Many readers have probably noticed that for much of 2015, literature regarding the heritage tram operation in Blackpool referred to the North Pier heritage tram stop as North Pier/Tower (or vice versa). This was due to the actual stop being positioned outside the Festival House wedding chapel, which is between the two prominent promenade landmarks.
As the Tower is far more visible at a distance than the North Pier, it made good sense to draw attention to the stop’s relatively close proximity to this location – especially as there are three piers in Blackpool and some visitors get them mixed up! Following feedback from customers, the heritage stop will now officially be known as ‘North Pier and Tower’. Bearing this in mind, newly made old-style destination blinds will now feature both names in a traditional style. Hopefully this will make sense to most passengers and help visitors to Blackpool to understand where the trams run to and from, which can only be a good thing in terms of potential patronage for 2016 and beyond.
I suppose some one will say it. Why does the words Victoria Street sound familiar for a stop between the two.
True – but that’s hardly going to be clear for tourists is it?
Great news, as we often shout North Pier and Tower as Guards! We also sometimes display Tower rather than Talbot Square as its more recognisable.
A heritage stop at Manchester Sq handy for Rigby Road and photos is much needed but was told that they are not allowed to use that location.
They can site Heritage stops anywhere (safely!) but they are limited to how many they can have. Temporary stops for events are acceptable but there can be no more permanent ones. Personally I would like to see stops fluid ie on blue days a stop could be at Central Pier as Fleetwood would be out of use.
That’s a really good idea actually. Maybe there will be a temporary heritage tram stop to serve the model event on the February running weekend? That would be useful, and probably be of mutual benefit to both events.
That has already been announced that there will!
Correct Kev, IIRC there is provision for up to four temporary stops in use at a time (but one for each direction at the same location counts as two).
My understanding is they can be placed anywhere with clear line of sight of a following LRV and safe boarding and alighting is possible except within a (short) specified distance of a fixed LRT stop.
Andrew – Yes I understand that is proposed – it would be a little way north of the St Chads LRT stop.
The new Heritage destination will be added to the existing blinds during the season, all new Heritage blinds will have the new destination on as standard. The first blinds with “NORTH PIER and TOWER” will be fitted to two trams for the Gold weekend in January.