The future of bus travel? 

Bus Vannin is hosting a demonstrator bus as it looks at diversifying its fleet

Bus Vannin is hosting a demonstrator electric bus this weekend as it continues to explore diversifying its fleet. 

The Rightech RB6 is on the Island to coincide with the Manx Heritage Transport Festival. 

While the bus will not be in use on public routes, it will be visiting Ramsey today (Friday 31 July) and taking part Saturday's (1 August) bus cavalcade on Douglas Promenade.

The bus will also be in the north of the Island on Sunday (2 August) at Jurby Transport Museum.

Bus Vannin said while it won't be used in public services, its visit provides an opportunity for 'transport enthusiasts and members of the public to see a modern bus design and learn more about the technologies being developed for the future of public transport'.

It added: "The purpose of bringing a demonstrator to the Island isn't necessarily to identify one particular vehicle as the future of bus vannin. Instead, it provides an opportunity to look, learn and understand how bus design and technology are developing."

While electric buses have long been discussed and some trialled on the Island, the government has previously said it would have to relocate the Island’s main bus depot if it were to switch to using electric vehicles.

Minister Tim Crookall also told the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee that the Bank Circus site could be redeveloped to help fund a new facility.