All Flexity2 trams in Blackpool now have ODAS cameras fitted after the final two returned to service with the equipment fitted within a few days of each other at the end of May 2024. First to return to action was 018 on 26th May and this was followed on 31st May by 007 – the latter of these had been out of service since being hit by a Land Rover on New South Promenade which led to it being derailed.
A concerted effort to ensure that all trams are fitted with the equipment has been taking place at Starr Gate Depot over the past few weeks and this has now seen three trams back out on the Prom with the cameras in place during May. This started off with 011 and has now seen 018 and then 007 so fitted and back into service.
There does remain one Flexity2 out of use at Starr Gate, this is 005, but this has been wired in preparation for the equipment to be switched on when it is available for service once again.
The return to service of 007 is a more significant return than that of 018 as it has been four months since this was last in service. Back on 11th January 2024 it collided with a Land Rover on New South Promenade which led to severe damage and also saw the front of the tram derailed. Repairs to the tram after this have now been completed and its back in use meaning 17 of the 18 trams are considered operational once more.
And what is ODAS you ask? If you haven’t read previous articles on the subject then you may think its just some random letters put together but it is in fact an obstacle detection system which is to be used to help reduce the chance of collisions. It identifies when an object is in the way of the tram and if it does will bring the tram to a stop. There are three cameras in each cab to aid this.
018 gets ready for the off from Starr Gate with a service to Fleetwood Ferry. The ODAS cameras are seen at the top of the cab windscreen. (Photograph by Michael Morton, 26th May 2024)
007 back out on the Prom and in service heading south at Central Pier. Its received replacement modules at this end as seen with the darker fleet livery once again in place instead of the faded purple seen on many of the trams now. (Photograph by Michael Morton, 31st May 2024)