Campaign to save the world’s oldest horse-drawn tram service
The Isle of Man’s horse tram service has been discontinued by Douglas Borough Council.
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway had been in operation since 1876 and prior to its closure at the start of the year, was the oldest remaining horse-drawn tram service in the world.
A petition has been launched by Friends of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway to reinstate the historical service and it has already reached nearly 3,000 signatures.
“It has been a bit out of the blue,” said Stuart Mullan of the Friends of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway.
“We have received a lot of support from all over the UK and around the world. The petition is helping to raise awareness and shows there really is a desire for the service.
“We really hope there is something we can do to save it.”
The tram service has 22 horses — 16 are used to operate the trams and the remaining younsters are in training.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The fates of the horses, who are currently on their winter break, and 24 original tramcars are yet to be determined. The Victorian stables and tramcar depot are to be sold off for re-development.
“Financial burden”
Douglas Borough Council cited “increased financial burden” as reason for stopping the service.
“It is with very great regret, following detailed discussions and meetings, that Douglas Borough Council is to discontinue the Douglas horse tram service,” said a council spokesman.
“Key factors determining the resolution to end the service were its year-on-year deficit, currently running at £263,000, coupled with the associated loan charge, equating to an annual impact on the rates of over £420,000.”
Council leader David Christian added: “To continue operating the horse tram service would place an unacceptable level of burden on the ratepayer”.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.