We have probably been here before, but there now seem to be new hopes for a full reinstatement of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to the Sea Terminal. And if a motion for the work is approved at Tynwald it has been suggested that work may finally commence in 2027.
When the reconstruction of Douglas Promenade took place from the end of 2018, the future of the Horse Tramway was always a controversial part of it. The plans for its retention went through various stages before eventually it had been decided that the section between Derby Castle and Villa Marina would remain a double track tramway in the centre of the road but that then the remaining part through to the Sea Terminal would be a single track at the side of the road. This was all fully funded but with the overall project seeing cost overruns it was ultimately decided to divert cash from the Villa Marina-Sea Terminal section. This meant that despite previous Tynwald approval the final part of the tramway was not constructed.
And that is how it has remained, despite pressure from various parties to see the tramway return to its full length.
But now a new motion is being taken to Tynwald which will ask members to task the Department of Infrastructure with bringing forward a capital funding request, implementation plan and business case for the full reinstatement. This will be in April.
Tim Crookall, the Infrastructure Minister, said that they plan to bring a business case would be presented to Tynwald in May. If this is approved its hoped work would start within a year, and would be expected to take 40 weeks to complete. If that all happens then it would likely be at least 2028 before trams would run.
With 2025 being the 150th anniversary of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, could this be the best possible present it could receive?
I think it would prove useful if the line could extend as far as Howard Street/ Loch Promenade Church, as it would cover almost all hotels on Loch Promenade. I get the impression that tourists arriving at the Sea Terminal generally look for taxis, especially if burdened with heavy luggage. No doubt Cruise Liner passengers have coaches laid on for shore visits. However, a Horse Tramway close to hotels would likely attract guests who have settled in and had time to plan activities during their stay.
The main problem with your idea, NYP, is that there is provision for a roadside single track only at this point. The formation widens beside the Bottleneck Car Park, about 300 metres further on, allowing for a double track run-round loop, clearly visible as a currently grassed area on the webcam at https://www.manxradio.com/webcams/ (search for ‘Douglas Promenade’).