The Manx Electric Railway 'notches up' a very significant anniversary tomorrow (September 7th), as 130 years to the day, the first section of the pioneering electric tramway opened to Groudle, some 2 ½ miles north of Douglas.
Subsequent extensions were built to Laxey and Ramsey, which opened in 1894 and 1899 respectively. Apart from the summer of 1976, trams have continued to serve the Island’s northern capital ever since. Laxey & Ramsey's tourist economies are both heavily dependent upon the MER.
On a world scale, the Manx Electric Railway is widely acknowledged as being priceless and completely unique. It is one of the Island’s historic gems and a significant game player in the Manx tourist industry, there is no arguing that people travel to the Island to ride on the trams.
Long may electric cars ply their way from Douglas to Ramsey and to the summit of Snaefell. It is sincerely hoped that the significance of the Island’s railways is not lost on those charged with making decisions.
Isle of Man Transport has organised a series of events to mark the MER’s 130th anniversary which are to take place on Sunday, September 10th, 2023. For full details please click HERE.
