Bus services to Manx beauty spot restored

Bus services to a beauty spot on the Isle of Man are set to be restored as part of a new route linking the west and south of the island.

Bus Vannin is launching the 8S route, which is expected to run every day, year-round, from Peel to The Sound via Cregneash from 21 July, subject to approval by the Road Transport Licensing Committee.

The government said the decision to introduce the service was taken to "meet passenger requirements" and would "fill a gap in bus services" identified in consultation responses to a recent bus service review.

It follows the government's decision to scrap a seasonal service to Cregneash last year after being deemed not financially viable.

A subsequent backlash, including the decision being dubbed "short-sighted" by Arbory and Rushen commissioners, led to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood committing to review the decision.

It is set to serve Peel, Foxdale, the airport, Castletown, Port Erin, Port St Mary and The Sound.

The government said the route would be reviewed once in place and might change based on the passenger numbers.

Haywood said she was "delighted" that Bus Vannin was able to introduce the route, adding the service was "good news for residents and visitors to our island".

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