MHK questions whether transport strategy's 'vision statement' is achievable

Onchan's Rob Callister asks whether all routes need to be profitable

An Onchan MHK says he believes government’s new Transport Strategy needs to connect elderly residents to vital services like doctors, dentists and Noble’s Hospital.

Rob Callister has written to the Department of Infrastructure to share his views about the document questioning whether some of the ‘vision statement’ is achievable.

The DoI is currently inviting people help shape the Island's roads and transportation policy.

It says it wants to meet the needs of communities, keep people connected to work, leisure and services, and support the transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The department claims ‘safety, sustainability, accessibility and fairness’ form the foundations of the document and it’s aimed at supporting economic and population growth.

But Mr Callister told Manx Radio he thinks there are a number of existing problems which need fixing first:

Earlier this month Bus Vannin formally applied to remove the requirement for hourly seasonal services to The Sound from its licence.

The Road Transport Licensing Committee has received an application from the Island's bus operator to not operate the 28-route due to the failure to secure funding for the ‘non-core’ service.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall confirmed the route, which also served Cregneash, had been scrapped as it was no longer financially viable.

It’s led to public meeting, and a petition started by a local resident, calling for its return; you can find out more HERE.

Mr Callister says it does raise the question of whether bus services should be profitable or there to serve the community:

The closing date for responding to the consultation on the Transport Strategy is 16 September; you can find it HERE.

In response a DoI spokesperson says it thanks Mr Callister for his submission and encourages people to visit consult.gov.im to get involved with the ongoing consultation.

Paper copies are also available at Legislative Buildings on Finch Road in Douglas and at the Get Online Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.