Commissioners Slam Decision to Cut Cregneash Bus

The southern parish commissioners have expressed disappointment and frustration with the DoI as the seasonal No. 28 bus linking Port Erin with Cregneash and The Sound has been binned.

The route, which served spots like the National Folk Museum and The Sound café, was axed last year by Bus Vannin, who said it wasn’t financially viable – costing £220 a day to run but bringing in just £33.

But critics say it never stood a chance, after being cut to weekends only, with poor signage and awkward timetables putting people off.

Nearly 1,000 used it in 2023 – and more than 2,000 signed a petition to bring it back. Sadly, Manx rules mean most of those signatures didn’t count.

Meanwhile, a route to Niarbyl – used by just 48 people this season – survives.

Arbory and Rushen Commissioners say the decision was made without proper consultation.

Chair Peter Gunn has called for the DoI to engage with affected parties to find a ‘workable, affordable solution’.

He said: ‘We are dismayed that such a vital route has been allowed to disappear without proper consultation, without engagement with the local authorities most affected, and without recognition of the growing demand from both residents and tourists.

‘This is a short-sighted decision that undermines rural connectivity, the local economy, and the island’s own tourism strategy.’

He added: ‘The disparity is baffling. It feels as though key decisions are being made in silos, without any coordination between departments like Visit Isle of Man, Business Isle of Man, and Bus Vannin.

‘We call on the Department to engage immediately with all affected parties to find a workable, affordable solution to reinstate this vital link.’

Campaigners from Save Our Cregneash Bus are holding a public meeting at Port Erin’s Methodist Church Hall on Monday, April 28, 10.30am–12.30pm, calling for the service to be reinstated.

As they put it: ‘We need solutions, not excuses.’