannin submitted an application to scrap the service linking Port Erin with the Sound via Cregneash as it was no longer financially viable.

The Road Traffic Licensing Committee (RTLC) said the submission had "raised some legal issues" and the body would seek expert advice before making a decision.

While the bus route did not run in 2024, an application was made and approved earlier this year to permit the service to run during summer, the committee added.

In a statement the RTLC said its September meeting had been postponed to "allow sufficient time to review this advice" and for the body to consider the application.

Apologising for the delay, the committee said it "assures all interested parties that both the legal advice and other representations will be fully considered in due course".

The Department of Infrastructure has declined to comment.

The seasonal route has run between the end of May and beginning of June and the last weekend before the start of the autumn school term each year since 2021.

Earlier this month Arbory and Rushen Commissioners voted to object to the decision by the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) to stop the route.

It also requested the application be deferred for "meaningful conversations" to take place between the DOI and affected parties.

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