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Watchdog calls for overhaul of public transport system
A RADICAL overhaul of the public transport system is needed, Travel Watch Isle of Man has claimed.
The group, which champions the needs of public transport users, says new transport interchange in Douglas and improved services to Noble's Hospital are key priorities.
And in a separate statement, Rushen MHK Juan Watterson accused the Department of Tourism and Leisure of lethargy over the issue.
Mr Watterson said Tourism Minister Adrian Earnshaw had promised a review of the bus timetable 18 months ago but nothing had been done.
'The latest information from the department indicates nothing will be happening before early September,' he said.
'The minister and his team have had 18 months to start assessing the quality of their service and obtaining feedback from the public.'
Travel Watch chairman Brendan O'Friel said it was regrettable transport planners had failed to take account of the new hospital resulting in an inadequate service for patients.
A new bus interchange was also a priority to replace the one which had closed in Lord Street, he added.
Travel Watch has completed a report making recommendations to the bus timetable review.
It contains a number of proposals including the need to improve public transport across the Island and enhancing links with the airport and ferry terminal.
Passenger information and complaints procedures need improvement and a long term plan integrating the Island's public transport system needs to be formulated, the report says.
Acting head of bus services Dave Kinrade said the planned review would take about a year to 18 months starting this autumn with detailed public consultation.
The findings would then be used to compile a list of proposals which would be publicised so any feedback on them could be assessed.
He said the DTL planned to consult the whole range of potential bus users, not just existing passengers, but local authorities, government departments and people who did not use the service.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy showers
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
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