THE Island’s new bus network will start operation on Monday.

Following public consultation in February and March the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure has made significant changes to the bus network.

As well as improving the service for users it is also expected to generate a cost saving.

Minister David Cretney MHK said: "Whilst our key focus has been to improve passenger services I was very keen that this new bus network should allow us to make major savings in our annual running costs. 

"I am acutely aware of the need for us to meet the challenges of the current financial climate and am very pleased that we have been able to match improved services with improved efficiencies."

Some of the changes include increased services in the evenings and on Sundays, improved late night services from Douglas on Friday and Saturdays and better service to key destinations such as Noble’s Hospital and the Airport.

Brenda Cannell MHK, who has responsibility for Public Transport, said: "We have carefully considered the response from our passengers and reviewed our plans and worked out a new network which will hopefully reflect the needs and requirements of our passengers."

"We appreciate that our passengers’ requirements are forever changing and will closely monitor the impact of the new bus network to ensure that passengers’ expectations are delivered."

The Department is expecting it to take eight weeks for passengers to adjust to the new patterns of service.

During the initial period additional staff at Lord Street, Douglas will provide on the spot information and assistance to boarding passengers.

New timetables are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal and at all main bus depots and railway stations.

The full consultation document is available here.