Tynwald backs move to bring forward business case for full Douglas Bay Horse Tramway reinstatement 

Department of Infrastructure to return with funding request and implementation plan in May

Tynwald has unanimously approved a motion calling for further detailed proposals on reinstating the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway along the full length of Douglas Promenade.

Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby’s motion requested the Department of Infrastructure to bring forward a capital funding request, alongside an implementation plan and full business case.

Her proposals initially called for the documents to be delivered to the April sitting of Tynwald. This was later amended to reflect May 2026.

The approval does not give the go-ahead for the reinstatement itself, but requires the department to set out how the scheme could be delivered, how much it would cost, and how it would be funded.

The horse tram - formally known as the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway - first began operating in 1876 and are widely regarded as the last surviving original horse-drawn tram service in the world.

Alongside the Manx Electric Railway and the Isle of Man Steam Railway, they form part of the Island’s distinctive Victorian transport heritage.

They have been subject to renewed scrutiny in recent months, after historian Charles Guard challenged Tynwald to complete the reinstatement along the full length of the promenade.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has been a long-running subject of debate in recent years, particularly following the redevelopment of Douglas Promenade and changes to the route.

The heritage tramway is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

On several occasions, Tynwald has previously resolved to reinstate the tramway to the Sea Terminal, with funding approved. However, that money was later reallocated, and the line has not been fully extended.