The story of Manx buses is not just a history of vehicles. It is a history of people, places, technology, tourism, government and the changing way the Island has connected its communities.
Key Dates
1907 – Manx Electric Railway introduces the first motor buses on the Island, using Argus charabancs.
1914 – Douglas Corporation purchases its first motor buses.
1927 – Thomas Meageen establishes Manxland Bus Services with 12 buses.
1927 – Manx Motors Ltd. is formed.
1928 – Isle of Man Road Services/Blue Bus operation is established under the railway interests.
1930 – Road Services operates an extensive network throughout the Island.
1950s–60s – AEC Regents, Leyland Titans, Tiger Cubs and other classic British buses dominate many services.
1966 – Tynwald Transport Commission recommends amalgamation of the major bus undertakings.
1976 – Douglas Corporation and Isle of Man Road Services merge to form Isle of Man National Transport.
1980s – The fleet becomes exceptionally diverse through extensive second-hand purchases.
1987 – Robert Smith's tenure is followed by renewed purchases of new buses.
1990s–2000s – Increasing use of low-floor and accessible buses.
2009 – bus vannin branding introduced under the newly appointed Director of Transport Services, Ian Longworth.
2011–13 – Major Mercedes-Benz Citaro fleet introduced.
2013 – Volvo B9TL/Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 double-deckers enter service.
2016 – Citaro K vehicles join the fleet.
2019 - Ian Bates appointed as Director of Transport Services.
2025 – New mild-hybrid Citaro Ks and six Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliners ordered/introduced.
2026 – 50th anniversary of National Transport and 150th anniversary of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.