As we saw earlier in the week, the first test runs since 2022 onto the Blackpool Tramway extension to North Station took place on Tuesday 23rd April. Two trams were used on that first day and these were deemed a success which meant from the following day (and continuing for the rest of the week) driver familiarisation started.
Taking place from late afternoon (starting at around 1600) these driver familiarisation runs have been starting from North Pier and Tower loop and then moving onto the extension and up to North Station. They then return back to the Prom and go to Cabin before heading back up to North Station and then down to North Pier once more. On Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th and Friday 26th April these runs carried on until around 2230.
Driver familiarisation starts on the simulator at Starr Gate Depot before drivers are allowed out onto the real life tramway. Its anticipated that this will continue to happen up until opening of the extension which officially takes place on Sunday 16th June.
- Visit Podbaba Transport (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2sIKJiiB_a0LHqKxPExNqA) on YouTube for videos of the first few days of testing (as well as lots more besides from across the UK as well as further afield).
001 has been used for a lot of the driver training runs and in this view we see it here on Talbot Road. Alongside is ADL Enviro200 bus which is working a service 3A to Mereside.
Another look at 001 as it takes the curve to the north with a trip which will go as far as Cabin (as the closest crossover in this direction).
Part of the publicity campaign of the start of testing has been notices on the electronic travel information boards across the town. (Photographs x3 by Michael Morton, 25th April 2024)
012 was used on the duty on Friday 26th April. Its seem here on Talbot Road. (Photograph by Michael Morton, 26th April 2024_