A new fare structure for the Island's bus and rail service is set to come into force on 2nd April 2010.
There will be an overall price rise of 10% but it is thought that a new fare category, designed to make regular short journeys cheaper, will be followed by further discounted ticket options.
Under the new fare structure, for only 50p, passengers will be able to board and travel up to 3 stops.
The current 'Manx 12' ticket will be replaced by a ‘Manx Rider’ ticket, offering discounts averaging 25%.
Manx Rider tickets will be valid for 12 journeys and the discount will be based on the normal fare for the journey rather than zones. The Manx 12 ticket and any previously issued discount tickets will not be valid after 30th June 2010.
The popular Island Explorer tickets will continue with the addition of a 5 day option, but another new addition for 2010 will be the Bus only Explorer Tickets.
This Bus only option will offer unlimited travel on scheduled bus services, except early morning and evening Manx Express bus services.
These will be offered in 1, 3, 5 or 7 day options, with day tickets also available from the drivers.
Another new addition will be the availability of 5-day Heritage Explorer tickets. These will be available for only ?49 per adult and ?24 per child and students in full time education.
They will be offering the same unlimited travel options as the Island Explorer, but will also include free admission to all Manx National Heritage sites.
The full range of Discount and Explorer tickets will soon be available from the Bus Depot in Ramsey, manned ticket offices at the main Railway and Tramway stations and from the IOM Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.
Martyn Quayle MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, commented, "Despite the current financial challenges we are facing, the introduction of the new fares and ticket types continue to offer residents and visitors very good value for money.
"Various concessions on offer will not be affected, currently allowing approximately 50% of passengers to travel free of charge."
The 2010 Bus Network review is now being finalised and more details will be announced in the near future.
For further timetable and ticket information, please call in at the Welcome centre, or visit www.iombusandrail.info
