MEDIA RELEASE - issued 7 Nov 2013   TravelWatch-Isleof Man's next Public Meeting will be taking place on Saturday 16th November at the Villa Marina in Douglas starting at 10.00 – doors open from 09.30. This is being held at a particularly challenging time for several of our transport operators which inevitably raises concerns for passengers. The situation is still very fluid and resolution is needed. There is much uncertainty over the Island's air links at the moment, particularly to London but also to Scotland. Decisions are still awaited over services to London City for next summer and there are big changes going on at flybe - which may or may not affect us on the Island. Terry Liddiard and the TravelWatch Team hope to be able to update you on these developments and some of their implications for us all - but we'd like to hear your concerns too on these and other air passenger issues. Wind farms are never out of the headlines for long but TravelWatch is only directly concerned with the ones that may impede access to the Island by sea or air. TravelWatch's tenacious Civil Engineer John Pennington is working with an alliance of Island based-organisations to protect passenger interests - and will be bringing us up to date. Debate on changes in the Steam Packet Link Span User Agreement looks likely early next year – including a possible extension as far ahead as 2040. Is this the best way forward to ensure our lifeline shipping services for the future? Competition is promised for 2014 but will this be a good thing for passengers? Dick Clague will share TravelWatch ideas on the topic so far - but we need public input too. We will be joined by Director of Ports Ann Reynolds who, in her new role, now has the challenge of running an "Open Skies" airport and a harbour with restricted link-span access. On Island transport is under severe budget pressure – The Council of Ministers has now decided against the use of articulated buses - TravelWatch calls for the report on which this decision was based to be published as soon as possible. TWIOM acknowledges that difficult decisions will have to made over the costs of public transport, which may include an examination of all concessionary fares. TWIOM has NOT advocated the 'scrapping of free school buses'. Bus Vannin are now introducing brand new mini-buses We await the results of the Public Consultation which might lead to Lord Street being retained as a bus station when the site is re-developed. There is much to discuss. Full details of TravelWatch are available at www.travelwatch-isleofman.org It is a voluntary organisation funded by member subscriptions - and new members are always welcome. All are welcome at TravelWatch Public Meetings - admission if free but a contribution towards refreshments is requested. To help us get an idea of likely numbers, those coming to the meeting are invited to pre-advise us using the RSVP form on www.travelwatch-isleofman.org