The Manx Electric Railway is being called into action again as bus drivers on the Isle of Man will be holding another strike on Thursday 17th January. Unite the Union have confirmed that their members will be holding a half day strike between 1300 and 1800 on Thursday 17 January and to help convey passengers usually carried on the number 3 bus between Douglas and Ramsey an intensive service will be run on the MER.
Starting from just after 1300 there will be five departures from Douglas at 1310, 1410, 1440, 1540 and 1640 with trams returning from Ramsey at 1410, 1510, 1555, 1610 and 1710. The 1440 and 1540 departures from Douglas are suggested services for school children with the 1510, 1555 and 1610 services departing Ramsey also suggested for the use of the school children.
It is expected that four cars will be in use from this service from a pool of 5, 6, 9, 19 and 20 although exact allocations are, at this stage, unknown. The 1410 from Douglas and 1555 from Ramsey will operate as a single motor whilst trailers 57, 58 and 59 are expected to be used on a number of services:
57/58 – 1440 and 1540 from Douglas, 1610 and 1710 from Ramsey
59 – 1310 and 1640 from Douglas, 1510 from Ramsey
Normal bus fares will be valid on the service and Explorer Tickets and 2013 Residents Season Tickets/Railcards will also be valid for use on all services.
Although the expected allocation of vehicles for this service is not as exotic as that used in December, when the previous strike took place, it will still afford a rare opportunity for passengers to travel on the MER in January and it is good to see that a 119 year old transport system can still be relied upon when all else fails!
Thanks to www.manxelectricrailway.co.uk for the details in this article.