Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer has said the island will embrace a clean energy bus fleet, but only when the right model is available for our needs.

Mr Harmer was asked by Daphne Caine (Garff) in Tynwald when his department would undertake trials of new technology bus services.

The minister replied that new technology has been rolled out on the buses in most of the previous years such as with the introduction of Go Cards, contactless payments, WiFi and bus stop announcements.

Mrs Caine clarified: ’The question specifically relates to the new technologies in bus services.

’Now I am aware they have been trailing buses in December and January but I’d like to know does the minister expect trials will be completed by Bus Vannin before any new buses are ordered?

’Could the minister confirm when the DoI last ordered new buses and when does it expect to replace any of its fleet? And is there any possibility these will include new technology buses?’

Mr Harmer said that the buses will ’absolutely’ have new technology, however he believed that Mrs Caine’s question was aimed more at reduced emission buses.

He added: ’During the last 10 years the main developments with hybrid buses have been aimed at city centre operations whereas we have a more interurban style of operation with high speeds and higher mileage.’

Mr Harmer also revealed that later this year the island will receive a trial bus directly from a supplier for the first time to test on Manx roads.

Previous hybrid tests have been carried out using buses borrowed from other operators in the British Isles.

He said: ’The department is to take delivery of a demonstrator bus which uses the latest hybrid technology.

’This will enable the department to see if the advantages will benefit our style of system.’

The DoI Minister was asked by Bill Shimmins (Middle) if he could consult with transport bosses in Liverpool on their electric buses, where a large number of routes are long services out of the city centre.

Mr Harmer said he was open to discussing the new technology with other operators and wanted to move quickly, but warned that as well as being cost effective, any new fleet must be determined by its impact on parts, repairs and mechanics.

He added: ’I’m very keen to move this within our financial planning as quickly as we can.

’But obviously we have to do it with what technology is available and what technology is best for us.’

The minister also confirmed the island ’could have’ new technology buses running on longer trial in 2022.