Bus Vannin could be given powers to control the future of the lucrative route under new proposals put forward by the Isle of Man Government.
This is one of a series of options put forward in the consultation, which also outlines changes that could see some less-frequently used routes and services reduced or abolished in the future.
The Department of Infrastructure (DOI) said it wants to separate policy, commissioning and contract management of publicly funded services.
DOI Minister Tim Cruall said the island had a “bus service to be proud of” and it was right to see what the public's expectations were.
“Cost effective”
The six-week consultation found that while some government-run routes are profitable, “most routes require some level of subsidy”, with fares paid by passengers covering 48% of operating costs. He said that
The total grant to pay for the remainder was £5.28 million a year, rising to £8 million after taking capital costs into account, but the government said the real amount could fall in coming years.
The consultation is seeking views on whether that level of funding remains appropriate and the role that bus services can play in enabling social inclusion.
The document said some bus services and stops could be “rationalized” to change routes and “meet modern standards”.
The study also addressed accessibility and environmental issues, the range of services and changes to routes to make them “more cost-effective”.
As well as reducing costs, the consultation is also seeking views on the affordability of services and what can be done to encourage more people to use public transport.
The government said feedback would be taken into account in the development of a new bus strategy, which will be brought together in line with the wider transport strategy.
Mr Cruall said the level of subsidy needed to maintain current service levels was “high and rising” and that the consultation was “aimed at informing the development of services”. Ta.
Consultations will be accepted online until June 30th.
Why not follow BBC Isle of Man? Facebookand X• You can also send your story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk.