Horse Trams returned to Douglas Promenade today, after an absence of almost three years. With the Summer Transport Festival in full swing, newly appointed DOI Minister Chris Thomas MHK, was on hand to officially open the tramway’s new depot on Strathallan Crescent. Regular readers of MTR will recall that an official opening of the new depot was originally scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2020, but like much else, this ceremony fell victim to the developing global COVID-19 crisis.
During today’s opening ceremony, Mr. Thomas indicated that no work would take place to reinstate the tramway to the Sea Terminal or even the War Memorial, until winter 2023 at the earliest. It must be clearly pointed out that any such work is unfortunately once again dependent upon Tynwald approval, despite a vote being taken as far back as January 2017 to reinstate a full tramway to the Sea Terminal as part of the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade.
Festivities over, Sunshade car No.36 with Torrin in charge left, Derby Castle for Broadway with the tramway’s first passenger journey since November 3, 2019.
Concerns have been expressed as to the severity of the reverse curves (and the resultant wheel noise) where the new tramway alignment swings across the carriageway on the approach to what is hopefully just a temporary terminal point adjacent to castle Mona Avenue.
Trams are expected to depart Derby Castle between 9.35 and 5pm - Tuesday to Sunday until September 11, with operations thereafter reverting to Wednesday to Sunday, with the season coming to a close on Sunday, October 30.
For full details, tickets and timetables, please visit: rail.im
Prior to the commencement of the tram service, Chris Thomas MHK was interviewed by Paul Moulton of IOM TV.