Strike Support Tram Breaks Down Before Breakfast

Well, that didn’t last long.

Just as the island was getting used to the reassuring ‘ding ding’ of trams helping out during the bus strike, one of this morning’s key services has already thrown in the towel.

Isle of Man Railways has confirmed that the 7.25am Manx Electric Railway service from Ramsey to Douglas will not be operating today (Tuesday) due to a breakdown.

Yes, the backup tram has broken down.

The railways team has apologised for the inconvenience caused.

As we reported last week, the Department of Infrastructure confirmed the MER would begin running from Monday to support schoolchildren and commuters while bus services are reduced because of industrial action.

For the transport buffs among you (we know you’re out there), this is all rather unusual.

The MER doesn’t normally fire up until March. In fact, the 2026 timetable online had services pencilled in to begin on March 17.

But those plans have been shuffled as a basic interim timetable was drafted to keep the island moving during the 10-day strike.

Updated details are being published via the official MER website.

Buses still running today

Meanwhile, Bus Vannin has outlined the services operating today (Tuesday).

However, it has warned that due to roadworks between Port Erin and Port St Mary, it may not be possible to serve Port St Mary during the morning.

Services scheduled to run are:

• 07:05 – Service 21h: Lord Street – Anagh Coar – Farmhill

• 07:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 07:40 – Service 1: Port St Mary / Port Erin – Douglas

• 07:45 – Service 3: Ramsey – Douglas (via Laxey)

• 08:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Peel (via Hospital)

• 08:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 08:10 – Service 3: Lord Street – Ramsey (via Laxey)

• 08:15 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Douglas

• 08:50 – Service 5: Peel – Douglas (via Hospital)

• 09:10 – Service 3: Ramsey – Douglas (via Laxey)

• 09:15 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Douglas

• 10:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Peel (via Hospital)

• 10:10 – Service 3a: Lord Street – Ramsey (via Victoria Road & Laxey)

• 10:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 10:52 – Service 5: Peel – Douglas (via Noble’s Hospital)

• 11:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Peel (via Hospital)

• 11:10 – Service 5: Ramsey – Douglas (via Peel & Noble’s Hospital)

• 11:20 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Douglas

• 13:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Ramsey (via Peel & Hospital)

• 13:10 – Service 5: Ramsey – Douglas (via Peel & Noble’s Hospital)

• 13:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 14:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Peel (via Hospital)

• 14:10 – Service 3: Ramsey – Douglas (via Laxey – possible 20-minute delay)

• 14:20 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Douglas

• 14:52 – Service 5: Peel – Douglas (via Hospital)

• 16:05 – Service 21h: Lord Street – Pulrose – Anagh Coar – Hospital

• 16:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Peel (via Hospital)

• 16:52 – Service 5: Peel – Douglas (via Hospital)

• 17:10 – Service 3: Lord Street – Ramsey (via Laxey)

• 17:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 18:10 – Service 3: Ramsey – Douglas (via Laxey)

• 18:20 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Lord Street

• 19:07 – Service 5: Lord Street – Ramsey (via Hospital & Peel)

• 19:10 – Service 1: Lord Street – Port Erin

• 20:15 – Service 1: Port St Mary – Port Erin – Lord Street