How bus services are delivered and funded is the subject of a six-week public consultation that was launched yesterday (May 17).
Feedback will support a review into the overall provision of bus travel in the Isle of Man, leading to a new operating model.
A Bus Strategy will also be created in line with a wider Transport Strategy, to be delivered as a commitment within Our Island Plan.
Bus service
A key focus of the consultation is around cost and the level of subsidy provided by the Island’s taxpayers.
Paying passengers currently contribute 48% towards operating costs, with the remainder being supplied through an annual subvention.
The subvention currently stands at around £5.8 million a year, rising to £8m when taking into account capital costs such as spending on new buses and supporting infrastructure.
The consultation asks for people’s views on whether the level of subvention is appropriate for the Island’s needs and the role the bus service plays through promoting and enabling social inclusion.
Views are also invited on accessibility and environmental issues, the scope of activities undertaken by Bus Vannin and the possibility of altering routes to make them more cost effective.
The consultation document is available to view on the Government website and may also be downloaded electronically here.
The process will run for six weeks and conclude on June 30.
2 Comments