THE latest additions to the Island's bus fleet have been unveiled.

Twelve Mercedes Citaro single deck vehicles were officially handed over to Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK and director of public transport Ian Longworth yesterday (Monday).

Mr Cretney said: "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."

The department said 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. 

Mr 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 department said the new buses offer passengers a comfortable travel experience and allow boarding and alighting to be easier and quicker. 

Picture three shows, left to right, Jan Aichinger, CEO and managing director of EvoBus UK Ltd, director of public transport Ian Longworth, Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK and Andrew Allsop, director of Mercedes-Benz sales.