Manx Passenger Changes Are Imminent
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VITAL decisions affecting the future of the passenger transport industry in the Isle of Man have been taken this week, and at the beginning of next year the routes, fares and numbers of vehicles operated on excursions will be officially controlled for the first time in history. Legislation for the purpose was confirmed by the Manx Parliament on Tuesday, its provisions including such matters as conditions of fitness and being expressed in much the same terms as those covering England and Scotland. The title is the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Act, 1964.
Talks have been proceeding during the week between representatives of the Isle of Man Coach Owners' Association and Isle of Man Road Services Ltd. regarding the best means of avoiding many lengthy and expensive clashes in the traffic courts which will now become an essential part of the industry. The Island's Traffic Commissioners have allocated six days in February for public sittings. Such a period is necessary, as for the Manx operators this will be an entirely new experience.
The Commissioners include Mr. H. W. Mills, lately director and general manager of the Southern Vectis Omnibus Co. Ltd., who not only has practical experience in dealing with the transport problems on an island but has some personal knowledge of the Isle of Man. His colleagues are Col. C. Kniveton and. Mr. T. G. Moore. both prominent figures on the island.
The Commissioners will take over the control of road passenger transport maintained up to the present by the Isle of Man Highways and Transport Board, as well as carrying out certain functions now exercised by various local authorities. Under the new legislation various fresh conditions are likely to be imposed on the operators.
Fair Wages Clause All holders of road service licences will be compelled to observe a fair wages clause, whereas in the past only Douglas Corporation and Isle of Man Road Services have been under such obligation. Historically, Isle of Man Road Services has been restricted to stage and express work to all but a very limited extent and has never had the same proportion of interest in excursions, tours and private hire as the normal British company. The Highways and Transport Board, responsible for roads and vehicles, has never exercised control over coaches, and its supervision of routes, frequencies and fares has been largely directed to the rsle of Man Road Services organization.
Within the municipal boundaries Douglas Corporation has enjoyed complete freedom and nothing equivalent to excise duty is paid on buses running entirely within thc borough.
Following a meeting this month evidence is now being sifted by the Manx Transport Commission which was appointed some months ago. This Commission is charged with investigating facts relating to passenger and goods services of all kinds and within the island, and is duc to report early next year.
Limited Stop Buses Mr. William Lambden, recently appointed general manager of Isle of Man Road Services, and its associate, the Isle of Man Railway Co. Ltd., last week announced moves to improve facilities. Limited stop buses are to be introduced on certain routes in December, operating morning and evening in order to provide faster travel for workers. They will be run from Douglas to Ramsey, Peel, Port Erin and Laxey, their introduction being the result of a census taken among business passengers at the end of last month. These schedules are likely to be extended to accommodate next season's holidaymakers and will he incorporated in the timetables that are being prepared for submission to the new Traffic Commissioners. Heaters are to be fitted to more of the vehicles and at Castletown, despite difficulties with narrow streets. double-deckers are to run into the town centre as the singledeckers did some years ago.
In order to improve the economic position on the Ramsey-Peel route, discussions have been taking place with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. Ltd. regarding the provision of buses to connect with next year's steamers calling at Ramsey in the north, the aim being to give through connections from The Point all along the route to Port St. Mary and Port Erin in the south.