Why join the MERS?

  • Successfully campaigned for the reinstatement and re-opening of the Laxey – Ramsey secontion fo the MER during 1975–77.
  • Successfully proposed and lobbied for the 1993 "Year of the 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 &mdashl including an online petition which attracted more than 2,000 signatures &mdashl 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.102 - Winter 2024/25

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 2025. 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:

Buses and Coaches
Updated yesterday

THE first motor char-a-bancs in the Island were operated by the Manx Electric Railway Co., which used them on a service between Snaefell Bungalow and Tholt-y-Will from 1907. In July of the same year Douglas Corporation obtained powers to run omnibuses within the Borough, but the services were provi…

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Newslines

Road, Rail, Sea and Air

‘A National Embarrassment’

“Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby has hit back after criticism from Charles Guard, saying she would have reinstated the horse tram tracks “within the first year of the election” had she been in a position to do so. Mr Guard recently highlighted that the issue of reinstating the lines has been ongoing…

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NEWS…

Horse Tramway Rant

Renowned champion of Manx Heritage, Charles Guard, challenges the members of Tynwald to put the Horse Trams back as they promised they would do nine years ago.

Maurice Faragher - Former Isle of Man Railways Engineering Superintendent

Maurice Faragher, Isle of Man Railway’s former Engineering Superintendent (1983-1995), has recently been interviewed by current MER motorman Chris Callow on behalf of Culture Vannin. Maurice recalls his life including employment with the MER over many years. “Maurice Faragher tells the story of his…

Horse Tramway business case 'under final review'

The business case for the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has been decoupled from the Tramway Terrace Project. Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall has confirmed the move in response to a Tynwald Question for written reply from Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh. On January 23rd the Member for North Doug…

MHK Has Questions About Horse Trams Business Case

“Why is the business case for finishing the Douglas horse tram tracks no longer tied to the restoration of Tramway Terrace? That's what Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh wants to know, having tabled a Tynwald question for written reply to Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall. Last year, the Depart…

Heritage Railway timetables announced

Timetables have been announced for the Isle of Man’s heritage railways for the 2026 season. The Manx Electric Railway will return to service on Tuesday the 17th of March, with the steam railway following two days later, on Thursday the 19th. Both services will run through to Sunday the 1st of Novem…

Tim Crookall MHK new Infrastructure Minister

The new Department of Infrastructure Minister is Tim Crookall MHK. He took up this role following Dr Michelle Haywood's decision to step down. It's the third time Mr Crookall has been head of this department. The departure of Dr Haywood and the appointment of Mr Crookall followed a ministerial resh…


TODAY's featured

ARTICLES

Horse Tram Announcement 'Incorrect'

‘A newsletter which stated the horse trams would not be continuing past the war memorial on Douglas promenade was wrong, according to the government. The update on the Douglas promenade refurbishment scheme was issued to subscribers last night and stated that the horse tram track would be ending at…

Horse Tramway Service Suspended.

The horse trams have been suspended temporarily, on the advice of a vet. "A number of the tram horses have been found to be suffering respiratory problems. Isle of Man Railways says the infection is relatively common among horses and it is difficult to determine where it has originated. It is not f…


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