Cabbies are crying foul over the launch of an airport dial-a-ride service.

Minibuses will pick up passengers from home as part of a 12-month trial by Bus Vannin that began this week.

It can be used by anyone living in the north of the island but the plan ultimately is to roll out dial-a-ride across the island

The Manx Taxi Federation fears they will lose trade from the new service which they believe is anti-competitive.

Chairman Ray Teare said: ’Our revenues have dropped substantially over the last five to 10 years. This is another nail in the coffin. It’s grossly unfair for the government to intervene in this way.

’We don’t cost the taxpayer a penny - we are the only form of public transport that is not subsidised.’

The ConnectPORTS service enables people to be picked up and dropped off at their homes.

It is a development of the pilot patient transfer scheme, which began in July and involves Bus Vannin transporting people in the north to the airport to attend off-island healthcare appointments.

Bookings can be made by residents who live in the north, including Kirk Michael and Laxey, for any journey starting from the passenger’s home after 5am and leaving the airport until 9.30pm each day.

The bus will wait if your flight arrives late. A standard flat rate fare of £10 will apply for adults, with children half price.

Jason Moorhouse, Department of Infrastructure member with responsibility for public transport, said: ’Demand responsive transport is having a real impact in rural areas in the UK and this trial is the latest step in examining how successful it can be in the island.

’Its future will depend on how well it is picked up, of course, but the plan is to extend it to other areas in due course.’

Mr Teare said the Manx Taxi Federation had been battling with the Road Transport Licensing Committee for 12 months over the issuing of licences for the new ’demand responsive transport’ services.

He argues that the DoI, as operator and sponsoring department of the RTLC, is conflicted. And he claimed the department was ’manipulating’ the Road Transport Act to suit itself, by replacing timetabled buses with dial-a-ride to justify the purchase of minibuses.

Journeys can be booked up to 21 days in advance and up to 4pm on the day prior to departure by calling 697440 (lines open 8.30am to 4.30pm).