Blackpool Transport says it is preparing to increase services in preparation for the annual illuminations switch-on on Friday 29 August. The operator says it is taking a fresh approach to managing the massive influx of visitors, with a renewed focus on helping them make the most of the well-known spectacle while minimising travel disruption for residents on the Fylde Coast.
Head of Service Delivery Jamie Swift explained: “Throughout the illuminations season, trams will primarily follow the usual timetable, and we will only divert buses away from the promenade at particularly busy times. To avoid any confusion, these bus diversions will be in place on all Fridays and Saturdays between 29 August and 1 November, but at other times we’ll take a more flexible approach.
“Buses will continue to run along the promenade when traffic is moving freely, which means visitors to the seafront will not have to go out of their way to catch a bus back home or to their accommodation, preventing any unnecessary inconvenience.
“While we plan to run trams to the usual timetable, including our regular services to North Station, there may be occasions when traffic on Talbot Road causes unavoidable delays, and we will temporarily revert to a mainline only service.” Due to the expected crowds, trams will operate a ‘split service’ during the switch-on event, the operator warns, whilst buses will also be diverted away from the promenade from midday.
