Towards the latter part of 2003 the operations of Tours (Isle of
Man) passed to Protours (Isle of Man), who introuced the
Protours fleetname and an attractive livery of white with yellow and
green flashes and embarked upon a vehicle upgrading policy.
Protours currently has a varied and interesting fleet with older
Bedfords and Leyland Tigers running alongside more modern DAF's,
LAG Panoramic, Bova, Volvo's and Scanias and a range of
minicoaches. November 2003 saw the arrival of a new 35-seat Turkish
built BMC, the first new full size coach the Island has seen since
Highlander purchased Bedford YRQ/Plaxton 45 OMN in 1972. Two
vintage Duple Vista bodied Bedford OB's dating from 1950 and a 1974
Bedford YRQ/Duple C45F comprise the heritage fleet, whilst a rare Van
Hool bodied ACE Puma adds interest for enthusiasts. Most of the
fleet carry Protours colours, although there are one or two that
retain the former Tours (IOM) colour schemes.
In addition to Island based touring work, Protours also undertakes
private hires, off Island holidays and Express services. Details of
services and holidays currently on offer can be obtained by
contacting Protours at the above address.
Below are photographs of a selection of vehicles currently
operated.
Following the change of ownership to Protours, a number
of older coaches have been withdrawn and disposed of in conjunction
with a fleet upgrading programme. The first coach to arrive is this
new 35-seat BMC which was also the first to carry the new base white
livery. Registered BMN 111C, and numbered 850/1 it is captured
at Summerhill depot alongside Plaxton bodied Bedford 7, whose
registration it has taken. The Bedford was withdrawn and has
subsequently left the fleet. (Photos Richard Dodge)
Bova 1 (MAN 1110) is parked outside Ronaldsway
Airport awaiting a party. (Photo Richard Dodge)
Bedford 3 (HMN 111) draws to a stop in Laxey on a
school journey. (Photo Richard Dodge)
One of the recent intake of coaches, Scania 7 (111
JMN) makes its way along Douglas Promenades en route to the
boat. (Photo S. Taylor)
One time Port Erin Hotels Plaxton bodied Bedford 9
(FMN 111N) sits at the coach stand on Douglas Promenade. The
coach had been withdrawn some months earlier and was being used for
non-psv work. (Photo Richard Dodge)
The first of the Duple bodied DAF's acquired by Tours (IOM),
now Protours 10 (111 PMN) waits outside Douglas Promenade booking
office between runs. (Photo Richard Dodge)
Rare ACE Puma 32 (L111 MAN) is seen parked up
alongside Ramsey Swimming Pool having last been employed on the
northern express service between Douglas and Ramsey. (Photo
Richard Dodge)