The Blackpool Tramway has welcomed back Flexity2 004 into its operational fleet – some three and a half years since it last ran with passengers on board! The tram has remained at Starr Gate Depot throughout this period with an undefined fault but over recent months work has been ongoing to return it to action which duly happened on Tuesday 9th August.
Blackpool is not alone in having trams out of service long-term in recent years. Stagecoach Supertram’s 105 is undergoing accident repairs, London Tramlink currently has 2547 away from Therapia Lane undergoing assessment for a repair strategy whilst Manchester Metrolink has been without 3005, 3027 and 3099 all out of use long-term. The situation on London Tramlink with other trams out short-term has also meant that on several days recently a reduced service has operated because of a shortage of trams.
But back to the Fylde Coast and after engineers have attended to 004 it was cleared for service once again at the start of August with it being used on the timetabled service on Tuesday 9th August. With 004 in service it just leaves 018 out of service long-term following accident damage in 2021.
004 runs along Lord Street in Fleetwood.
The tram back at Fleetwood Ferry. (Both Photographs by Michael Morton. 9th August 2022)
Lovely! I’m travelling there next month so will keep an eye out for this if its out over the days I’m there.