Passenger numbers for Douglas Borough Council’s horse tram service have recorded an increase for the third year in succession. 56,536 passengers were carried during the 2011 season when the service operated from May 9 to September 18, one week longer than in 2010 to accommodate visitors for the Commonwealth Youth Games, representing an increase of 5.4 per cent over 2010, figures for which were 10 per cent higher than in 2009. The final revenue figure for 2011 will be determined once running costs have been taken into account at year end and the Department of Community Culture and Leisure has released its Explorer tickets income. Leisure services committee chairman Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘This year-on-year increase, albeit modest, is most encouraging, especially in light of the economic downturn. Inevitably, this summer’s poor weather will have affected passenger numbers to some extent. However, we can take heart from the fact that the horse trams clearly continue to attract worldwide interest. Not only did visitors from some 70 Commonwealth nations have the unique opportunity to experience the horse trams during the Commonwealth Youth Games this September but also film crews from Germany, Japan and the Netherlands featured the service, as did BBC TV in its Great British Railway Journeys fronted by Michael Portillo. In addition, although the summer service may be over, I am pleased to confirm we shall be operating our Santa tram service again this year which, sadly, we were forced to cancel in 2010 due to severe weather conditions, and the schedule has been finalised for what I am confident will be a memorable Christmas experience for all the family.’ The 2011 Santa tram service will operate on Saturday 17, Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December. Departures from the Strathallan terminus will be at 10.00am, 10.40am, 11.20am, 1.00pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3.00pm and 3.40pm. Tickets ?7.50. Children under two, accompanied by an adult, travel free. ENDS