A £200,000 a year programme is under way to improve access at the island’s bus stops for passengers with disabilities.

Work has been taking place at bus stops on the New Castletown Road at Anagh Coar, Mount Murray and Richmond Hill to increase the kerb height by installing a raised pavement.

The Department of Infrastructure said many bus stops do not meet modern standards, and that funding may be required over many years to ensure all of them across the island are updated.

A spokesman for the DoI said: ’Highway Services has implemented a programme of bus stop improvements.

’£200,000 per year has been earmarked to bring bus stops up to modern accessibility standards.

’This is part of the department’s commitment to improve accessibility for all people using its services.

’Modern bus stops work in conjunction with the department’s modern bus fleet to allow passengers to walk on to a bus without steps.

’The bus can also deploy a ramp if required for wheelchair users.

’For many years bus stops have been built to accessibility standard plus Highways has been updating bus stops as part of its road refurbishment work.

’However, this funding recognises that there are many bus stops that do not meet modern standards and this money has been set aside as part of a programme to accelerate the improvement of the most frequently used bus stops.

’It is envisaged this funding will be needed for many years to completely upgrade all of the island’s bus stops.’

The work on Richmond Hill required one of the southbound lanes to be coned off.