Private coaches can't be used to support bus network, says DOI

More than 100 bus services have been cancelled in recent days

Questions have been asked about why the Isle of Man's private transport sector can't assist Bus Vannin to help avoid cancellations.

More than 100 bus services have been cancelled recently, which has been blamed on a shortage of drivers.

With an influx of visitors expected for TT, could there be any way for the public and private sector to work together?

Manx Radio contacted Tours Isle of Man to ask whether they'd been offered any form of sub-contract work to alleviate some of the pressures being faced by the public sector transport system.

They claim they wrote to the infrastructure minister on 24 April to query why there were so many cancellations on the 21st when they had 'plenty of availability' to make up the shortcomings.

The managing director of Tours believes the Director of Public Transport will not permit a working relationship with Tours Isle of Man and whilst he's in charge, they will never sub-contract to them.

Manx Radio put these claims to the government and requested an interview.  In response, a statement was issued in which Isle of Man Transport apologised for disruption to its services, which again have been put down to staffing issues.

However, they go on to say that "sub-contracting services is not considered a viable option under most circumstances due to ticketing and accessibility issues on high-floor privately-owned vehicles."

MHK Jason Moorhouse has called the move 'disappointing' as he believes ultimately people need access to public transport.

Meanwhile, Onchan MHK Rob Callister is warning the Department of Infrastructure that it must be proactive in the run up to TT.