Blackpool should start to see the return of some of its classic tramcars this autumn, says Blackpool Transport
Not strictly bus-related, but fans of Blackpool and its well-known and well-liked fleet of heritage trams will be pleased to hear that Blackpool Transport says it is on track to return some of the fleet to service on the seafront this autumn. The operator says it is undertaking work to get the trams and track ready for their return, the vehicles having been out of use for a period of time, partly as a result of work required on the depot facilities at the company’s Rigby Road site.
Blackpool Transport says an important step in the plan will see an independent expert assessing the operational-worthiness of the vehicles, with a view to having them running for October half term. Heritage Operations Manager at Blackpool Trams Martin Gurr explained: “Inspections are set to start in the next few weeks and the resulting technical reports will give us a clear idea of how many trams we can bring back into service. We will then carry out the additional work, including fitting them with the latest speed restriction technology and a programme of intensive driver and conductor training.
“In terms of infrastructure, we also need to inspect and clean tracks outside the Rigby Road depot before the trams can be moved to our Starr Gate depot, where they will be stored and maintained alongside the second-generation fleet. Everyone at Blackpool Transport is committed to bringing back our iconic trams to the seafront, and we’ll be working tirelessly to achieve this in time for the Lightpool Festival in October. “As each phase of our reintroduction plan is completed, we’ll provide further updates on our work to preserve the town’s rich tramway heritage,” he added. Blackpool Transport has also recently appointed Steve Staley its new Tramway Operations and Safety Manager, bringing with him 30 years of experience in tramway operations in the UK and the Middle East. Steve started his career at Manchester Metrolink, where he worked as a duty manager, and has held senior roles on the Dubai Metro and the Gulf city’s airport transfer system, among others.
Although the tram sheds at Rigby Road remain out of bounds, visitors to Blackpool can still arrange a tour of the company’s Tramtown engineering works with money raised going towards the restoration of the tram shed and engineering works.
