Both the Steam Packet and Bus Vannin are celebrating successful motorcycle events.

A total of 997 motorcycles travelled to the Southern 100 with the Steam Packet, an increase of 12.5% on last year.

Meanwhile Bus Vannin carried a record number of passengers over the TT period.

For the Steam Packet, total passenger numbers were up by 4.8% to more than 7,700 and there was a 4.5% increase in the number of cars, vans and trailers.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’The Southern 100, which we have proudly been title sponsor of for almost two decades, is attracting more and more fans eager to see thrilling, close road racing and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of the most popular meetings of the year.

’The numbers which travel are still quite modest when compared with the TT, for example, but it is clear the Southern 100 is growing and a real asset to the Isle of Man’s visitor economy.’

During the TT Festival, Bus Vannin carried a total of 199,828 passengers.

It compares with 180,470 in 2016 and 170,947 in 2015.

There was a corresponding upturn in revenue, with the on-bus takings exceeding £230,000.

The busiest day during TT 2017 was June 6, when 18,000 people travelled by bus.

The Department of Infrastructure has said that TT passenger figures for the Isle of Man’s heritage transport attractions were also ’encouraging’.

Some 13,639 people used the Manx Electric Railway, 7,720 the Steam Railway and 6,691 the Douglas Bay Horse Trams.

But the department said the generally poor conditions for TT 2017 had an impact on the Snaefell Mountain Railway services, with the total number of passengers (9,862) down on the previous year.

Jason Moorhouse MHK, DoI member with responsibility for public transport, said: ’TT represents the busiest time of year for Bus Vannin and a special timetable is put in place to meet the additional demand, including more frequent services and stops at popular campsites.

’The fact Bus Vannin enjoyed a record-breaking TT despite disruptions caused by the weather and the delays in racing is very impressive.

’This included rescheduling services, often at short notice, to meet changing times of peak demand.’

Director of public transport Ian Longworth said: ’We will review the performance of Bus Vannin during this year’s TT period and look at ways to further improve our services .’