Mr Ian Longworth, the IoM Director of Public Transport has frequently been criticised by the Manx Electric Railway Society.
We are not afraid however to congratulate him when he gets things right. Last night our Secretary attended a meeting in Douglas in which for the first time in a very long time, strategic good news was announced. News which despite all of the things we have reproached this gentleman for, should be the subject of his outright congratulation.
The statistics quoted by Mr Longworth speak for themselves:-
The railways make an £11,000,000 contribution to the IOM economy at a cost to the taxpayer of £2,500,000. “It is getting close to paying its way on an exchequer benefit basis" as well. The £11,000,000 figure is in addition to the contribution of Manx Heritage to the economy.
72,182 MER passengers,
( up 8.8% on 66,350 in 2014 an increase of 5,832 passengers )
52,055 SNAEFELL passengers
( up 8.4% on 48,029 in 2014 )
100,653 IMR passengers
( up 1.2% on 99,421 in 2014 ).
This has been achieved by a joint marketing approach with Manx National Heritage.
All of this underpins Mr Longworth’s basic goal; to be able to justify to the Isle of Man Government that the railways justify further investment. The investment is being wisely spent when it comes to infrastructure. Under his supervision the short term option has ceased to be an option other than in cases of emergency. A scheme (for the first time in living memory) of preventative maintenance has been introduced. His ruthless approach was undoubtedly required to save the MER and make it viable. Works are now expected to last longer than a cheap ten year option (as applied on the occasion of the last overhaul of Laxey to Ramsey.
Mr Longworth was un-flattered by being described as a Victorian at the meeting but that is what he surely is, in the great tradition of getting things done.
But, this comes with a cost to heritage as can be seen at Laxey Station where he insists he was powerless. Mr Longworth informed those present at the meeting that the Department was pressing on with its plans for the redevelopment of Ramsey Station, a move which would radically alter the MER’s traditional terminus in the town.
Nevertheless on this occasion we come here to praise him and will not at this juncture set out the down side… credit where it is due… Well Done Mr Longworth. Only you could have achieved this. Well done indeed.
The Manx Electric Railway Society applauds this success and hopes that (in the event a conservation policy is re-instated), we may once again be able to co-operate with those who run the line for the general good of the tramway.