AGREED POLICY FOR MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY

1. Isle of Man Transport will keep operational the Manx Electric Railway AND Snaefell Mountain Railway maintaining the present atmosphere and ambience of the line. It will retain the present style of operation and rolling stock.

2. The buildings required for the operation of the Railway will be maintained in their present situation and condition. They will be repaired so far as possible to maintain their original appearance.

3. The rolling stock will be operated in liveries that have been previously used during the history of the railway up until 1970.

4. The proposed Summerland development will require changes at Derby Castle but we will seek to maintain a track layout to allow the present pattern of operation to continue and not jeopardise the possible physical connection to the Horse Tramway. The Department will seek to ensure any changes are appropriate to the tramways setting.

5. The agreed expenditure programme for track infrastructure works will continue and include new drainage, ballast, sleepers and traction poles. A programme of re-railing will be sought.

6. Within labour resources the existing operational fleet of air-braked motorcars and suitable trailers will be maintained in operational condition. A plan will be developed to use a dedicated "works car" for engineering use to avoid the use of a passenger tram.

7. We will welcome the provision of suitable Holdsworth manufactured moquette by the MERS for use in future Motor and Trailer Tram body overhauls.

8. Surplus rolling stock is currently stored either on the railway or at Homefield. The lease on Homefield has 6 years to run. Other Isle of Man Transport equipment is also stored at Homefield. A decision will be needed in advance of 2008/9 regarding the future of the contents of this building. It is unlikely resources or finance will allow the stock to be returned to operational use.

9. Surplus equipment will be offered to and discussed with the MERS for their consideration.

10. Operationally the only shed requirement at Laxey is for the overhead line car. The present Laxey Car Shed will for Health and Safety reasons have its present roof removed. We will investigate ways of retaining the existing building shell and how it might be roofed.

11. Ramsey Goods shed will be leased to the Youth programme as already agreed.

12. There is an operational need to consider combining the bus facilities at Ramsey with the MER Station.

13. We have agreed to the provision of a new electrical substation at Bungalow for the Snaefell Mountain Railway. Other electrical substation work is required and part of the infrastructure renewals will include a new substation provision at Derby Castle.

14. The change by DOLGE of the Railway Inspector arrangements becoming a matter for the Chief Health and Safety Inspector may impose changes which will have to reflect statutory requirements. We will encourage discussions with DOLGE to persuade them of the need to reflect the history and style of the equipment.

15. The higher mileages operated during the past 3 winter operating periods absorbs more staff time and maintenance requirements. This situation will be monitored and consideration may have to be given to reverting to the previous arrangement of a limited Monday to Friday service to conserve resources and rolling stock availability.

16. Rolling stock and buildings on the MER/SMR will only be destroyed or dismantled after an application has been made for Ministerial Decision approving such a course having considered the possible alternatives with interested parties.

17. We will respond to specific proposals brought to us by the MERS through its elected representatives.

 

 

Hon. D.C. Cretney, M.H.K.

Minister for Tourism & Leisure

October 2002

Amended November 2002

Second amendment January 2003

Copyright © 2003 Manx Electric Railway Society, All rights reserved.