Passenger figures for the 2010 horse tram service were 10.5 per cent higher than in 2009.
Douglas Borough Council’s evaluation of the 2010 operation has shown a month-on-month improvement over 2009 with a total of 53,650 passengers carried and August proving especially popular, attracting 16,989 passengers, an increase of 3,041 on August 2009.
Revenue figures for the 2010 season have yet to be finalised, however early indications show a modest increase from 2009.
Council Leader David Christian said: ‘It is encouraging to see that the 2010 horse tram service has attracted a greater number of passengers than in 2009. For the 2010 season the Council made every effort to provide a schedule that better suited passengers’ needs by operating a seven-day service from 9am to 7pm. Clearly that decision to extend the hours was a prudent one, as evidenced by the 10.5 per cent increase we achieved over 2009.
‘These figures are encouraging. However, we can ill-afford to be complacent. These are challenging economic times and the Council recognises the need to be creative in promoting the service to as wider an audience as possible. To this end we have extended the Santa tram service from three to four days this Christmas – which equates to more than 200 extra seats available for this unique experience that I am sure will prove to be a sell-out success, as it was when we first launched the service in 2009.’
The 2010 Santa tram service will operate Saturday 18th, Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd December.
Timings each day are 10.00, 10.40, 11.20, 13.00, 13.40, 14.20, 15.00 and 15.40.
Tickets, priced ?7.50, (to include a present from Father Christmas in his grotto and refreshments) are on sale at Douglas Town Hall. Telephone 696344.
Ends
Wednesday 17th, November 2010 09:01pm.
