The views of passengers will be at the forefront in the trial of a dial-a-ride bus scheme due to take place early next year.

The first phase of trials is expected to be held in the north, covering, Bride, Andreas and Maughold.

Certain services are set to be withdrawn at off-peak periods and replaced with a ’demand-responsive solution’ where passengers book their journeys.

In Tynwald last week, Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said: ’The first review of success will take place after three months, but the trial will be developed and will evolve as it moves along.

’If the trial goes to plan, the arrangements will be made permanent. Knowledge and experienced gained will be used to decide what other areas might benefit from demand responsive transport.’

He added: ’Customer feedback is one of the key elements of any trial and certainly will be taken into account in the evaluation.’