Bus Vannin invests in six new double-deckers

The new vehicles have cost a total of £1.4million and are the first new double-deckers to be bought by Bus Vannin since the pandemic.

It's said that two of the buses might 'stir memories among older residents'.

One will be painted in Douglas Corporation yellow; one in traditional Isle of Man Road Services red - Manx Radio has requested photographs of these buses.

The traditional liveries mark next year’s 50th anniversary of a nationalised bus service.

In 1976, Douglas Corporation’s bus service and Isle of Man Road Services merged to become Isle of Man National Transport, later branded as Bus Vannin.

The two buses have been painted by the manufacturer at no extra cost to Bus Vannin, it says.

Director of Bus Vannin Ian Bates says: 'Bus Vannin needs to replace old buses every year on a rolling basis. Typically, the buses being replaced have worked for 12 to 14 years and covered 600,000 miles.

'As the buses age they become unreliable, require additional maintenance and are prone to gearbox or engine failures, which can cost over £35,000 to replace.'

Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood says: 'The six new buses will be more efficient than the ones they replace.

'People depend on our excellent buses and we need to deliver a reliable, clean and comfortable service.

'These new vehicles will maintain that service. They have the latest clean diesel technology and an eco-efficient gearbox, which helps to reduce emissions.'