Manx Electric Railway Society Campaign To Save The Horse Trams - Sign The Petition

Douglas (Manx:Doolish) is the capital of the Isle of Man (Mannin). It is also home to The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway (Manx: Raad Yiarn Cabbyl Vaie Ghoolish) the oldest remaining horse-drawn tram service in the world. Founded as the Douglas Bay Tramway, operations began in 1876. In January 2016 Douglas Borough Council announced that it would no longer continue operating the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway due to financial constraints. However, for the 2016-18 seasons, the Manx Government agreed to operate the horse tram service as part of its Isle of Man Heritage Railways portfolio.

The threat to close the horse trams was met with protest and petitions. Closing this unique and world's last remaining 19th century original horse-drawn passenger tramway was correctly considered as representing a total disregard of part of the Island's heritage. With many remaining tramcars built between 1888 and 1911, making them by far the largest and most historic collection of original horse-drawn tramcars in the world, the prime consideration should have been how to make the most of this remarkable asset.

Having an eye to public opinion in run-up to the Manx General Election with took place in September 2016 many who stood pledged their support for the horse-trams to continue to run along their present full length. Sadly, there are many involved in current Manx politics noted for their duplicity. This is a disappointment for everyone and can come as a shock to others. The Isle of Man Minister of Infrastructure is now the latest to come under the spotlight for betrayal of pre-election support for the horse-trams. Now the campaign to Save The Horse Trams is calling for people to sign a petition and to contact their political representatives to support the continuance of the horse-trams to run along the present full length. This is the full Press Release from the Manx Electric Railway Society.