Day of celebrations to mark last use of historic horse tramway alignment

Sunday 21st October will be a historic day for the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway as it is due to be the last day the current full double track alignment between Derby Castle and the Sea Terminal will be in use. To celebrate the fact – although the Department of Infrastructure are celebrating “new beginnings” rather than looking back – there will a series of special events on the last day – including a premium priced final service with double decker 18.

We reported earlier this week that the 2018 season will end two weeks earlier than originally announced on Sunday 21st October and confirmation has now been given on a few events on that last day to celebrate the end of another successful season – the third under the auspices of Isle of Man Transport.

On 21st October the following events will take place:

* Double decker 18 with two horses will operate two return trips departing Derby Castle at 1015 and 1115

* Meet the Trammers tours of Summerhill Stables at 1130 and 1330. This will be a chance to meet the tram horses and to see what the future holds for the tramway. In addition to the actual tours the stables will be open between 1000 and 1400.

* All 20 horses will come together for a class of 2018 photo at Derby Castle at 1415. This will then lead up to a Cavalcade of trams and horses although details of the number of trams which will be involved in this have not been released. Stuart Mullan will provide an account of each horse and tram as they depart Derby Castle.

* The historic last service will leave Derby Castle at 1730 using 18 and one horse. Premium tickets priced at £10 each will be the only fares applicable on this service with Go Cards not accepted. As well as being part of this historic occasion passengers will receive a commemorative certificate

Jason Moorhouse MHK, Member with responsibility of Public Transport, said: “These are a remarkable series of events which will end the season in spectacular style. In 2019 the horse trams will be back to continue the success and providing trips along the Prom. Thank you to both locals and tourists who take the time to enjoy the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.”

This will be the last day the full double track layout will be in operation with work on the reconstruction of the Promenade starting in earnest over the winter period. The new layout will eventually see double track from Derby Castle to Broadway with a single track – plus passing loop – provided through to the Sea Terminal. At this stage it is not known how much of the horse tramway will be available to run services next year but currently the service is due to recommence on Thursday 25th April 2019.

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