The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure, which is responsible for operating public transport on the Isle of Man, has unveiled the latest additions to the bus fleet. Earlier today (Monday 25 July) at the TT Grandstand the vehicles were presented and officially handed over to the DCCL Minister Hon David Cretney MHK and Director of Public Transport Ian Longworth by Mr Jan Aichinger, CEO and Managing Director of EvoBus UK Ltd, and Andrew Allsop, Director of Mercedes-Benz Sales, Daimler Buses on behalf of Mercedes-Benz UK who are based in Coventry. The 12 brand new silver Mercedes Citaro single deck vehicles will now be fully integrated into scheduled services on various bus routes around the Island. DCCL Minister Hon David Cretney MHK commented:‘The purchase of 12 new vehicles represents the Department’s continued investment in and commitment to the Island’s bus service and is part of an ongoing replacement programme to ensure that we have a modern and reliable bus fleet that meets the needs of all our passengers.’ Driver training and familiarisation has been taking place and a number of the Mercedes buses have already been used successfully in service resulting in positive feedback from both passengers and drivers. Minister Cretney added: ‘Initially the vehicles will be primarily used on services to Ramsey and Peel, Douglas and Onchan estates and on school services on journeys where the demand can be accommodated by a single deck vehicle. In endeavouring to closer match capacity to demand they will also be utilised in the evenings and on Sundays.’ The new buses offer passengers a comfortable travel experience and allow boarding and alighting to be easier and quicker. The interior is large, airy and spacious with comfortable headroom throughout the vehicle and the large deep windows make the interior particularly bright and welcoming. ENDS