An important step has been made in assuring the future survival and operation of
heritage trams in Blackpool, with plans afoot to ensure that those trams that have been lucky enough to be retained by Blackpool Transport will be used to their full potential in the years ahead. This welcome news comes in the wake of speculation that some of the old fleet may be forced to play a key role in running the core tram service during 2012, with certain aspects of the tramway upgrade falling way behind schedule.
It has not gone unnoticed that, so far this year, no new Flexity2 trams have been delivered to Blackpool, meaning that just four of the class have arrived thus far. It has been reported online that a fifth car has arrived at Bombardier’s premises at Derby for testing, so hopefully further deliveries will be received at Starr Gate depot soon. However, with well under three months to go before the tramway is due to re-open, and plans for ‘ghost running’ of the new trams prior to their entry into passenger service, it is looking increasingly likely that the modified Balloon cars will need to support the new trams if the
proposed 10 minute service frequency will be offered in the early part of the 2012 season.
However, a much more positive development has also come about regarding plans for the
genuine ‘heritage’ trams being kept in Blackpool. During his visit to the Heaton Park Tramway to launch Brush car 623 back into service, Bryan Lindop of Blackpool Transport announced to a crowd of delighted enthusiasts that he has been asked to oversee the operation of the historic tram fleet in Blackpool. Whilst Mr. Lindop will of course still have to answer to his Manager, Trevor Roberts, this is a very positive development as it means that someone with genuine passion for the town’s tramway heritage will be taking charge of these priceless vehicles. Bryan mentioned during his speech that he is already discussing ideas on how to utilise the vintage trams, with coastal
tours being one possibility. Whatever happens, it would seem that some trams of interest will continue to run at weekends during the peak season, and hopefully tram fans will support their continued use and ensure that this is a profitable venture. The heritage fleet is expected to consist of Fleetwood ‘Box’ 40, Bolton 66, Standard 147, Boats 600 & 602, Brush car 631, Coronation 660, Balloon 717 and the illuminated feature cars. These could also be joined by Boat 604 and ‘Princess Alice’ 706, which remain in the ‘unknown future’ category. Having met Bryan Lindop myself during an official depot visit a few years ago, his love of the old trams is obvious and hopefully his plans to give them a bright future will become a reality over time, giving Blackpool a good mix of progress and heritage. Finding a good balance of the two will not be easy, but having someone like Bryan who is determined to rise to the challenged is a huge leap forwards and one which tram enthusiasts should be very pleased with.