We often hear about bus replacement services to cover for trams, but how about a tram replacement service to cover for buses! Well, that’s exactly what looks set to happen on the Isle of Man with the Manx Electric Railway getting ready to run earlier than planned owing to a planned strike on Bus Vannin which starts on Saturday 21st February 2026.
The strike – which will last for 10 days – has been called over the latest pay deal and despite talks aimed at preventing the walk-out, looks set to go-ahead leading to disruption for those wanting to get around the island to school and work, and just for general day-to-day shopping and the like.
Whilst a reduced service will run on the buses (which will depend on available staff) a number of other contingencies are being planned – and that includes the Manx Electric Railway!
Although the proposals are said to be under review and could still change a post on social media by the Isle of Man Government says that they plan to run a public service on the MER all the way between Ramsey and Douglas for both commuters and schoolchildren. Trams will then be met by buses at Derby Castle for onwards travel into Douglas City Centre and the secondary schools. The trams will be open to all and not restricted just to school students.
The planned timetable will see trams running before and after school and includes probably some of the earliest services for many, many years. The following services are planned:
- 0610 Laxey to Ramsey 0655
- 0710 Derby Castle to Ramsey 0825
- 0720 Derby Castle to Ramsey 0840
- 0810 Derby Castle to Ramsey 0925
- 1440 Derby Castle to Ramsey 1555
- 1540 Derby Castle to Ramsey 1655
- 0725 Ramsey to Derby Castle 0840
- 0840 Ramsey to Derby Castle 0955
- 1510 Ramsey to Derby Castle 1625
- 1555 Ramsey to Derby Castle 1710
- 1610 Ramsey to Derby Castle 1725
- 1710 Ramsey to Laxey 1755
This timetable is due to run between Monday 23rd and Friday 27th February, although is subject to revision after the first day of operation.
To add to the complexity there is ongoing trackwork at Ballaglass which may lead to delays in the advertised service. Normal bus fares are in operation as the trams are being treated as buses for this special service.
The past week has seen numerous trams from the MER fleet undertaking their usual drying out runs ahead of the new season, the advertised timetabled service due to commence on Tuesday 17th March. But it now seems they’re be out with passengers earlier than that with this extra special service to run during the strike. We bet you didn’t have this on your bingo card for 2026!