The Isle of Man’s 46-mile network of heritage railways continues to attract increasing numbers of passengers thanks to innovations of luxury steam train dining and mountain top themed nights. New ticketing systems have also contributed to growing income.
Isle of Man Railways hosted 300 groups on its three Victorian railway systems during 2015 and aims to exceed that in 2016. One tour operator offering railway-themed breaks is returning with 42 group visits to the Isle of Man in 2016.
Indian Hill Station nights offering authentic Shimla cuisine, Pie in the Sky stargazing suppers and even a Sci-Fi Solstice ensured sell-out evenings at the summit of the Snaefell Mountain Railway this year and will be repeated in 2016. Passenger numbers on the line topped 52,000 during the 2015 season, up from 48,000 the previous year.
The Pullman-style Dining Car on the IoM Steam Railway will increase capacity next year with the addition of a fourth sumptuously restored dining carriage. Dining Car services are continuing through late November and December 2015 with a range of Christmas lunches and dinners and festive fireman’s breakfast trains. Full details available at www.rail.im, bookings tel. 01624 697457.
Highlights of the Dining Car calendar for 2016 will include a continuation of the oversubscribed Dining Cars of the World evenings, murder mystery fine dining nights and legendary pie ‘n’ mash trains, commencing in March 2016. The monthly Friday Commuter Trains will feature a new Curry Club on the evening service.
Kate Beecroft MHK, Political Member responsible for the Public Transport Division, said: 'Public Transport has had an exceptional summer with the previous reported highs during the TT fortnight continuing throughout the summer. Despite holding fares for the third season, income grew by 14% through increased use of our buses, trains and trams.
‘In 2007 just 18% of railway operating costs were covered by income; this year that figure will be 43%, well on the way to the target of 50%. Implementing the Ticketer system and the introduction of Go smart travel cards have all contributed to the increase in income.’
Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for Infrastructure which includes the Public Transport Division, commented: ‘Our network of heritage railways is unmatched anywhere in the world and Government continues to invest in the Victorian infrastructure to enable them to operate. Recent innovations including extending the events programme and the operating season enable us to accommodate groups and maximise income.
‘Government is committed to investing in our railways infrastructure. Following the successful and award-winning Ballure Bridge refurbishment completed in March, this winter we will invest more than £1.3million in track renewal on all three railways plus improving various structures – bridges and retaining walls. Additionally, refurbishment of Douglas and Ramsey stations is to be undertaken by the Department during 2016, subject to Tynwald approval, plus repairs at Port Erin Station.’
Isle of Man Railways event highlights for 2016
Rush Hour on the Railways
25 to 28 March
A four day celebration of Isle of Man Railways including on Easter Monday (28 March) a day of photography on the Steam Railway. Intensive services will operate on the Steam Railway during Saturday 26 March and on the Manx Electric Railway on Sunday 27 March plus Easter Sunday (27 March) now includes the enduringly popular photography day on the Steam Railway.
Manx Heritage Transport Festival
27 to 31 Jul 2016
During this flagship five day festival of heritage transport a double headed ‘Boat Train’ will depart Douglas at 09:50 on Thursday 27 July 2016 and will run between Douglas and Port Erin to celebrate the railway’s newest steam locomotive Mannin’s 90th birthday.
Additionally, on Saturday 30 July there will be a Full Steam Ahead mixed gauge event at Douglas Station with the participation of the Island’s volunteer-run railways. For the first time, IoM Railways is joining forces with volunteer-operated Groudle Glen and Laxey Mines railways to operate their engines on Douglas Steam Railway Station tracks.
On Sunday 31 July there will be a Vintage Bus Extravaganza in the north for transport enthusiasts.
Island at War
19 to 21 Aug 2016
Snaefell will be the location of a ‘crashed’ Spitfire and the Summit Restaurant will host wartime evenings (19-20 August) during the Island at War event. Next year will be the 6th annual event that is mainly centred on the Island’s 15½ mile long steam railway. Another first will be Laxey Station becoming a military outpost manned by the Blackpool Military Vehicle Trust.
Planned highlights include:
All new event at Laxey MER station with military vehicles and paratroopers from the Blackpool Military Vehicle Trust – Friday 19 August
Ride the Snaefell Mountain Railway to see the ‘crashed’ Spitfire site – all weekend.
Ride the Steam Railway to see a guarded artillery vehicle.
Re-enactments, period vehicles, Combined Cadet Forces, Scouts and wartime singers on stations.
Snaefell Mountain Railway
• Sunset dinners will continue on Wednesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays from 15 June to 16 September.
• Various Indian themed nights are scheduled plus the all new Table Mountain African themed night (14 May 2016 + 21 May + 22 Oct).
• We join forces with the Vikings of Mann for a Solstice celebration at the Summit on Saturday 25 June.
• All new “Sundown” Dinner Country and Western sing-a-long evening on Saturday 01 October.
Steam Railway
Extensive programme of Dining Car services from Sunday 6 March (Mother’s Day lunches and afternoon teas); Saturday 25 March and Thursday 31 March will see the first Pie n Mash trains. Murder Mystery and Dining Cars of the World throughout the season.
Bookings will open early 2016 – see www.rail.im for information
ENDS