Jump to content

Bus Vannin: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →‎Nationalisation: links/correct name
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Bus service on the Isle of Man}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox Bus transit
{{Infobox Bus transit
|name =
|name =
|logo = Bus Vannin logo.png
|logo = Bus Vannin logo.png
|logo_size = 100
|logo_size = 100
|image = Bus Vannin bus 166 (JMN 52 R) 2009 Volvo B9TL Wright Eclipse Gemini 2, Cregneash, route 1, 25 February 2010.jpg
|image = BUS VANNIN WRIGHTBUS GEMINI 2 AT RAMSEY BUS STATION ISLE OF MAN SEP 2014 (15227804430).jpg
⚫
|image_caption = A Bus Vannin [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]]-bodied [[Volvo B9TL]] in 2014
|image_size =
⚫
|image_caption = [[Wright Eclipse Gemini]] 2 bodied [[Volvo B9TL]]<br>in February 2010
|company_slogan =
|company_slogan =
|parent = [[Department of Infrastructure (Isle of Man)|Department of Infrastructure]] <ref>{{cite web|title=Community, Culture and Leisure - Dissolved|url=http://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/community,-culture-and-leisure-dissolved/|publisher=Isle of Man Government|accessdate=19 July 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717185914/https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/community%2C-culture-and-leisure-dissolved/|archivedate=17 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|parent = [[Department of Infrastructure (Isle of Man)|Department of Infrastructure]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Community, Culture and Leisure - Dissolved|url=http://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/community,-culture-and-leisure-dissolved/|publisher=Isle of Man Government|accessdate=19 July 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717185914/https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/community%2C-culture-and-leisure-dissolved/|archivedate=17 July 2014}}</ref>
|founded = {{start date and age|1976|October}}
|founded = {{start date and age|df=yes|1976|October}}
|headquarters = [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]]
|headquarters = [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]]
|locale =
|locale =
Line 26: Line 26:
|operator =
|operator =
|Director = Ian Longworth
|Director = Ian Longworth
|website = {{Official URL}}
|website = {{URL|http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/bus-and-rail/bus-vannin/|Bus Vannin website}}
}}
}}


Line 46: Line 46:


===Nationalisation===
===Nationalisation===
When the service was nationalised in 1976 the buses carried National Transport logos and a new livery, predominantly of red with white trim, having previously carried a variation of this colour scheme under the Road Services banner. The nationalised service used many second-hand vehicles from England, a practice which continued until relatively recently, from a variety of sources including Liverpool Corporation, Preston Corporation and [[Ribble Motor Services]]. Such vehicle types included [[Leyland Atlantean]]s from [[Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive|Merseyside PTE]], Portsmouth Transit, [[Transport for Greater Manchester|SELNEC]] and [[Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive|Tyne & Wear PTE]], [[Leyland Olympian]]s from [[Devon General]], [[Dublin Bus]] and [[Stagecoach Group|Stagecoach]], and [[Leyland Lynx]]s from [[Halton Transport]].<ref name=ClassicManxBuses/>
When the service was bought by the Isle of Man government in 1976 the buses carried National Transport logos and a new livery, predominantly of red with white trim, having previously carried a variation of this colour scheme under the Road Services banner. The publicly-owned service used many second-hand vehicles from England, a practice which continued until relatively recently, from a variety of sources including Liverpool Corporation, [[Preston Bus|Preston Borough Transport]] and [[Ribble Motor Services]]. Such vehicle types included [[Leyland Atlantean]]s from [[Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive|Merseyside PTE]], [[Portsmouth Corporation Transport|Portsmouth City Transport]], [[Transport for Greater Manchester|SELNEC]] and [[Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive|Tyne & Wear PTE]], [[Leyland Olympian]]s from [[Devon General]], [[Dublin Bus]] and [[Stagecoach Group|Stagecoach]], and [[Leyland Lynx]]es from [[Halton Transport]].<ref name=ClassicManxBuses/>


By 1987, when a new management scheme was under way, a new livery of cream and red was introduced, and Isle of Man Transport adopted as the title, using a similar design motif to all the island's government departments including a [[triskelion]] motif. During this period the buses carried a variety of advertisements along their side panels, with several distinctive buses carrying all-over advertising for local businesses including the [[Gaiety Theatre, Isle of Man|Gaiety Theatre]], [[Lombard Bank]], [[Curraghs Wild Life Park]] and the [[National Coal Board]].
By 1987, when a new management scheme was under way, a revised livery of cream and red was introduced, and Isle of Man Transport adopted as the title, using a similar design motif to all the island's government departments including a [[triskelion]] motif. During this period the buses carried a variety of advertisements along their side panels, with several distinctive buses carrying all-over advertising for local businesses including the [[Gaiety Theatre, Isle of Man|Gaiety Theatre]], [[Lombard Bank]], [[Curraghs Wildlife Park]] and the [[National Coal Board]].


A further change of leadership in 1999 saw the introduction of brand-new buses and gradual phasing out of older stock, latterly used only on school services, and the advertising policy changed resulting in no advertisements appearing at all. By 2009 a further change of policy resulted in the reintroduction of advertisements which has proved popular, with local radio stations, estate agents, travel agents and cinemas taking advantage of the new schemes.
A further change of leadership in 1999 saw the introduction of brand-new buses and gradual phasing out of older stock, latterly used only on school services, and the advertising policy changed resulting in no advertisements appearing at all. By 2009 a further change of policy resulted in the reintroduction of advertisements which has proved popular, with local radio stations, estate agents, travel agents and cinemas taking advantage of the new schemes.


==Branding==
==Branding==
The nationalised bus service on the island came into being in 1976 as National Transport, taking over from both the Road Services (a subsidiary of the [[Isle of Man Railway|Isle of Man Railway Company]]) and Douglas Corporation Transport, operated by the municipal authority. The vehicles were liveried in an all-over red colour scheme, later changed to include wide white banding; although with the fleet consisting of a wide selection of different second hand vehicles the uniform appearance was not successful. By 1987 the white banding had become cream in colour, and the full ''Isle of Man Transport'' name was added to all vehicles. During the period up to 1997 advertising panels were carried on the sides of some vehicles, and, in certain cases, all-over advertising was used (see above).
The government-owned bus service on the island came into being in 1976 as National Transport, taking over from both the Road Services (a subsidiary of the [[Isle of Man Railway|Isle of Man Railway Company]]) and Douglas Corporation Transport, operated by the municipal authority. The vehicles were liveried in an all-over red colour scheme, later changed to include wide white banding; although with the fleet consisting of a wide selection of different second hand vehicles the uniform appearance was not successful. By 1987 the white banding had become cream in colour, and the full ''Isle of Man Transport'' name was added to all vehicles. During the period up to 1997 advertising panels were carried on the sides of some vehicles, and, in certain cases, all-over advertising was used (see above).


In April 2009, eleven new [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]] bodied [[Volvo B9TL]]s were added to the fleet, carrying a maroon and cream livery with the ''Bus Vannin'' branding which is now used in all literature and timetabling information. Not all of the fleet carries this new livery, however the [[Wright StreetLite]]s that entered service in 2010 were delivered in the new livery although the overall colour scheme is largely cream with some maroon detailing, the opposite of the 2009 deliveries.
In April 2009, eleven new [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]] bodied [[Volvo B9TL]]s were added to the fleet, carrying a maroon and cream livery with the ''Bus Vannin'' branding which is now used in all literature and timetabling information. Not all of the fleet carries this new livery, however the [[Wright StreetLite]]s that entered service in 2010 were delivered in the new livery although the overall colour scheme is largely cream with some maroon detailing, the opposite of the 2009 deliveries.


In 2010 ''Hullad Oie'' (Night Owl) late night services were introduced into the timetable; they operate at weekends into the early hours, serving the satellite towns{{clarifyme}} from Douglas departing at about midnight. Totems at bus stops are in the process{{when}} of being updated to the new maroon scheme. Text also appears in Manx Gaelic on these, and digital destination displays on the vehicles also have an option to show the place names in the language as well.
In 2010 ''Hullad Oie'' (Night Owl) late night services were introduced into the timetable; they operate at weekends into the early hours, serving the satellite towns{{clarify|date=October 2017}} from Douglas departing at about midnight. Totems at bus stops are in the process{{when|date=October 2017}} of being updated to the new maroon scheme. Text also appears in Manx Gaelic on these, and digital destination displays on the vehicles also have an option to show the place names in the language as well.


Between 2011 and 2013, thirty [[Mercedes-Benz Citaro]] LE single deckers were delivered; these are presented in a silver livery with Bus Vannin [[decal]]s - this being the new standard livery for all buses in the Bus Vannin fleet.
Between 2011 and 2013, thirty [[Mercedes-Benz Citaro]] LE single deckers were delivered; these are presented in a silver-grey livery with Bus Vannin [[decal]]s - this being the new standard livery for all buses in the Bus Vannin fleet.


The bus service continues to be operated by the government but is now more clearly segregated from the railways, which are now called Isle of Man Heritage Railways though they remain managed by the same group.
The bus service continues to be operated by the government but is now more clearly segregated from the railways, which are now called Isle of Man Heritage Railways though they remain managed by the same group.
Line 66: Line 66:
===Bus stations===
===Bus stations===
[[File:BUSVANNIN_WRIGHTBUS_GEMINI_IIS_AT_RAMSEY_BUS_STATION_ISLE_OF_MAN_SEP_2014_(15413409345).jpg|thumb|[[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] Bus Station in September 2014]]
[[File:BUSVANNIN_WRIGHTBUS_GEMINI_IIS_AT_RAMSEY_BUS_STATION_ISLE_OF_MAN_SEP_2014_(15413409345).jpg|thumb|[[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] Bus Station in September 2014]]
There are three bus depots on the island which provide passenger facilities and storage areas for off-duty buses. With the exception of Douglas, these are located at one position, with the Douglas storage area at Banks Circus being a workshop and bus yard with no passenger facilities. The passenger facilities provided at all the main stations are limited, and some facilities are only open during certain times of the day.
There are three bus depots on the island which provide passenger facilities and storage areas for off-duty buses. At Port Erin and at Ramsey, these are combined at one location{{dubious|date=April 2018}}, while in Douglas the Banks Circus site has a workshop and bus yard, with no passenger facilities. The passenger facilities provided at all the bus stations are limited, and some facilities are only open at certain times of the day.


*[[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] (''Lord Street'') - shelters only
*[[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] (Lord Street): shelters only
*[[Port Erin]] (''Bridson Street'') - toilets, waiting area
*[[Port Erin]] (Station Road): toilets, waiting area
*[[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] (''Princes Road'') - toilets, waiting room
*[[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] (Princes Road): toilets, waiting room


===Depots===
===Depots===
Line 85: Line 85:
A wide range of routes are operated by Bus Vannin. Many of them are operated on a regular daily timetable, such as routes from Douglas to the other towns on the island and also local services around Douglas and Onchan. There are some routes however which are operated less frequently on certain days of the week to smaller villages around the island.
A wide range of routes are operated by Bus Vannin. Many of them are operated on a regular daily timetable, such as routes from Douglas to the other towns on the island and also local services around Douglas and Onchan. There are some routes however which are operated less frequently on certain days of the week to smaller villages around the island.


[[Night service (public transport)|Late night bus services]] were introduced to the island in September 2009 and are known as ''Hullad Oie'', [[Manx language|Manx]] for "night owl". The three routes (N1, N3, N5) depart Lord Street in the capital of [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] on Fri and Sat nights at 00:15 and 01:15 serving the towns of [[Port St Mary]], [[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] and [[Peel, Isle of Man|Peel]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iombusandrail.im/timetables-routes-and-fares/new-202223-timetable/|title=New 2022/23 Timetable|publisher=[[Isle of Man Transport]] |access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref> The single fare on a Hullad Oie Night Owl service is double the normal adult fare for the journey undertaken (e.g. the normal Douglas to Peel fare per person is £2.70, whereas the fare on Hullad Oie is £5.40).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.iombusandrail.im/timetables-routes-and-fares/late-night-buses-and-hullad-oie-night-owl/|title=Late night buses and Hullad Oie Night Owl|publisher=[[Isle of Man Transport]] |access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref> These fare conditions apply to any journeys departing after midnight. Over the Christmas 2020 period the Hullad Oie Night Owl services operated Friday and Saturday evenings from 4 to 19 December departing from Douglas at the usual times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ticket-hall.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dining-Christmas-Brochure-2020.pdf|title=Get Together to Steam into Christmas (Dec 2020 - Jan 2021). HULLAD OIE NIGHT OWL BUSES|publisher=[[Isle of Man Transport]] |access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref> In March 2021 the services were paused for period during a COVID-19 lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/IoMTransport/posts/1136537350101403|title=Facebook Post|date= 2021-03-05|publisher=[[Isle of Man Transport]] Facebook page|access-date=2022-05-18}}</ref>
From September 2009 night bus services were introduced to Port Erin and Port St Mary (N1), Ramsey (N3) and Peel (N5). These services are operated on Fridays and Saturdays only.


In 2022, service frequencies had to be reduced due to driver shortages.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-06-17 |title=Isle of Man Bus Vannin services cut due to driver shortages |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-61835129 |access-date=2022-06-22}}</ref>
⚫
The most recent timetable change came into effect in March 2015.{{fact}}


⚫
The most recent timetable change came into effect in April 2019.
⚫
==Ticketing & fares==
Owing to the combined nature of operations on the Isle of Man, Rail tickets purchased on the [[Isle of Man Railway]] between Douglas and Port Erin and also on the [[Manx Electric Railway]] between Douglas and Ramsey are valid on buses (bus tickets however are not valid on the Heritage Railways). The ticket prices (which are available as single and return) are based on the zones all over the island, and multi-journey tickets vary in cost and colour depending zones you pass through when you use one. The standard fares vary from 50p to £1.40 for children and 90p to £3.10 for adults,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iombusandrail.info/busfarerevision-27march.html|title=Isle of Man Government - Bus and Rail|work=iombusandrail.info|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818152720/http://iombusandrail.info/busfarerevision-27march.html|archivedate=18 August 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> whilst Isle of Man senior citizens travel free of charge at off-peak times.


⚫
==Ticketing and fares==
The latest timetable update was released in May 2014. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.im/publictransport/Bus/timetables.xml|title=Isle of Man Government - Bus and Rail|work=gov.im}}</ref>
Rail tickets purchased for the [[Isle of Man Railway]] between Douglas and Port Erin and also those for the [[Manx Electric Railway]] between Douglas and Ramsey are valid on buses. Bus tickets, however, are not valid on the heritage railways.


The latest timetable update was released in April 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/bus-and-rail/bus-vannin/bus-timetables-2019/|title=Isle of Man Government - Bus and Rail|work=gov.im|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028050501/http://www.gov.im/publictransport/Bus/timetables.xml|archive-date=28 October 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref>
Since the update of the timetable in September 2010, there are several different new kinds of tickets available. The ''Short Hop'' fare is for passengers that are travelling up to 3 stops in towns. These cost 60 pence per ticket, and are bought on the vehicle. The multi journey ''Manx Rider'' ticket, which is valid for twelve single journeys offers discounts averaging 25%. The price and discount are based on the normal bus fare for the journey rather than zones.


Current (April 2019) ticket options are:
⚫
''Island Explorer'' tickets entitle the holder to unlimited travel on scheduled services on all of the island's transport network, except for the Manx Express bus service. Adult tickets include one accompanying child free of charge. Child fares apply between 5 and 15 years old, or those between 16 and 19 still in full-time education in possession of a school card.


1. The ''Short Hop'' fare is for journeys of up to three stops in towns. These are bought on the vehicle.
There is also the ''Bus Saver'' bus-only rover ticket available, which offers unlimited travel on all services, except for ''Manx Express'' services. These are available in 1, 3, 5 or 7 day options with Saver 1 tickets also available from on board the vehicle.


2. On-bus ''cash fares'' for longer journeys vary according to distance travelled. Examples are: Douglas to Peel £2.70; Douglas to Port Erin £3.40; Port St. Mary - Port Erin £1.30
⚫
There is a 5-day ''Heritage Explorer'' ticket available and, like the ''Island Explorer'' ticket, this offers unlimited travel on scheduled bus services (except ''Manx Express'' buses), Isle of Man Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, and Douglas Horse Trams. This ticket, like the other Explorer tickets, gives a child (5 to 15 years) free travel with an accompanying adult, and their ticket. The ticket also entitles the holder free admission to all Manx National Heritage sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iombusandrail.com/downloads/Multi-journeyTickets.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=11 November 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713052036/http://iombusandrail.com/downloads/Multi-journeyTickets.pdf |archivedate=13 July 2011 |df= }}</ref>


3. ''Go Places Cards'' are smartcard tickets offering discounted travel for 6 or 12 journeys at the same fare. Available at offices and railway stations
The full range of discount and ''Explorer'' tickets is available from the depot in Ramsey, manned ticket offices at the main railway and tramway stations and from the Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

4. ''Go Cards'' are also smartcard-based and offer 1, 3, 5 or 7 days' unlimited bus travel. A one-day ''Go Card'' (paper ticket) is available on-bus from drivers. One day tickets cost £7, 3 days cost £16 five days £19 and seven days £23. As the most expensive single journey on the island costs £6.80 (Onchan to Port Erin and back) the one-day ticket offers a saving as soon as a third journey is made. ''Go Easy'' cards are similar and offer 28 days travel for £80

⚫
5. ''Go Explore'' tickets are another smartcard product that entitle the holder to unlimited travel on scheduled services on all of the island's transport network (bus and rail) except for the Manx Express bus service (Douglas-Ramsey via Mountain Road). They are available for 1,3,5 or 7 consecutive days. Child and family versions are available. A one day Go Explore paper ticket is available from bus drivers, cost £17.

6. For school students, Go School cards are available, with journeys costing 40p each .

Child fares apply between 5 and 15 years old, or for those between 16 and 19 still in full-time education and in possession of a school card.

⚫
The ''Heritage Explorer'' ticket, like the ''Go Explore'' ticket, offers unlimited travel on scheduled bus services (except ''Manx Express'' buses), Isle of Man Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, and Douglas Horse Trams. This ticket, like the other Explorer tickets, gives a child (5 to 15 years) free travel with an accompanying adult, and their ticket. The ticket also entitles the holder free admission to all Manx National Heritage sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iombusandrail.com/downloads/Multi-journeyTickets.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=11 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713052036/http://iombusandrail.com/downloads/Multi-journeyTickets.pdf |archivedate=13 July 2011 }}</ref>


==Fleet==
==Fleet==
As at January 2015, the fleet consisted of 67 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dartslf.com/Fleet/bus_vannin.html|title=Bus Vannin|work=dartslf.com}}</ref>
As of June 2017, the fleet consisted of 69 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.im/media/1352687/fleet-list-web-v2.pdf|title=Bus Vannin Fleet list}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
*[http://www.gov.im/categories/travel-traffic-and-motoring/bus-and-rail/bus-vannin/ Bus Vannin website]

{{Bus companies in North West England}}

⚫
[[Category:Bus operators in the United Kingdom]]
⚫
[[Category:Companies established in 1976]]
⚫
[[Category:Transport in the Isle of Man]]


⚫
[[Category:Government-owned companies of the Isle of Man]]
⚫
[[Category:Public transport in the Isle of Man]]
⚫
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1976]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in the Isle of Man]]
[[Category:1976 establishments in the Isle of Man]]

Latest revision as of 14:38, 17 October 2022

A Bus Vannin Wright Eclipse Gemini 2-bodied Volvo B9TL in 2014
ParentDepartment of Infrastructure[1]
FoundedOctober 1976; 47 years ago (1976-10)
HeadquartersDouglas
Service areaIsle of Man
Service typeBus services
HubsBanks Circus, Port Erin & Ramsey
StationsDouglas, Port Erin & Ramsey
Fleet67 (January 2015)
Websitewww.iombusandrail.im Edit this at Wikidata

Bus Vannin (Manx: Barroose Vannin) - styled as bus vannin - is the government-owned and operated bus service on the Isle of Man. The name was adopted in June 2009 to replace Isle of Man Transport. The company was founded on 1 October 1976,[2] as National Transport, which was an amalgamation of two other operating companies.

History

[edit]
Lord Street bus station in 1961
Douglas Corporation Northern Counties bodied AEC Regent III in April 1961
Douglas Corporation Guy Otter in September 1961
Mercedes-Benz Citaro at Port Erin in September 2014

The first omnibus services on the island were provided by the Manxland Bus Co Limited, in addition to several smaller operators which operated independently. The primary means of longer-distance travel were the Isle of Man Railway to the west, south and north (via the west side of the island) and the Manx Electric Railway on the east coast.

When bus competition became a threat to the Isle of Man Railway, it bought out the bus company and operated it as Isle of Man Road Services in conjunction with the railway. In addition to the island-wide services, Douglas Corporation also operated a fleet of buses around the capital, distinctive by their yellow livery. As the railway company began to falter, it relied more heavily on the bus operation, and when the railway lines closed for the first time in 1965 the bus services were intensified to replace the rail services.

The vehicles of Road Services carried an all-over red livery with two off-white bands, and the Railway Company crest was modified to include a facsimile of a bus instead of a railway locomotive. The buses of Douglas Corporation, which only operated within the borough, carried an all-over yellow livery with two red bands and corporation crest.

Both operators used the bus station on Lord Street in Douglas as their base. Today, this site has been given over to a car park, whilst buses use roadside lay-bys on Lord Street itself. The two companies operated services independently from this site until the operations began to falter in the early 1970s at which time government intervention was required to ensure continued operation.

Nationalisation

[edit]

When the service was bought by the Isle of Man government in 1976 the buses carried National Transport logos and a new livery, predominantly of red with white trim, having previously carried a variation of this colour scheme under the Road Services banner. The publicly-owned service used many second-hand vehicles from England, a practice which continued until relatively recently, from a variety of sources including Liverpool Corporation, Preston Borough Transport and Ribble Motor Services. Such vehicle types included Leyland Atlanteans from Merseyside PTE, Portsmouth City Transport, SELNEC and Tyne & Wear PTE, Leyland Olympians from Devon General, Dublin Bus and Stagecoach, and Leyland Lynxes from Halton Transport.[2]

By 1987, when a new management scheme was under way, a revised livery of cream and red was introduced, and Isle of Man Transport adopted as the title, using a similar design motif to all the island's government departments including a triskelion motif. During this period the buses carried a variety of advertisements along their side panels, with several distinctive buses carrying all-over advertising for local businesses including the Gaiety Theatre, Lombard Bank, Curraghs Wildlife Park and the National Coal Board.

A further change of leadership in 1999 saw the introduction of brand-new buses and gradual phasing out of older stock, latterly used only on school services, and the advertising policy changed resulting in no advertisements appearing at all. By 2009 a further change of policy resulted in the reintroduction of advertisements which has proved popular, with local radio stations, estate agents, travel agents and cinemas taking advantage of the new schemes.

Branding

[edit]

The government-owned bus service on the island came into being in 1976 as National Transport, taking over from both the Road Services (a subsidiary of the Isle of Man Railway Company) and Douglas Corporation Transport, operated by the municipal authority. The vehicles were liveried in an all-over red colour scheme, later changed to include wide white banding; although with the fleet consisting of a wide selection of different second hand vehicles the uniform appearance was not successful. By 1987 the white banding had become cream in colour, and the full Isle of Man Transport name was added to all vehicles. During the period up to 1997 advertising panels were carried on the sides of some vehicles, and, in certain cases, all-over advertising was used (see above).

In April 2009, eleven new Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied Volvo B9TLs were added to the fleet, carrying a maroon and cream livery with the Bus Vannin branding which is now used in all literature and timetabling information. Not all of the fleet carries this new livery, however the Wright StreetLites that entered service in 2010 were delivered in the new livery although the overall colour scheme is largely cream with some maroon detailing, the opposite of the 2009 deliveries.

In 2010 Hullad Oie (Night Owl) late night services were introduced into the timetable; they operate at weekends into the early hours, serving the satellite towns[clarification needed] from Douglas departing at about midnight. Totems at bus stops are in the process[when?] of being updated to the new maroon scheme. Text also appears in Manx Gaelic on these, and digital destination displays on the vehicles also have an option to show the place names in the language as well.

Between 2011 and 2013, thirty Mercedes-Benz Citaro LE single deckers were delivered; these are presented in a silver-grey livery with Bus Vannin decals - this being the new standard livery for all buses in the Bus Vannin fleet.

The bus service continues to be operated by the government but is now more clearly segregated from the railways, which are now called Isle of Man Heritage Railways though they remain managed by the same group.

Operations

[edit]

Bus stations

[edit]
Ramsey Bus Station in September 2014

There are three bus depots on the island which provide passenger facilities and storage areas for off-duty buses. At Port Erin and at Ramsey, these are combined at one location[dubious – discuss], while in Douglas the Banks Circus site has a workshop and bus yard, with no passenger facilities. The passenger facilities provided at all the bus stations are limited, and some facilities are only open at certain times of the day.

  • Douglas (Lord Street): shelters only
  • Port Erin (Station Road): toilets, waiting area
  • Ramsey (Princes Road): toilets, waiting room

Depots

[edit]
Port Erin depot in July 2009

In the past there was a depot in Laxey, the site later being occupied by Princes Motors and vehicle storage yards are also located next to the depots at Port Erin and Ramsey. A depot in Peel closed in 2010. The garage and facilities in Ramsey were taken over from the original Manxland Omnibus Company, and have remained in bus company ownership ever since.

The yard at Port Erin is on the site of former railway platforms whilst the original garage now houses the Port Erin Railway Museum which opened in 1975; the current garage was built as a replacement the following year and remains open today.

  • Douglas (Banks Circus)
  • Port Erin (Station Road)
  • Ramsey (Princes Road)

Routes

[edit]

A wide range of routes are operated by Bus Vannin. Many of them are operated on a regular daily timetable, such as routes from Douglas to the other towns on the island and also local services around Douglas and Onchan. There are some routes however which are operated less frequently on certain days of the week to smaller villages around the island.

Late night bus services were introduced to the island in September 2009 and are known as Hullad Oie, Manx for "night owl". The three routes (N1, N3, N5) depart Lord Street in the capital of Douglas on Fri and Sat nights at 00:15 and 01:15 serving the towns of Port St Mary, Ramsey and Peel.[3] The single fare on a Hullad Oie Night Owl service is double the normal adult fare for the journey undertaken (e.g. the normal Douglas to Peel fare per person is £2.70, whereas the fare on Hullad Oie is £5.40).[4] These fare conditions apply to any journeys departing after midnight. Over the Christmas 2020 period the Hullad Oie Night Owl services operated Friday and Saturday evenings from 4 to 19 December departing from Douglas at the usual times.[5] In March 2021 the services were paused for period during a COVID-19 lockdown.[6]

In 2022, service frequencies had to be reduced due to driver shortages.[7]

The most recent timetable change came into effect in April 2019.

Ticketing and fares

[edit]

Rail tickets purchased for the Isle of Man Railway between Douglas and Port Erin and also those for the Manx Electric Railway between Douglas and Ramsey are valid on buses. Bus tickets, however, are not valid on the heritage railways.

The latest timetable update was released in April 2019.[8]

Current (April 2019) ticket options are:

1. The Short Hop fare is for journeys of up to three stops in towns. These are bought on the vehicle.

2. On-bus cash fares for longer journeys vary according to distance travelled. Examples are: Douglas to Peel £2.70; Douglas to Port Erin £3.40; Port St. Mary - Port Erin £1.30

3. Go Places Cards are smartcard tickets offering discounted travel for 6 or 12 journeys at the same fare. Available at offices and railway stations

4. Go Cards are also smartcard-based and offer 1, 3, 5 or 7 days' unlimited bus travel. A one-day Go Card (paper ticket) is available on-bus from drivers. One day tickets cost £7, 3 days cost £16 five days £19 and seven days £23. As the most expensive single journey on the island costs £6.80 (Onchan to Port Erin and back) the one-day ticket offers a saving as soon as a third journey is made. Go Easy cards are similar and offer 28 days travel for £80

5. Go Explore tickets are another smartcard product that entitle the holder to unlimited travel on scheduled services on all of the island's transport network (bus and rail) except for the Manx Express bus service (Douglas-Ramsey via Mountain Road). They are available for 1,3,5 or 7 consecutive days. Child and family versions are available. A one day Go Explore paper ticket is available from bus drivers, cost £17.

6. For school students, Go School cards are available, with journeys costing 40p each .

Child fares apply between 5 and 15 years old, or for those between 16 and 19 still in full-time education and in possession of a school card.

The Heritage Explorer ticket, like the Go Explore ticket, offers unlimited travel on scheduled bus services (except Manx Express buses), Isle of Man Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, and Douglas Horse Trams. This ticket, like the other Explorer tickets, gives a child (5 to 15 years) free travel with an accompanying adult, and their ticket. The ticket also entitles the holder free admission to all Manx National Heritage sites.[9]

Fleet

[edit]

As of June 2017, the fleet consisted of 69 vehicles.[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Community, Culture and Leisure - Dissolved". Isle of Man Government. Archived from the original on 17 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  2. ^ a b Isle of Man National Transport 1977 - 2009 The Classic Manx Buses
  3. ^ "New 2022/23 Timetable". Isle of Man Transport. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Late night buses and Hullad Oie Night Owl". Isle of Man Transport. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Get Together to Steam into Christmas (Dec 2020 - Jan 2021). HULLAD OIE NIGHT OWL BUSES" (PDF). Isle of Man Transport. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Facebook Post". Isle of Man Transport Facebook page. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Isle of Man Bus Vannin services cut due to driver shortages". BBC News. 17 June 2022. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  8. ^ "Isle of Man Government - Bus and Rail". gov.im. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  9. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 July 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. ^ "Bus Vannin Fleet list" (PDF).
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bus Vannin.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bus_Vannin&oldid=1116626593"