There’s been a slump in passenger figures for the island’s heritage railways.

In last week’s Manx Independent, we reported the 2019 figures released by the Department of Infrastructure which showed an overall 36% decline compared with the previous year.

Only the Steam Railway saw an increase (of 13%). Figures for single journeys on the Manx Electric Railway (MER) were down by 45%, return journeys on the Snaefell Mountain Railway were down by 35% and single journeys on the Douglas Bay horse trams were down by 82%.

We asked residents when they last used the services.

’I drive so the heritage railways aren’t something that interests me,’ Gwynneth Brown, 55, of Onchan, said.

’I’ve been on the Snaefell tram as I used to work at the cafe and it was a nice way to get to work, but I wouldn’t choose to go on it now.’

Her mother, also Gwynneth, aged 77, of Willaston, said: ’I think the brakes incident on the Snaefell tram might have something to do with the decline. It must’ve been terrifying at the time.

’I’ve been to two themed nights on the steam train and I’ve taken my grandson on the Santa trains which was lovely. One of the theme nights was 1920s style with gin being served. It was really good!

’I think the trains are doing well because of the meal nights. I don’t think they should get rid of any of the heritage railways. The kids love it. It’s a shame that they did away with the steam railway to Peel.’

Jack Martin, 23, of Onchan, said: ’I’ve been on the steam train and it’s a nice little trip. If the island was to get rid of any of the heritage railways it should be the horse trams. It’s animal cruelty and it’s in the way of the traffic.’

He was ’not surprised’ by the figures as the railways ’don’t seem that popular’ amongst people he knows.

Michael Christian, 59, of Peel, said: ’I went on the steam train from Douglas to Port Erin for the first time last year. I really enjoyed it.

’The last time I was on the steam train was when I was about seven when I went to Peel on Tynwald Day to see my grandmother. The Snaefell tram is good if it’s a lovely day, otherwise you cannot see up there.’

He believes the heritage railways should stay. ’Yes they all cost money, but it helps to bring people here and if you lose it, we will never get it back.’

Amy Kennish, 22, of Douglas, said: ’Not many people are interested in heritage. I’m a heritage kinda person so that does upset me. The railways are a nice thing to have. Some people believe it’s out of fashion to have animal transport in general.

’I last went on the MER two months ago. My brother really likes the trams. We went every other week in the summer and it was great. The steam train does events, but there is not much of a market for that on the MER.’

Sarah Corey, 35, of Douglas, said: ’My kids go on them all the time. My youngest who is five is obsessed with the MER and horse trams. When my oldest was at a nursery on the promenade they used to get the horse tram there every day. I like them because they are traditional.

’I’m surprised by the MER figures. They’ve been full every time we went on and we go to Laxey a few times.’