Rail Riders has reached an agreement with Isle of Man Transport that will allow Rail Riders members to benefit from a discount on the Island’s ‘Go Explore’ travel cards.

Rail Riders is a national railway club that offers its members discounts on the UK National Rail network, over 100 outlets including heritage railways and museums, model railway shops, and railway-themed businesses. The club also issues a club magazine every three months, and members-only events are also held throughout the year. Membership details can be found on the club’s website http://www.railriders.club

After being been re-launched in February 2020, Rail Riders has strengthened its brand and has had two main line locomotives named after the club. Also, through its partner at Bishop Trains, it has re-introduced the travel vouchers for discounted travel on the UK national rail network.

Rail Riders has been working with Isle of Man Transport since May 2020 to see whether the four railways that the government department owns and operates could be added to the growing list of participating railways.

Isle of Man Transport has now agreed with Rail Riders so that Rail Riders members can purchase the Island’s Go Explore travel cards at a discount.

The cards will allow club members to enjoy unlimited travel on the Isle of Man Steam Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Manx Electric Railway, and the Snaefell Mountain Railway. They also cover travel on the Groudle Glen Railway and the Laxey Mine Railway which are not operated by Isle of Man Transport as well as all the scheduled bus services on the island.

Cards are available for 1, 3, 5, or 7 consecutive calendar days, and are available for adults, children, and families of 2 adults and up to 3 children. More details on how to apply for the members’ discount will be provided to club members.

As an added bonus, because of Rail Riders’ link with Bishop Trains, rail travel vouchers issued to members can be used against the Rail and Sail tickets for travel from any UK station to Douglas, Isle of Man including the ferry crossing.

Hannah Lo Bao, Customer Experience Manager, Isle of Man Transport, said: “We are excited to be working with Rail Riders. We hope club members will take advantage of the discount and come and visit our beautiful island, and enjoy all what we have to offer. For all details make sure you visit http://www.rail.im.”

Simon Buxton, Director, Rail Riders Ltd, said: “This is fantastic news for our members and further links us to the former club from the 1980s. The Island holds a special place in my heart with its fantastic railway system having visited several times. When setting up Rail Riders, it was always hoped to gain the railways on the island as partners. We are very grateful that Hannah and the team at Isle of Man Transport wanted to be part of Rail Riders and offering our members the unique offer and access to the whole island’s public transport system.”