Why join the MERS?

  • Successfully campaigned for the reinstatement and re-opening of the Laxey – Ramsey section of the MER during 1975–77.
  • Successfully proposed and lobbied for the 1993 "Year of Railways", a series of events to mark the Centenary of the MER — a template for years to come.
  • Successfully stopped a new competing bus service, the 11B, "the biggest threat to the survival of the railway since the Ramsey line closure."
  • Successfully campaigned — including an online petition which attracted more than 2,000 signatures — for Tynwald to approve funding of the restoration of the Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal. Tynwald's decision was later ignored by DoI officials who spent the money elsewhere. The campaign continues…
  • FULL access to 2000+ pages of Manx Transport material on the society website. Full members receive free copies of the 100+ page Society journal MANX TRANSPORT REVIEW.

Our Latest Print Publication

Manx Transport Review No.103 - Winter 2025/26

Full news roundup from the Manx Electric Railway, Douglas Horse Tramway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and other Island transport. Historical feature articles - Full Colour - 108 pages. Copies are distributed FREE to Full Members of the Manx Electric Railway Society upon publication – visit mers.org.im…

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View more of our printed publications

The MERS has a large back catalogue of publications dating back to 1973, covering all aspects of the Island's transport…

Membership Applications & Renewals


Full Annual Membership subscriptions (those paid by Cheque/Postal Order/Standing Order) became due for renewal on the 1st April 2026. Full and On-line subscriptions (paid via PayPal) fall due on the first and successive anniversaries of first joining the MERS. On-line payment for membership applications and renewals can be made via the links at the top of this page, or by Cheque/Postal Order/Standing Order by downloading a renewal form HERE. For all membership enquires and further information, please contact the MERS Membership Secretary at: [email protected]

Recently updated pages:

Car 46 - Loch Promenade
Updated 2 days ago

A lightly loaded Car 46, which is flanked by two motorcycles, makes its way along Loch Promenade on a pleasant day during July 1965. (Photo: D. Burlington)

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Newslines

Road, Rail, Sea and Air

​‘A Saloon with a Number of Views’

World record breaking MER car No.1 has been in service today. David Umpleby has kindly made available these interesting and unusual photographs which were recorded during a journey over the MER’s spectacular Ramsey section. Car 1's beautifully varnished wooden interior The recently relaid track bet…

more

NEWS…

‘Horse Tram Debacle Trickles On’

Tynwald could be asked to approve a financial motion for the horse tramway in June, but only if outstanding design and feasibility work is completed in time. Treasury Minister Chris Thomas told the House of Keys that a capital funding request for the heritage rail project was received at the end of…

‘MHK Frustrated Doi Hasn't Yet Submitted Horse Tram Business Plan’

“A Douglas South MHK says it's unfair that the business case for the full reinstatement of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway is seeing yet more delays. Back in March, the Department of Infrastructure was tasked with returning to Tynwald this month with plans for the full line. However, the document has…

‘Reinstating Horse Tram Tracks Will Cost Almost £2 Million’

“Reinstating the horse tram tracks along the full length of Douglas Promenade will cost almost £2 million. The figure has been revealed by the chief engineer of Isle of Man Railways who says it is ‘far from ideal’ that they still do not run between Broadway and the Sea Terminal. The work was origin…

‘Horse Tram Business Case Misses Tynwald Deadline’

“The enterprise minister says he’s ‘happy to support’ the case for reinstating the horse trams along the full length of Douglas Promenade. Tim Johnston told Manx Radio it would help boost the Island’s tourism offering. A business case to extend the tracks, from Broadway to the Sea Terminal, was due…


TODAY's featured

PAGES

Alan Spencer Collection: Douglas

The following miscellaneous photographs depicting scenes in Douglas have been supplied by renowned transport supporter Alan Spencer from his extensive collection. The MERS is very grateful for the use of these photographs, which make a welcome addition to the website. Copyright for each view remain…

SMR Car 2 & MER Car 2

A chance meeting between SMR Car 2 and MER Car 2 at the northern end of Laxey Station on the 24th August 1981. MER Car 2 is stabled on the former Goods Shed Siding which was disconnected from the main line during the relaying of Laxey Station, the work took place over the winter of 2013/14. (Photo:…

Car 25

Following withdrawal from passenger use at the end of the 1993 season, car No.25 was deployed on Per Way duties for several years before being placed in storage awaiting overhaul. The rather work worn looking crossbench car was captured in August 1995 taking refuge in the sidings at Dhoon Quarry wh…


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