Getting on and off the bus
If you're waiting at a stop and you see your bus approaching, please hold out your arm to clearly signal to the driver that you wish to board. The destination blind on the front of the bus will clearly show the route number and the destination.
To get off the bus please ring the bell when you see your stop approaching. If you need help identifying your stop please ask your driver.
What to Expect when travelling on our buses
Here at Isle of Man Transport we are keen to make our buses accessible to as many of our customers as possible.
We understand that customer have different needs, and sometimes the worry of how to get on and off the bus and what to expect can be a deterrent.
Getting on and off the train or tram
Trains and trams will stop at all major stations - these are shown in the railway timetable. if you wish to board at a request stop please hold out your arm to clearly signal to the driver that you wish to board.
If you wish to alight at a request stop please ask your conductor or guard at the start of your journey.
Wheelchairs/Pushchairs
Buses: Our buses are all wheelchair accessible with kneeling suspension to lower them to the kerb, and have fold out ramps to enable access.
Our buses also have designated wheelchair spaces. Passengers travelling with pushchairs can make us of wheelchair spaces if they are not occupied.
Wheelchair access on our heritage railways is slightly more variable due to the historic nature of the rolling stock. We are sorry that it may not be possible for some people with mobility issues to use our services.
Railways: Our railways were built in less inclusive times and therefore were not designed with disabilities in mind. We are sorry that it may not be possible for some passengers who have mobility issues to use our services. Please see more detailed information below for each of our railways.
Steam Railway: there is a ramp on each service train which can be used for wheelchair access to the carriages. These can only be used on compartments with double doors and so wheelchair spaces are generally limited to two per service train. Please let us know in advance by calling 01624 673623. Please note ramp access is not available at Santon, Ronaldsway Halt, Ballabeg or Colby Level stops due to the low platform height.
The dining train is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow corridors and doorways, however the ramp can be used for easier access into the carriage upon request.
Manx Electric Railway: Wheelchair access is available on our specially modified trailer, and to use this we need at least 48 hours notice by phoning Laxey Station 01624 861226. This trailer can take at least five wheelchairs and has a liftable ramp.
Access to our regular trams and trailers is via deep steps. At Derby Castle, Laxey, Ramsey and the Summit stations we have an additional step which can be used to shorten the height of the first step. There are hand rails, and our team are on hand to assist wherever possible.
Snaefell Mountain Railway: There is no wheelchair access on the Snaefell trams. The steps onto the trams are quite steep and so some will have accessibility issues. There are hand rails, and our team are on hand to assist wherever possible.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway: some trams are more accessible than others, however at worst there are a couple of steep steps up onto the tram. There are handrails, and our team will be on hand to assist but there is no wheelchair accessibility. Wheelchairs can be left in the depot if required.
Mobility Scooters
We are unable to carry mobility scooters on our buses, trains or trams. This is because of their inconsistent manoeuvrability, irregular sizes, lack of appropriate restraints and the problem of severe boarding and alighting gradients on a number of our routes.
Oxygen
Personal portable oxygen units can be carried on board our buses, trams and trains. All manufacturer's instructions must be followed, and the unit must be carried in an approved case or backpack. The unit must be inspected for any leaks before you travel.
Accessible Timetables
If you require further assistance please contact the Welcome Centre. PDF timetables can be found on our timetable page.
Guide Dogs
We accept dogs on our buses, trains and trams. Guide dogs including hearing dogs for the deaf, disables support dogs, and canine partners for independence travel for free, all other dogs will need a dog ticket.
Bicycles
Fixed frame bicycles are not permitted on our buses.
Folding bicycles will be carried providing they are safely and securely stowed in the designated luggage area if space is available. Bicycles likely to soil or damage the vehicle interior must be stowed in a carrier designed for the purpose. (Children’s micro scooters can be carried if they are safely secured).
Unfolded/rigid framed bicycles can be taken on the Isle of Man Steam Railway and the Manx Electric Railway provided you have a bike ticket.
CCTV
We record CCTV across our bus network. Please see our CCTV Policy for more information.
Website Accessibility
Accessibility is the word used to describe whether a product (for example, a website, mobile site, digital TV interface or application) can be used by people of all abilities and disabilities.
For instance, a website is accessible if all people, including disabled and elderly people, can use it.
On a website, accessibility depends on how a person's disability affects the way they perceive information on a page and how they navigate within and between pages.
We are working hard to ensure that Rail.im and Bus.im are as accessible as possible. Your feedback is really important to helping us make sure it is so If you find any problems then please contact us and let us know.
For further information on accessibility please visit: https://www.gov.im/about-this-site/accessibility/