The Isle of Man Government have launched an \u201cIndependent Review and Economic Impact Assessment\u201d into the operation of the heritage railways on the island. This obviously includes the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and as part of this review they have launched an online consultation to find out views from the public.<\/p>\n
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On the consultation page \u2013 which can be viewed at https:\/\/consult.gov.im\/infrastructure\/iomhr-review-and-assessment\/<\/a> – the government say the following:<\/p>\n \u201cThis consultation is about developing an understanding of who uses the heritage rail network and why, and what is considered the most important factor in their operation.\u201d<\/p>\n As to why people\u2019s views matter the page goes on to say: \u201cTo gather the views of the public, and those involved in the Island\u2019s voluntary heritage railways associations, to assist with understanding the role the heritage rail network plays in the Isle of Man, in support of the independent review and economic impact assessment currently being undertaken by SYSTRA.\u201d<\/p>\n The short consultation asks questions about who is using the railways, where they\u2019re going and for what purpose. All responses will then be passed on to SYSTRA \u2013 who have been appointed to complete the full assessment \u2013 to help them complete the report into the value of heritage railways on the Isle of Man.<\/p>\n The review being conducted is an update of a previous report conducted in 2017\/8. At the time it was found that the railways cost \u00a34.78 million to operate and had a direct revenue of \u00a31.66 million, although didn\u2019t mention the indirect revenue brought to the Isle of Man with people specifically visiting for the railways then spending other money.<\/p>\n The consultation is open until 13th<\/sup> August and the report is due to be presented by SYSTRA to the government by the end of September.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Isle of Man Government have launched an \u201cIndependent Review and Economic Impact Assessment\u201d into the operation of the heritage railways on the island. This obviously includes the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway and … Continue reading