“Additional money from charities and private investors could be used to fund the operation of the horse trams on Douglas promenade.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas says he's due to hold talks with a number of organisations about funding for the tramway.
The future of the rails from Broadway to the Sea Terminal remains uncertain, with the Department of Infrastructure needing to reapply to Treasury for funding the complete the works.
Mr. Thomas believes the Island's heritage railways may need to be moved away from public transport. “
Mr. Thomas’ comments can be heard HERE.
MERS Comment: For the record, Chris Thomas MHK – the recently appointed DOI Minister, voted for the retention of a full tramway when Tynwald debated and approved the matter way back in January 2017.
This sad and insignificant looking afterthought which can very easily be missed, is what passes for the terminus of a horse tramway which currently doesn’t go anywhere. On a world scale, it is acknowledged that the tramway is completely unique. Is it really beyond the wit of the DOI to provide something a little more fitting and appropriate to signify the current southern loading point of the truncated horse tramway, than this eyesore which has cobbled together from scrap steel?
Severed at Castle Mona Ave, the tramway is now unable to reach its natural and historical terminus at the Sea Terminal, once a source of major traffic. Even those with just a rudimentary understanding, realise that the Horse Tramway acts as a vital feeder for the Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway. It is hoped that this basic FACT is not lost on those Manx politicians charged with making fundamental decisions.