OPORTO 273 ARRIVES IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Oporto 273 has become the first of the Crich trams to arrive in Blackpool for the 125th anniversary, departing the Derbyshire countryside on Monday (16th August) and arriving at the seaside later that day before being unloaded the following morning. But this is by no means the whole story as the day had begun with Johannesburg 60 being loaded for Blackpool but after suffering damage from low trees on the route in rural Derbyshire this was returned to the Museum with 273 being loaded instead.
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RACK 2 TO HEAD TO BLACKPOOL INSTEAD OF DOUBLE DECKERS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Blackpool & Fleetwood Rack 2 is heading to Blackpool for the 125th anniversary celebrations in September following the cancellation of the loans of the double deck trams from Crich after the damage sustained by Johannesburg 60 (see separate story) during its aborted movement to the resort.
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STANDARD 143 MOVES TO RIGBY ROAD
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 22nd August 2010
A major milestone has been reached in the restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 with its movement from the Brinwell Road workshops of the Lancastrian Transport Trust to Blackpool Transport’s Rigby Road depot. The move took place on Wednesday (18th August) with the tram unloaded the following morning.
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BRUSH 626 MOVES TO BIRKENHEAD
Wirral Heritage Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Blackpool Brush 626 - in probably the most bizarre of the tram sales so far – has become the latest tram to leave its home of over 70 years. The tram was moved on Wednesday (19th August) following the move of Standard 143 (see separate story) and had actually been in use on the Blackpool Tramway just two days earlier! The tram has been purchased by Merseytravel who are due to take over the running of the Wirral Heritage Tramway in the coming weeks and months, and have plans in the longer term to extend the tramway.
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OVERHEAD FAILURE CAUSES METROLINK PROBLEMS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Passengers on the Altrincham line of Metrolink were met with chaos from early on Monday (16th August) with a major overhead line failure at Timperley. The fault was discovered at around 0730 and was unable to be rectified until 0830 on Thursday (19th August). It is not yet clear what caused the damage but GMPTE have launched an investigation. A replacement bus service was initiated with Metrolink tickets also being accepted on the Arriva 263 bus between Altrincham and Manchester. During the disruption services operated from Bury-Old Trafford via Piccadilly with no direct Bury-Altrincham services. To make matters worse on Monday (16th August) a road traffic accident occurred in the City Centre causing disruption on the Bury line meaning services could only operate from the City Centre to Old Trafford and from Bury to Victoria.
Source: GMPTE & Manchester Evening News

GREATER MANCHESTER ILLUMINATIONS TOUR
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
A further tour during the 125th anniversary celebrations week in September has been confirmed with the Manchester Transport Museum Society joining forces with the Stockport 5 Trust and Bolton 66 Trust for a tour of the Illuminations on Tuesday 28th September 2010. The tour is due to depart Pleasure Beach at 1900 and will feature Manchester 765, Stockport 5 and Bolton 66 on two return trips to Bispham. Further details and how to book – tickets are now available to non-members – can be found on the Heaton Park Tramway website.
Source: Heaton Park Tramway

NEW LOOK BALLOON 720 MAKES DEBUT ON TRAMWAY!
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Blackpool Balloon 720 made its first appearance since its major overhaul – including its “porches” to enable it to be used on the upgraded tramway – early on Wednesday (18th August). It is believed the run was undertaken as a test and also to ensure there was enough clearance with its “porches” on the sections of the tramway which has yet to be upgraded with wider gaps between the tracks. The tram remains in a plain white livery.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info

RAIB RELEASE GREAT ORME TRAMWAY COLLISION REPORT
Great Orme Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch have released their report into the collision between two trams on the upper section of the Great Orme Tramway on 15th September 2009, which resulted in this section of tramway being closed for the remainder of that season. The main findings of the report was that the immediate cause of the derailment was the points moving under the ascending tram and directing the rear of the tram into the path of the descending path.
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(BIG) TRAMS WEEKEND PROBLEMS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 22nd August 2010
The proposed “big” trams weekend due to be held in Blackpool over the weekend of 7th and 8th August ended up being cancelled with Standard 143 not being ready in time and Blackpool Transport unable to guarantee any “special” trams would be commissioned in time for the weekend. However, the Lancastrian Transport Trust offered a free tour utilising Coronation 304 on the Saturday. Unfortunately 304 failed during this and was replaced by Standard 147 which managed a journey to Ash Street, Fleetwood! Photos of the weekend can be found at the link below.
Click here for photos on this story

CROYDON LOOP SERVICES SUSPENDED DURING TRACK REPLACEMENT
London Tramlink – Sunday 22nd August 2010
Services on the Croydon Loop on London Tramlink are currently suspended with track replacement work taking place at six separate locations from Friday 21st August until Monday 30th August. The main work will see the replacement of 110 metres of track although other maintenance tasks will also be undertaken.
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METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 22nd August 2010
1004 has returned to service with the Special Projects modifications. It now has coupler guards and CCTV replacements for the external mirrors.
Source: Gordon Ferguson

PAY FREEZE FOR EDINBURGH TRAMS STAFF
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 22nd August 2010
It has been reported that all staff involved in the Edinburgh Trams project have been told they will not be getting a pay rise in the current financial year because of the ongoing situation with the progress in bringing trams back to the streets of the Scottish capital. Chief Executive Richard Jeffrey has also stated that no bonuses have been paid out since he took charge in April 2009.
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BRIGHTON 53 HITS THE TV!
Brighton 53 Group – Sunday 22nd August 2010
ITV’s Meridian Tonight programme featured Brighton 53 in a short report on Tuesday (17th August). The report concentrated on what is needed to restore the tram and at the time of writing can still be viewed on the ITV Meridian website - here.
Source: ITV Meridian

BTP TARGET TRAMLINK ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
London Tramlink – Sunday 22nd August 2010
The British Transport Police made five arrests on Friday 13th August following a crackdown on antisocial behaviour on the London Tramlink network. “Operation Nacho” took place from 1830 to 0000. Amongst those penalised were those for possession of illegal substances, disorderly behaviour and travelling without valid tickets.
Source: This is Croydon Today

SUPERTRAM STRIKE CALLED OFF
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 15th August 2010
The indefinite strike, which was due to be start tomorrow (Monday 16th August), on Stagecoach operated South Yorkshire Supertram was called off this week after the man at the centre of the issue called for it be cancelled as he did not want to inconvenience passengers and for his fellow members to lose money.
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WORK STARTS ON BALLOON 715
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 15th August 2010
Blackpool Balloon 715 was transferred to the Fitting Shop at Blackpool Transport’s Rigby Road workshops on Wednesday (11th August) for preparation work for its repaint into early 1980s Green and Cream livery style. Panelling repairs are due to take place before the repaint is undertaken and it is expected the tram will return to the operational fleet in Blackpool for the Illuminations, with use between Bispham and Pleasure Beach – mainly at weekends.
Source: Balloon 715 Blog

RAILCOACH 279 RESTORATION CONTINUES
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 15th August 2010
The restoration of Blackpool Railcoach 279 continues with the two new steel ends now fabricated and awaiting fitting. The steel-framed cabs were fabricated at South Shore Metal Fabrications and have now been put into position ready for fitting. Some minor tweaks will be required before they can be panelled and glazed but in the meantime, handbrake and controllers will be put in place and painting of the cabs has now started. 279 will be one of the big stars of the 125th anniversary of the tramway in September.
Source: Railcoach 279 Blog

BIRKENHEAD CELEBRATES 150 YEARS OF TRAMS
Wirral Heritage Tramway – Sunday 15th August 2010
The 150th anniversary of the inauguration of the first street tramway in Europe is this August Bank Holiday Weekend and the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society are planning to celebrate with two special events – a plaque unveiling and an “All Trams Out Day” on the Wirral Heritage Tramway.
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MIDLAND METRO AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY SERVICE DETAILS
Midland Metro – Sunday 15th August 2010
A Sunday service will be in operation on the Midland Metro on Bank Holiday Monday 30th August with off-peak travel cards and Senior Citizen passes and Concessionary passes valid all day.
Source: Midland Metro

THREE MORE METROLINK LINES GIVEN APPROVAL & CONTRACTORS QUICKLY APPOINTED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
At a meeting of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) at the end of July funding of £0.5 billion was confirmed from the Greater Manchester Transport Fund to deliver three new tram lines serving Oldham and Rochdale and Oldham town centres and to Manchester Airport via Wythenshawe. GMPTE quickly moved to appoint contractors to design, construct and maintain the lines with MPact-Thales (MPT) the consortium chosen. In addition a further 14 trams have been ordered from Bombardier – bringing the total order to 62.
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SUPERTRAM STRIKE FROM 16TH AUGUST
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 8th August 2010
It has been announced that a strike is to commence on Monday 16th August on the South Yorkshire Supertram network – for an indefinite period. The decision to strike centres on a decision Supertram made to break off links with one trade union official who it was claimed acted against the democratic voting process.
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TRAMS RETURN TO FLEETWOOD
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
Trams finally returned to Fleetwood on Monday 26th July, albeit only as far Ash Street (Fisherman’s Walk). As has been extensively reported the delay in the return of trams has been caused by the theft of overhead wire north of Cleveleys during the winter closure period and trams are due to only run as far as Ash Street until Easter 2012 because of upgrade works in the street of Fleetwood. With the resumption of services a new timetable was introduced including increased running times and reduction in peak summer evening frequencies.
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BRUSH 626 & BOAT 605 FOR BIRKENHEAD?
Wirral Heritage Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The latest issue of the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society Newsletter reveals the news that one of the four trams purchased by Merseytravel for the proposed extension of the Wirral Heritage Tramway is to be Brush 626. In addition talks have been taking place between Merseytravel and the Lancastrian Transport Trust over the loan of Boat 605.
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LCC 106 OUT OF BLACKPOOL TRIP
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 8th August 2010
London County Council 106 will not now be visiting Blackpool for the 125th anniversary celebrations following the development of a mechanical fault. 106 had only returned to service at Crich earlier this year but has now been withdrawn after the discovery of a loose gear wheel on one axle – which will require the tram to be lifted. With an overhaul required on the tram anyway and not enough time between now and September it was decided it was best to cancel the loan of the tram now.
Source: Richard Lomas' Blog

£1 MILLION WORTH OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR MIDLAND METRO
Midland Metro – Sunday 8th August 2010
Centro and Travel Midland Metro are working together to make enhancements to the current tram system to make sure it keeps it’s 99.7% reliability in the future. Work will include an upgrade to the overhead line and improvements to the communications system.
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BURY LINE CONNECTED TO OLDHAM & ROCHDALE ROUTE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Services have now resumed between Woodlands Road and Victoria on the Bury line of Manchester Metrolink having been suspended for engineering works between 31st July and 6th August. This work linked the existing line with the new Oldham and Rochdale route – ready for phase one of the line to Central Park to open in spring 2011. Work was also undertaken on the crossover at Victoria, which was almost 20 years old.
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END IN SIGHT FOR BILFINGER-TIE DISPUTE?
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 8th August 2010
The Edinburgh Evening News reported at the end of July that an end was in sight for the continued dispute between Bilfinger Berger and tie with a “mature divorce” expected “within days”. It is believed that in recent weeks there has been an improvement in relations between tie and Bilfinger and a deal was likely to be on the table to end the stalemate.
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CITY COUNCIL: STILL MAKES SENSE TO FUND NET PHASE TWO
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 8th August 2010
Nottingham City Council are still urging the government to provide the funding for Phase Two of Nottingham Express Transit despite the forthcoming spending cuts. In a press release Cllr Jane Urquhart, portfolio holder for Transport and Area working, said that she was encouraged that the coalition government will look favourably at schemes which promote economic growth.
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LAUDERDALE AVENUE CROSSING TO REMAIN OPEN
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The road crossing over the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway near to Lauderdale Avenue in Cleveleys is to remain open after a major u-turn by Blackpool Council. As part of the tramway upgrade this crossing was one of several due to close but despite Councillors being recommended to approve this at a meeting of the Executive Committee the decision was made to keep it open.
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11% CAPACITY INCREASE ON DLR WITH NEW TIMETABLE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 8th August 2010
As previously reported a new timetable was introduced on the Docklands Light Railway from Sunday 11th July and this has seen an 11% increase in capacity during the morning peak. There are now 15 services every hour in the morning peak on the Bank to Lewisham route (was previously 13.3) and this allows an extra 1,100 passengers an hour to be carried.
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EXTENDED QUEEN’S ROAD DEPOT OFFICIALLY OPENED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Norman Baker – Transport Minister – officially opened the newly extended Queen’s Road Depot on Manchester Metrolink earlier this month. The £10.5 million extended depot will provide stabling and maintenance facilities for part of the network’s growing Metrolink fleet of trams which is rising from 32 to 80 over the next few years.
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MANCHESTER 765 FINALLY PUTS IN APPERANCE ON BLACKPOOL PROM
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
Manchester 765 has finally hit the Prom in Blackpool – although not yet in passenger service. Despite having arrived in the resort from the Heaton Park Tramway on 15th June, 765 has sat idle in the depot since waiting for its time in the limelight and this finally happened on Thursday 5th August when it undertook a training run from depot to Bispham and return. Amongst those unboard the tram were key personnel from Crich who took part in a Personal Track Safety training course in preparation for the loan of TMS trams to Blackpool in September. The tram now awaits a return to passenger service in Blackpool – having last run in 1988 during its previous loan period.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info & Crich Tramway Village News Blog

LEEDS 6-OPORTO 196 LOAN SWAP EXTENDED
Beamish Tramway/Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The loan swap of Leeds 6 and Oporto 196 between the Heaton Park Tramway and the Beamish Tramway has been extended to October/November – it was originally scheduled to expire in mid-August. The extension will enable 6 to take part in the Great North Steam Fair at the start of September by which time Blackpool 31 should have moved to Blackpool to take part in the 125th anniversary celebrations.
Source: Beamish Transport & Heaton Park Tramway

MANCHESTER HORSE TRAM L53 TO VISIT BEAMISH AGAIN
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
Manchester Eades Reversible Horse Tramcar L53 is due to head to Beamish again to take part in the Great North Steam Fair which takes place between 2nd and 5th September. L53 is currently on display at the Bury Transport Museum but will be extracted from its static display to be in operation at Beamish on all four days of the event. It previously operated at Beamish at the Power from the Past event in 2009. Other tram highlights of the event will include Leeds 6 (with its loan period now extended as reported elsewhere on this site). It is expected that Blackpool Marton Box 31 will have left the northeast by the event for its starring role in the 125th anniversary celebrations in its home town with Blackpool Balloon 703 (Sunderland 101) having moved in the opposite direction – these moves are expected to take place in the last weeks of August. Unfortunately it is unlikely that 101 will have been commissioned in time for the event.
Source: Beamish Transport

TRAMLINK ENGINEERING WORK IN AUGUST
London Tramlink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Engineering works, which will see the replacement of track in Croydon town centre, will see Tramlink services suspended between 21st and 30th August from Reeves Corner to East Croydon. Wimbledon line trams will run as far as Reeves Corner only with services from New Addington, Elmers End and Beckenham Junction terminating at East Croydon. In addition the Elmers End service will be suspended from 1900 on Friday 20th August and all day on 22nd and 29th August. No tram replacement buses will operate but tickets will be valid on any available buses between Reeves Corner and East Croydon.
Source: This is Croydon Today

PREPARATORY WORKS TO COMMENCE AT OLDHAM MUMPS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Preparatory work on the new Metrolink line to Oldham is due to commence tomorrow (Monday 9th August). At the Oldham Mumps roundabout the old heavy rail line used to ran on a viaduct made up of two bridges but the proposals for the Metrolink line will see the tram run at ground level through the roundabout. The viaduct is due to be demolished in late summer with final details of the schedule currently being finalised along with Oldham Council. The preparatory work taking place will last around three weeks and will involve vegetation clearance at the roundabout and work to prepare the ground for the equipment needed for demolition.
Source: GMPTE

SUPERTRAM ENGINEERING WORKS
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 8th August 2010
Essential engineering works at Spring Lane has been taking place over the past two Sundays (1st and 8th August). The work has involved the replacement of worn out track and points at Spring Lane and has seen the Blue route operating from Malin Bridge and turning at Sheffield Station except between 1030 and 1800 when they ran from Malin Bridge to Meadowhall. During the same times a shuttle service operates between Sheffield Station and Cathedral. The Purple route saw a shuttle service between Herdings Park and Gleadless Townend between start of service and 1030 and after 1800. Buses were due to operate between Fitzalan Square and Halfway throughout.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram

SUNDAY EVENING CLOSURES FOR ALTRINCHAM & ECCLES LINES
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
The Altrincham and Eccles lines of Manchester Metrolink are due to be closed for the next three Sunday evenings to allow essential engineering and improvement work to be carried out. The closures will commence at 1600 on Sundays 8th, 15th and 22nd August. In addition the Altrincham line will be suspended from 2000 on Friday 20th until 1000 on Saturday 21st August and then from 2100 on the Saturday until 1100 on Sunday 22nd August. The closures are to allow engineering work to be carried out on connections to the new South Manchester line to Chorlton and the installation and testing of a new system which will lead to improved passenger information. Frequent replacement bus services will be provided.
Source: GMPTE

NEW LIVERY FOR BALLOON 723
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
Blackpool Balloon 723 returned to service on 20th July in an all over advert for the Sands Venue. The livery is another drab black based advert and replaces its attractive 1980s Green and Cream livery style, which it still retains as the vinyls have just been added on top! As previously mentioned the only currently operational enclosed double decker without an advert livery is now Balloon 717! Click below for a photo.
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STANDARD 143 RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 8th August 2010
The restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 is also continuing at the LTT’s Brinwell Road workshops with the latest progress seeing the tram being “scumbled”. This is a painting technique that allows a varnished teak effect to be created on the marine plywood side panelling. Firstly, a coat of eggshell tan colour was applied and then dark brown scumble paint was added – this paint is so thin and heavily linseed-oil based that it allows the eggshell undercoat to show through whilst soft brushes are used to create a wood-grain effect. The scumbling was undertaken by professional painter and signwriter Phil Anderson – who also did similar work on Marton Box 31 at Beamish. Other recent progress has seen the completion of upper deck wiring whilst ceiling panels, side panelling and glazing on the upper deck has been fitted.
Source: Standard 143 Blog

BALLOON 715 UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 8th August 2010
Although work on the repaint into late 1970s Green and Cream livery on Blackpool Balloon 715 has yet to commence (with Blackpool Transport concentrating on de-branding their route specific buses) recent progress has seen the tram involved in a seat swap with Brush Cars 622, 632 and Balloon 703 to ensure the latter three have upholstery that matches. It is still planned the repaint will take place in August with a return to service for the illuminations expected and in the future the moquette on the seats is likely to be changed to the dark green style.
Source: Balloon 715 Blog

OMO 8 RESTORATION CONTINUES
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 8th August 2010
The restoration of Blackpool OMO 8 is continuing with the latest progress seeing the refitting of seat frames. It is expected that the seat cushions will be retrimmed in the dark green moquette but the seat backs are in a fairly good condition. The platform door frames have also been refitted whilst the interior window mouldings have all been rubbed down and repainted cream. The green rexine-covered side panelling has also been refitted a start made on refitting the interior lighting. The last major outstanding item to be undertaken before the tram can be moved to Rigby Road is some rewiring work.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust News Blog

BLACKPOOL 31 REPAINT COMPLETED
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The comprehensive repaint of Blackpool Marton Box 31 was completed at the end of July following the application of the Blackpool Corporation crests. The tram now looks resplendent in its Red, White and Teak livery having been repainted from its Works Green livery it carried for the Power from the Past event in April. Photos of the completed repaint can be seen on the excellent Beamish Transport Blog – link below.
Source: Beamish Tramway

RAILCOACH 279 RESTORATION PROGRESSES
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 8th August 2010
The restoration of Railcoach 279 is progressing with eight new half drop window units now fitted (these were made by Cheshire Vehicle Windows as the LTT were unable to source enough original examples and toughened safety glass will have to be fitted). Meanwhile, swingover seat frames have been refitted after powder coating and modifications to fit the seat rail fixed to the tram (when it was 679) when it received fixed bus seats. To make sure all the seat frames were correctly aligned a trial fitting of the seat backs has also been made in the past few days. Finally, progress is being made at South Shore Metal Fabrications on the new pointed ends with these being based on photos and an original cab end from Balloon 717.
Source: Railcoach 279 Blog

VANGUARD 619 OUT OF SERVICE AT HEATON PARK
Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
Blackpool Replica Vanguard 619 is currently out of service at the Heaton Park Tramway having developed a mechanical fault. 619 is likely to remain out of service for much of August with this fault leaving just Oporto 196 to provide the service. As a result the tramway will not now be in operation on Saturdays in August – although Sunday operation will carry on. For details of when the tramway will be in operation click here.
Source: Heaton Park Tramway

DLR UPDATE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 8th August 2010
All of the B2009 stock has now been noted in service with our correspondent noting 150, 154 and 155 on 20th July. It is reported in Today’s Railways that 155 arrived in the UK in late May 2010. In addition for the first time a three car service made up of the older units has been seen on the Bank to Lewisham route. Progress to open the new Stratford extension is continuing but not all track is yet laid. Contractors were observed digging up concrete in the mouth of Stratford Station.
Source: Brian Elvidge

OFFICIAL EDINBURGH TRAMS UPDATE
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 8th August 2010
The Edinburgh Tram Project released another of their regular “Photo Updates” at the start of July, which has not previously been reported on British Trams Online. Read on to find out the highlights of this update which includes the arrival of more tram rail and various construction updates along the route.
Click here for more on this story

METROLINK UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
1013 has now returned to service after receiving the Special Projects updates – it now has coupler guards and the orange LED destination equipment. In addition the Special Purpose Vehicle has been repainted in a new all over yellow livery and has had the number 1027 applied.
Source: Gordon Ferguson & Watcherzero

M5000 LRV UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
3020 was delivered to Queen’s Road Depot on 24th July (photos of the delivery can be found here). In addition 3021 has been noted on its way to Manchester on Saturday 7th August (as reported on the Tramways Monthly Twitter Feed).
Source: Gordon Ferguson & Andrew Waddington

PEAK SUMMER TIMETABLE COMMENCES AT SEATON
Seaton Tramway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The peak summer “ruby” timetable commenced on the Seaton Tramway on 24th July and will continue in operation until 5th September. The first tram departs Seaton at 1000 and operate every 20 minutes until 1700 with the first tram from Colyton at 1030 and then every 20 minutes until the last tram at 1730.
Source: Seaton Tramway

EDINBURGH 252 PAINTED BOTH SIDES
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 8th August 2010
Not previously reported is that Edinburgh 252 - which remains on display in Princes Street – has now had the revised livery applied to both sides. The revised livery is mainly white with a madder stripe with a gold flash.
Source: John Hampton

FREE ENTRY FOR SERVING ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AT CRICH’S 1940S WEEKEND
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 8th August 2010
The 1940s Weekend at the Crich Tramway Village on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th August is to offer serving British Armed Forces personnel and their partners free entry. The event is one of the biggest in the calendar at Crich and this year is expected to be no different with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain being celebrated. Visitors to the event will be able to see an RAF base, replica Spitfire and the tram shelter at Wakebridge will be turned into a memorial displaying a Roll of Honour of the 2.936 British and Allied airmen who took part in the Battle of Britain. On Saturday 14th August there will also be a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Full details of the event can be found here.
Source: Crich Tramway Village

COUNTY COUNCIL ACCUSED OF HOLDING UP NET PHASE TWO
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 8th August 2010
Tram campaigners are accusing Nottinghamshire County Council of deliberately holding up phase two of Nottingham Express Transit by refusing to release a strip of land. Because of this Nottingham City Council are having to start compulsory purchase order proceeding which is likely to lead to a public inquiry at an estimated cost of £200,000.
Click here for more on this story

LATEST DLR STRIKE CALLED OFF
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 8th August 2010
The latest series of strikes called on the Docklands Light Railway by the RMT have been called off after an improved offer from Serco Docklands. The dispute centres over the introduction of a third carriage to the trains on the Lewisham-Bank route which RMT leader Bob Crow believes his members deserve extra payment for the extra responsibility. The RMT are recommending their members accept the latest offer.
Source: This is Local London

LATEST METROLINK FARE DODGER FIGURES RELEASED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Over 5,000 people have been caught fare dodging on Metrolink in the first four months of 2010. Nearly half of them are being prosecuted through the Courts whilst nearly 1,200 were juvenilles and so were only issued with warnings. A third of them handed over £50 penalty fares within two weeks of being caught while 300 delayed and had to pay £100. Meanwhile, 300 successfully appealed their fines and were let off.
Source: Manchester Evening News

MIDLAND METRO SEES 19% REDUCTION IN CRIME
Midland Metro – Sunday 8th August 2010
Midland Metro has got even safer over the past year since the introduction of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) with a 19% reduction in crime recorded. From April 2009 to 2010 163 offences were recorded compared with 200 offences between 2008 and 2009. It works out as once incident for every 30675 passenger journeys.
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£50,000 WORTH OF COMPENSATION PAID OUT BY TRAM CONTRACTORS
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 11th July 2010
Contractors involved in the construction of the Edinburgh Trams project have paid out almost £50,000 in compensation to local residents as a result of damage to properties and injuries. Incidents which have been compensated have included flooded basements, head injuries and ripper jackets. The highest claim paid out is believed to be £10,000 for a flooded cellar.
Source: The Scotsman

METROLINK DISRUPTION AFTER CAR COLLISION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Services on Manchester Metrolink were delayed on Thursday (22nd July) after a car collided with a tram at Mosley Street in the City Centre. The tram was unable to be moved for 40 minutes but there were no reported injuries either in the tram or car. On the same day services were disrupted after a tram broke down on Market Street with no trams able to operate between Victoria and Piccadilly.
Source: Manchester Evening News

TRAMLINK SUSPENDED AFTER CHURCH STREET FIRE
London Tramlink – Sunday 8th August 2010
Services on London Tramlink were suspended between Reeves Corner and East Croydon on Thursday 29th July after a major fire in Church Street in the town centre. Firefighters spent more than seven hours tackling the blaze.
Source: Croydon Guardian

GMITA TO REVIEW METROLINK MOBILITY SCOOTER BAN
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
The GMITA have ordered a review into the ban on mobility scooters on the Metrolink network following complaints from users and MPs that it is discriminatory. There has always been a by-law banning all wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams from Metrolink but it has only been enforced since a mobility scooter fell onto the tracks earlier this year at Besses o’ th’ Barn.
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GMPTE GIVE GO-AHEAD TO CORONATION STREET TRAM PLOT
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 8th August 2010
The GMPTE have given their go-ahead to the 50th anniversary plot in Coronation Street which will see a number of “much loved” characters killed when a tram falls off a viaduct – because the storyline will have neither the tram or driver at fault. Susan Wildman from GMPTE said: “Given Metrolink’s excellent safety record, we were concerned the storyline might be detrimental to Metrolink’s public image. But ITV have assured us that the incident which takes place will not be the fault of either the tram system or the tram itself. Having received those assurances, we are pleased to be able to help ITV with their research and preparations for what I am sure will be a very dramatic storyline during Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary year.”
Source: Manchester Evening News

VEGETATION CLEARED AROUND LOXDALE METRO STOP
Midland Metro – Sunday 8th August 2010
Vegetation around Loxdale Midland Metro stop was cleared in June and July in a joint venture by Centro, Travel Midland Metro and Wolverhampton Community Payback. Offenders were used to undertake the work between 10th June and 30th July.
Source: Centro

BUS DRIVER JAILED OVER BUS-TRAM FATAL COLLISION
London Tramlink – Sunday 8th August 2010
The man driving the bus which collided with a tram in central Croydon back in September 2008 which left a passenger on the bus dead has been sentenced to for four years and four months. Raouf Mraidi fled to France before the trial could begin but has now been extradited and was given the extra four months on his sentence for failing to appear in court.
Source: This is Croydon Today