Mobility scooter users can apply to use bus route

Users of some mobility scooters can now apply for the right to use a bus route that operates from the city centre to the outskirts of the Isle of Man's capital.

Bus Vannin users of the class 2 vehicles would undergo boarding and awareness training before being issued a permit to use the services on route 21 from Douglas.

The government-owned operator said the scooter had not previously be allowed due to "inconsistent manoeuvrability" and issues with boarding on a number of routes.

Campaigner Eric Corkish, who first called for a rule change in 2019, said while the time it had taken was "ridiculous", it would make a "big difference" to those eligible to use it.

Anyone who would like to use the route need to complete the relevant paperwork, including providing details of the scooter, and undertake boarding and awareness training.

The user will then be issued with an identity card to be able to travel on the route, which starts at Lord Street in the capital, and visits Pulrose, Anagh Coar, Noble's Hospital, Vicarage Road and the Isle of Man Business Park.

The government said data would be gathered from the scheme would be used when considering any future expansion of the scheme.

Mr Corkish, who's left leg was amputated in 1994 due to blocked artery, said while he was fortunate enough to be able to drive, it was more expensive than taking the bus and "not everyone can drive to get about because of their disability".

The Ramsey resident said a trial, which allowed him to board buses on his scooter from September 2019 to January 2020, gave him the chance to use more facilities on the island, such as the National Sport Centre in Douglas.

The scooter user said while the service on the number 21 route was a "good move" that he would be applying to use, he saw "absolutely no reason" why it could not be rolled out across the island.

Progress had been "a long time coming", as "up until now I've been able to use my scooter to reach the steps of a plane but I can't ride a bus using it", he said.

Class 2 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph (6.4km/h) and cannot be used on a road unless there is no pavement.

Department of Infrastructure political member Dawn Kinnish MLC said the new service would "ensure greater inclusivity" and allow the operator to gather data to help shape future services.

Kinnish, who is also chairman of the government's Accessibility Steering Group, said she welcomed work by the Highway Services Division to introduce 30 new kerbs allowing step-free access between buses and pavements at suitable stops across the island over the next 12 months.

The raised kerbs were designed to assist those with mobility or access needs but also include a tactile finish to "help people with a visual impairment", she added.

The government has confirmed no other routes have currently been earmarked for a further widening of the scheme.

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