In response to the ongoing bus strike, a limited steam railway service was operated today, offering an alternative transport option for those wishing to travel in the south of the Island, and avoid the chronic roadworks-induced congestion currently being experienced by motorists trying to get in and out of Douglas at peak periods. The MER was also once again in service as on previous strike days.
Around 30 students and others took advantage of the 07:20 departure from Port Erin while a similar number travelled on the 16:20 service from Douglas. Many passengers appeared to be commuters, sporting office attire and laptops.
Advance publicity for today’s additional steam service was sparse. Manx Radio were only able to announce the Friday operations at around 3:00pm on Thursday – fewer than 24 hours before the first train departed.
Earlier today on Friday, a social media post revealed plans for another limited strike day steam service on Monday 23 March. The Island’s railways were not originally billed to operate at all on Mondays in March.
During the strike period, passengers using the steam railway can travel at standard bus fares with normal bus fare conditions applying.
Our video HERE shows the 16:20 steam departure from Douglas.
Meanwhile Monday's strike rail timetables for both the steam and electric railways appear below.
