Driver training on Blackpool’s new Flexity2 class tramcars is being stepped up a notch, with the entry into service of the new generation of trams rapidly approaching. Generally two cars have been utilised every weekday, but this now seems to have increased with three cars noted in action on Monday 20th February, including car 003 which was thought to be making its debut on the tramway. Perhaps more importantly though, the section of track available to be used for the training runs has also been extended.
20th February also saw the Flexities running to Little Bispham for the first time since the driver training programme commenced. Meanwhile, two double-deckers, 709 and 723, were also in use, shuttling between Bispham and Cleveleys in order to prepare this section of the line for use. This was also the first time that the new crossover at Cleveleys, which is located further north than the old one, had been used as when this area was briefly made available to trams for testing purposes at the end of last year, the overhead above it had not been strung. These tests were obviously considered successful as the Flexities began running to Cleveleys the following day, Tuesday 21st February.
Hopefully this progress will mark the start of improved fortunes for the Blackpool tramway, and it won’t be much longer before trams are operating at least as far north as Fisherman’s Walk, as new drivers will need to be familiarised with the entire system before being allowed to drive for the full length of the tramway.