[Apologies for the delay in this story appearing] It was a day that for what appeared to be a very long time earlier in 2016 didn’t look happening but Saturday 30th April saw the return of the Douglas Horse Tramway for its 140th anniversary season. A two tram service was in use on that first day with 44 and 45 the chosen pair.
With Isle of Man Railways now running the service following Douglas Borough Council’s withdrawal at the start of 2016 the very first service of the new era departed from Strathallan/Derby Castle at 0900 with the rather aptly named Douglas the horse given the honour of hauling 44 along the Promenade to the Sea Terminal. 44 is, of course, the Royal Tram being completed in the Red, White and Blue livery and seems to have jumped to the front of the queue to be used, a reversal in its fortunes from recent years. The second tram on the day was 45.
Since the first day the service has continued to operate as per the timetable with passenger loadings reported to be positive – a trend which will hopefully continue as the year progresses. From reports on the Friends of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway Facebook page it appears that 44 and 45 have run the majority of services so far this year although it is believed that 12 trams are considered available for use.
2016 has also seen history made with a full female crew (driver and guard) on duty together during the afternoon of Monday 2nd May. It is believed to the first time in modern times that this has happened.
Other news from the Horse Tramway is that 44 has become the first of the trams to lose its Corporation writing and crests. The writing on the lower panels now only states Douglas Tramways with the middle panel which used to say Corporation having been painted over. It is thought that the writing will change to Douglas Bay Horse Tramway in the future. Meanwhile both 27 and 1 are reported to have been receiving paintwork attention in the depot with the illuminations from the latter having been removed in preparation.
* All the latest news and photos from the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway can be found on the Friends of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdbht/.
I believe the first full female crew included the horse as well as the driver and conductor..