The 2012 Douglas horse tram service will begin on Monday 14 and operate daily from 9am to 6pm until Sunday September 16.

Regeneration and community advisory committee Lead Member Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘2012 marks the 136th year of the service, while 2011 was an exceptional year, with the 135th anniversary celebrations, an extended service to accommodate the Commonwealth Youth Games visitors and an appearance on Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journey for BBC television.  Passenger figures have shown a year-on-year increase since 2009 and I would urge as many people as possible, residents and visitors alike, to help continue this upward trend in 2012 by purchasing a ticket and experiencing this unique vintage transport system.’

Tickets can be bought on board, at the tram station by the Manx Electric Railway terminus and at Manx Electric and Steam Railway manned stations. Alternatively, season tickets can be purchased online at www.douglas.gov.im.

In addition, seven-day Explorer tickets offering unlimited travel on the horse trams, railways and scheduled bus services can be purchased from the tram station or the Isle of Man Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal, telephone 662525/686766.