TWO HORSES USED ON MANCHESTER L53 FOR THE FIRST TIME
Heaton Park Tramway – Thursday 30th April 2009
Manchester Eades Reversible Horse Tramcar L53 ran for the first time with two horses on Sunday 26th April at the Heaton Park Tramway. The horses were provided by Latham Shires Ltd from Atherton in Lancashire and enabled extended operation to the edge of the reserved track as there was power to pull the car up the hill for the first time. It is now planned for two horses to haul L53 in service on Sunday 2nd May. Photos and other Heaton Park news follows.
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BALLOON 721 RECEIVES NEW ALL OVER ADVERT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Thursday 30th April 2009
Blackpool Balloon 721 has returned to service in a new all over advert for Pleasure Beach Resort. The livery is mainly black with gold writing. Sister Balloon cars 701 and 719, however, look like they will not be receiving new all over adverts having lost their 2008 liveries - 701 will now operate in all over yellow and 719 in light blue. It appears that 2009 will be another year of plain base coat liveries, lets hope that in time for the 125th anniversary in 2010 this can be remedied.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info

TRAM MOCK-UP MOVES TO LEITH
Edinburgh Tram Project – Thursday 30th April 2009
As previously reported on British Trams Online the mock-up of one of the trams which will operate in Edinburgh has moved to Leith for display. It opened at the top of Constitution Street near the Foot of the Walk on Monday 27th April and is currently open daily between 1130 and 1730. Times may change in future weeks. No end date of the display has been given as yet.
Source: Edinburgh Tram Project

TRAMLINK SERVICE DISRUPTION
London Tramlink – Thursday 30th April 2009
Services on London Tramlink will be disrupted late evening between Monday 4th and Thursday 7th and Monday 11th and Thursday 14th May, with work being undertaken in central Croydon. Trams are suspended between Wandle Park and East Croydon after 2200 on each evening with a replacement bus service in operation between Ampere Way and central Croydon. Routes one and two are unaffected by this disruption.
Source: Transport for London

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE NEWS ROUND-UP
Crich Tramway Village – Thursday 30th April 2009
The latest news round-up from the Crich Tramway Village – home of the National Tramway Museum – including updates on Glasgow 22, Cardiff 131, London United Tramways 159, Leeds 180, Metropolitan 331 and Oporto 273.
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METRO BRIDGE HIT BY LORRY AGAIN
Midland Metro – Thursday 30th April 2009
A bridge between Bilston and Tipton on which the Midland Metro runs has been hit by a lorry again – for the second time within a month, meaning it has now been struck 20 times in the past five years. £10,000 has been spent on warning lorry drivers about the bridge on Great Bridge Road in recent years but now council bosses are demanding a report into what can be done to prevent incidents like this.
Source: Wolverhampton Express & Star

ANGER OVER EDINBURGH TRAM BONUSES
Edinburgh Tram Project – Thursday 30th April 2009
Anger has been expressed in Edinburgh over the news that £970,000 has been paid in bonuses to staff at tie in connection with the project to return trams to the city – although as yet no tram tracks have been laid. The figures were released after a Freedom of Information Act request from MSP Shirley-Anne Sommerville (SNP).
Source: The Scotsman

TODDLER HIT BY TRAM IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Thursday 30th April 2009
A toddler was hit by a tram near to St Stephens Avenue between Cabin and Bispham on Tuesday 28th April and has been taken to hospital suffering from head injuries. The two year was hit just before 1800 on Tuesday 28th April and it is reported that he stepped out in front of the tram and was dragged for several yards before the vehicle stopped. The head injuries are not reported to be life threatening.
Source: Blackpool Gazette

EDINBURGH TRAM LINE 1B OFFICIALLY AXED
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 26th April 2009
Line 1b of the Edinburgh Tram Project between Granton and Roseburn has been officially postponed by the City of Edinburgh Council because of the property market downturn. However, the postponement comes at a cost as the BSC consortium receives a payment of £3.2 million as compensation for not going ahead.
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COUNCIL REVEAL PLANS FOR STARR GATE TRAM MUSEUM
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 26th April 2009
Blackpool Council have revealed plans to be build a second depot at Starr Gate – this time to house the fleet of retained heritage trams once the Supertram upgrade is completed. The heritage depot would probably double as a museum but no funding is currently in place and with no timescale mentioned for the construction of this the current Rigby Road depot is likely to remain in use for a number of years.
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SUPERTRAM 104 BACK IN FLEET LIVERY
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 26th April 2009
Supertram 104 has lost its all over advert for My Sheffield Jobs.co.uk and is now operating in fleet livery. This means that there is now only one second generation tram in the UK not in a fleet livery of their home system (NET 201).
Source: Stuart Cooke

RAILCOACH 679 MOVES INTO PRESERVATION
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 26th April 2009
Blackpool Railcoach 679 left the Rigby Road depot of Blackpool Transport on the morning of Saturday 25th April to move to the Lancastrian Transport Trust’s Brinwell Street premises, and its new life in preservation. The tram had been lifted from its truck the previous day and the low loader was routed via Lytham Road, Station Road, Promenade, Squires Gate Lane and Progress Way – covering three former Railcoach routes! The tram is to be restored as English Electric Railcoach 279, including “pointed” ends and work will start shortly in two areas – dismantling the towing car ends and fabricating new underframes and ends and also removing the seats and floor covering. A photo of 679 in its new home can be seen here.
Source: Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups: Blackpool_Transport

CONSTRUCTION WORK TO START ON DROYLSDEN EXTENSION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 26th April 2009
Construction work in Droylsden town centre of the Manchester Metrolink extension is due to start from early May, as transport bosses pave the way for tram tracks along Manchester Road.
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ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT ATTACKED OVER MER 2008 CLOSURE
Manx Electric Railway – Sunday 26th April 2009
An independent enquiry into the temporary closure of the Manx Electric Railway between Laxey and Ramsey in early summer 2008 has accused the Isle of Man Government of huge under investment in the tramway between 1952 and 2000. The Department for Transport and Leisure (DTL) have also been attacked in the report for their decision to close the line on the basis of just one report when they should have consulted engineering staff on the tramway as well.
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FARE DODGERS TO BE CHARGED £100 ON METROLINK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 26th April 2009
Fare dodging on the Manchester Metrolink network is about to get a lot more expensive – any one caught with a ticket from Monday 11th May will be charged a standard fare of £100. An information campaign has just been launched by GMTPE to remind passengers to have a valid ticket before boarding a tram.
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PHOTO REPORT: EASTER IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 26th April 2009
The Easter weekend is traditionally the start of more interesting trams making appearances on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway, and 2009 was no different. As well as the Balloons, Boats, “vintage” trams and Illuminated trams were also in use – including 602 (apparently mothballed but used due to the failure of sister 605) and Illuminated Frigate 736 (being used on specials because the advertisers – Royal Navy – wish to see “their” tram out and about more regularly). Read on for some photos from the weekend.
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BLACKPOOL STANDARD 143 RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 26th April 2009
Work continues on the restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 which is due to be returned to the rails in time for the 2010 celebrations for the 125th anniversary of the tramway. The frame sides for the new top have been fabricated by Gilletts of Wesham whilst back at the LTT’s premises progress continues with rubbing rail, other timber panelling and mouldings fitted in recent weeks. The next steps includes permanently securing and supporting the canopy ends before the fitting of the ceiling and roof tongue and groove boarding. The interior partitions are currently at Turner’s in Preston for French polishing. Photos of the restoration can be found at the link below whilst details of how you can contribute to the Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund can be found here.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust

TRAM WORK STARTS ON GUIDED BUSWAY
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 26th April 2009
Work has started on converting the off road section of the Edinburgh Fastlink guided busway between Stenhouse and Broomhouse to allow trams to operate on it. Work was originally due to commence in November but a number of delays were experienced.
Source: The Scotsman

HORSE TRAM “NAPPIES” TRIALLED
Douglas Horse Tramway – Sunday 26th April 2009
The nappies – or “Animal Waste Receptacles” to give them their official name – for horses on the Douglas Horse Tramway have been trialled, and it has been declared a success. The nappies have been specially designed and it is hoped that £20,000 per year will be saved in street cleaning costs by using them.
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BUDGET GIVES METRO FUNDING SETBACK
Midland Metro – Sunday 26th April 2009
Last weeks budget given by Alistair Darling contained a setback for plans to fund extensions to Midland Metro. It had been hoped that the West Midlands would be chosen as pilot area for “Accelerated Development Zones” which would have allowed local Councils to get loans based on projected business rates. However, in the budget it was announced that the pilot projects would be in Manchester and Leeds.
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EMERGENCY ENGINEERING WORKS FOR METROLINK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 26th April 2009
Emergency engineering works between G Mex and St Peters Square are affecting services on Manchester Metrolink today (Sunday 26th April). No trams are running between G Mex and St Peters Square until 1500 on Sunday 26th April with Altrincham services running Altrincham-G Mex and Eccles services running from Eccles to G Mex.
Source: Manchester Metrolink

SUPERTRAM GET INVOLVED IN STAGECOACH GREEN WEEK
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 26th April 2009
As reported last week it was “Stagecoach Green Week” in the week commencing Monday 20th April. As part of this South Yorkshire Supertram had a display stand in Sheffield’s Castle Square on Thursday 23rd April. Click below to view a couple of photos of the stand and information provided.
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CENTRO CRITICISED OVER SECOND BILSTON CENTRAL LIFT
Midland Metro – Sunday 26th April 2009
Centro have been criticised by local councilors over their failure to install a second lift at Bilston Central tramstop on the Midland Metro system. Only one lift is in place at the station which is in a cutting with stairs the only other way to get up to street level from either platform.
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HAYMARKET WAR MEMORIAL TO BE REMOVED & STORED TO ALLOW TRAM CONSTRUCTION
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 26th April 2009
The Heart of Midlothian Memorial Monument is to be temporarily removed from Haymarket Junction to allow tram construction work to take place. The work – which is estimated to take three weeks will be carried out from Monday 4th May and will be carried out by Stone Engineering, who were involved in the construction of the McCrae’s Battalion Memorial Cairn at Contalmaison, France in June 2004. It will be removed to a secure location and will then be returned to a new agreed location at Haymarket Junction once the tram works are completed.
Source: Edinburgh Tram Project

MANCHESTER METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Updated Sunday 26th April 2009
Areas fenced off for the track replacement works are at Victoria Station exit, Balloon Street/Shudehill stop, Piccadilly Gardens stop and Piccadilly Gardens delta/Mosley Street stop.  Work is currently concentrated on the southbound lines at all locations with the northbound line being kept open for trams to pass to Queens Road Depot on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays for maintenance. In other news from Manchester two new series of adverts are being carried on the trams with window adverts for Paypal and under window adverts for Easyjet.
Source: Gordon Ferguson & Anthony Hargreaves

WESTERN TRAIN STARTS TESTING
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 19th April 2009
Another milestone has been reached in the restoration of Blackpool Illuminated Western Train 733+734, with its first test runs on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway on Wednesday 15th April. This was the first time the tram had been out of the depot confines since the end of the 1999 illuminations season and is the culminations of a major restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 733+734’s debut is likely to be in May with further appearances before the start of the 2009 Illuminations in September.
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DfT APPROVE METROLINK MEDIACITY:UK EXTENSION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 19th April 2009
The Department for Transport have given their approval to the small extension of Manchester Metrolink to serve the MediaCity:UK complex off the Eccles line with the giving of the Transport Works Act Order. The approval was given after consideration by the Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, following investigation into the one objection received to the plan.
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SPRING TIMETABLE STARTS IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 19th April 2009
The latest timetable for the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway was introduced from Friday 10th April and will last until Sunday 24th May. There are no radical changes to previous years with a daytime 20 minute service between Starr Gate and Fleetwood along with an intermediate 20 minute Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys service – giving trams every 10 minutes between Pleasure Beach and Cleveleys. From 1800 each evening the Cleveleys trams return to depot giving a 20 minute service on the whole tramway. The later start time introduced in 2008 remains. The timetable can be viewed at the link below (PDF file).
Source: Blackpool Transport

FINAL THREE CAR UPGRADE FUNDS IN PLACE FOR DLR
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 19th April 2009
Funding for an £18.2 million upgrade of the Docklands Light Railway route has now been finalised meaning work on this line can start by the end of this year, with completion expected in 2011 – in time for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The Beckton branch serves ExCeL which is a venue for the Olympic and Paralymic Games.
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TRAMS & BIKES ONLY FOR PRINCES STREET IDEA TO BE DISCUSSED
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 19th April 2009
The City of Edinburgh Council have agreed to look at the idea of permanently excluding cars, taxis and buses from Princes Street once the Edinburgh Tram Project is up and running. The idea has come from Spokes – the cycling lobby group – and comes after the closure of Princes Street to traffic during the start of construction has been deemed a success.
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WORK TO START ON MIDLAND METRO BRIDGE
Midland Metro – Sunday 19th April 2009
The rail and light rail press are reporting that work is due to start soon on building a bridge for Midland Metro across Great Charles Street (a big eight lane dual carriageway, if including slip roads) to join the high level ex-GWR formation to the new viaduct which has already been built parallel to the existing tram route and up to the site of the proposed new high level Snow Hill stop. Preparatory work is also likely to be undertaken on the new stop, which will be used when (if?) the Midland Metro goes across the city centre towards New Street station.
Source: Michael Averill

MODIFIED SERVICE FOR DLR DURING LONDON MARATHON
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 19th April 2009
A modified timetable will operate throughout the weekend of the London Marathon (Saturday 25th/Sunday 26th April). Services will start at 0530 on Sunday 26th from Tower Gateway and Lewisham and the busiest sections of the route will see trains running every 2.5 minutes during the Marathon. From 1600 a normal Sunday service will operate until close of service at around 2330. All runners and officials will have free travel on both the DLR and the tube until 1700 on race day.
Source: Transport for London

THINK-TANK CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT WITHOUT CONGESTION CHARGING
General – Sunday 19th April 2009
An influential thinktank has told the government that they should forget about forcing local authorities to introduce congestion charging for money through the Transport Investment Fund (TIF) and should just invest in public transport. The comments from the “Centre for Cities” thinktank have been welcomed in both Nottingham and Birmingham as they believe they should get funding from the TIF for extensions of their respective light rail systems.
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PHOTO REPORT: BALLOON 709 IN SERVICE WITH NEW ADVERT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 19th April 2009
Read on to view a photo of Balloon 709 showing off its new all over advert for the Sealife Centre whilst operating on specials over the Easter weekend.
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ISLE OF MAN TRANSPORT FESTIVAL EVENTS UPDATE
Isle of Man Transport Festival – Sunday 19th April 2009
Isle of Man Transport have revealed the latest plans for the Isle of Man Transport Festival taking place in late July/early August. Read on to see the latest event schedule, including all events during the Festival not only those involving trams.
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NEW CHILDREN’S ALL DAY TRAM TICKET INTRODUCED
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 19th April 2009
An All Day Children’s Tram Ticket is to be introduced on Nottingham Express Transit from Monday 20th April – meaning Children can now save up to 15% per day on their journey. The new ticket will cost £1.70 and saves at least 30p compared to buying 2 single children’s tickets on the tram.
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SHEFFIELD COUNCIL ACCUSED OF IGNORING “TRAM GATE” PETITION
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 19th April 2009
Sheffield City Council – run by the Liberal Democrats – have been accused by bus and tram operators in the city of ignoring a petition signed by 1500 people calling for no further reductions in the hours of operating the tram gate at Hillsborough. The Liberal Democrats made an election manifesto commitment to reduce the hours of operation of the Tram Gates (currently applying from 0700 to 1900) to only peak hours meaning between 1100 to 1500 private vehicles would be able to use the road as normal. But both First and Stagecoach (operators of Supertram) have opposed the idea as they claim the introduction of the enforcements has seen a significant decrease in journey times through this area.
Source: Sheffield Star

BEAMISH TRAM CHALLENGE 2009
Beamish – Sunday 19th April 2009
Details have been launched of the now annual “Beamish Tram Challenge” where you can race a tram round the circuit at Beamish, the north of England Open Air Museum! A 1.5 mile “Fun Run” matches men against machine with runners trying to beat the tram around one lap of the track that circles the museum site and there is also a longer run for the more experienced runners.
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STAGECOACH LAUNCH GREEN WEEK
General – Sunday 19th April 2009
Stagecoach Group – operators of the Manchester Metrolink and South Yorkshire Supertram networks – have launched their first ever “Green Week” which will start on Monday 20th April. As well as highlighting the environmental benefits of using public transport, Stagecoach Green Week aims to inform staff and passengers of ways in which the company is reducing its own carbon footprint and will also highlight the additional cost and time savings that can be achieved through the use of public transport. Further details on the week can be found at the link below.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram

MEN RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE OVER SUPERTRAM INCIDENT
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 19th April 2009
The two men arrested over the incident which saw a man trapped under a tram on Middlewood Road, Sheffield have been released without charge. The men – aged 28 and 36 – were arrested on suspicion of causing the man to fall onto the tram tracks but after Police investigation they have been informed they will not be charged. The incident happened on Tuesday 7th April when a man collided with a tram suffering life threatening injuries of head, chest and lung injuries and a broken right ankle.
Source: Sheffield Star

TRACKS TO BE LAID ON PRINCES STREET IN JUNE
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 12th April 2009
It has been confirmed that the first tracks for the Edinburgh Tram Project will be laid in Princes Street in June after work to plane the road surface and prepare the foundations has been completed.
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PLANS UNVEILED FOR NEW BLACKPOOL TRAM DEPOT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 12th April 2009
Blackpool Borough Council have officially revealed the plans for the tram depot to house the new Supertrams following the upgrade of the tramway – and initial works could commence as early as the end of this summer. The location chosen for the depot is adjacent the tram tracks at Starr Gate in the area currently taken by the Karting 2000 go-kart circuit and the adjoining car park.
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WORK STARTS ON METROLINK EXPANSION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 12th April 2009
Major work has started on phase 3a of Manchester Metrolink with the installation of a giant piece of machinery in East Manchester. The brand new piling rig has been in action near Great Ancoats Street and is being used to create the concrete retaining walls of an underpass that trams will use to run beneath the road on the new Metrolink line to Droylsden.
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BLACKPOOL OPERATING POOLS CONFIRMED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 12th April 2009
The operating pools for the 2009 season on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway have now been confirmed – with more trams now mothballed including Twin Car 671+681 and Boat Cars 602 and 604. In a change from recent years there are just two operational periods (rather than three), the first running until 17th July and the second from 18th July to 8th November. The full operating pools follow.
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EAST ANGLIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM NEWS UPDATE
East Anglian Transport Museum – Sunday 12th April 2009
We take a look at the latest news from the East Anglian Transport Museum in Carlton Colville from their tramway. They have a small fleet of five trams including two from Blackpool plus examples from London, Amsterdam and Lowestoft. This update includes the latest news from Lowestoft 14 and London Transport 1858 plus some news on the Trampower vehicle.
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PHOTO REPORT: BLACKPOOL CENTENARIES 645 & 648
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 12th April 2009
As previously reported on British Trams Online, Blackpool Centenary Cars 645 and 648 are both operating in revised liveries for the start of the 2009 season - 645 in an all over advert for Jet2.com and 648 in a plain white livery. Click below to view a couple of photos of these trams.
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EDINBURGH TRAM MOCK-UP ON THE MOVE TO LEITH
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 12th April 2009
The tram mock-up which has just finished its period of display in Princes Street in central Edinburgh is due to move to Leith this month, in an attempt to gain support in this area where anti-tram supporters are very vocal in their opposition. It is planned that the tram will be displayed in Constitution Street but the news has been met with anger from those in Leith – not because they don’t want the tram there but because they think it should been displayed there first!
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DfT LAUNCH CONSULTATION FOR RVAR EXEMPTION ORDERS
General – Sunday 12th April 2009
The Department for Transport have launched a consultation on the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) Exemption Orders, with all replies wanted by 5th June 2009. The exemptions are mainly for heritage and tourist railways and tramways and can cover any vehicle introduced into service before 1st January 1999.
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MAN FALLS UNDER SUPERTRAM – TWO ARRESTED
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 12th April 2009
Two men were arrested after a man fell under a Supertram in Sheffield suffering serious injuries. The incident happened at 2142 on Tuesday 7th April 2009 on Middlewood Road, Hillsborough when a 34 year old man was crossing the tram tracks from the pavement. It is believed he may have been involved in an altercation just before the incident and two men – aged 28 and 36 – were arrested in connection and were said to be “helping the police with their enquiries”. It took fire crews 45 minutes to free the man by lifting the tram off the man’s foot, which had become trapped. The man had head, chest and lung injuries along with a broken ankle and was taken to hospital.
Source: Sheffield Star

OLYMPIC BOXING MEDALLIST BEATS TRAM IN RACE
Beamish – Sunday 12th April 2009
Olympic Boxing bronze medallist Tony Jeffries beat Sunderland 16 in a race at the North of England Open Air Museum in Beamish. The race was held to encourage more people to exercise outdoors. A video report on the race can be found at the link below.
Source: BBC News Online

SURVEY TO BE CARRIED OUT ON FLATS IN LEITH WALK AFTER CRACKS FOUND
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 12th April 2009
Tie have confirmed that they have carried out a new survey on a building on Leith Walk where residents have claimed large cracks have appeared in their walls since work was undertaken outside to divert utilities for the Edinburgh Tram Project. The building is near the junction of Manderston Street and is next to an underground chamber which is being created to house BT utilities. Although tie confirmed in the Edinburgh Evening News the survey was being carried out they refused to comment any further.
Source: The Scotsman

DfT GIVE GO-AHEAD FOR NET PHASE TWO – BUT DOUBTS REMAIN OVER FUNDING
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 5th April 2009
The Department for Transport granted the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) for the phase two extensions of Nottingham Express Transit on Monday 30th March 2009. The DfT have given the go-ahead after considering the Inspector’s report from the Public Inquiry which took place in December 2007. However, with the controversy of the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL) doubts still remain whether enough funding will be available to enable the scheme to be completed.
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TRAMS RETURN TO FLEETWOOD
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 5th April 2009
Services resumed on the full length of the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway between Starr Gate and Fleetwood on Saturday 4th April following the completion of the track replacement work at the Orion Curve in Cleveleys. Trams were tested over the track as far as Fleetwood on Tuesday 31st March and the final go-ahead for services to resume was given on Friday 3rd April. A temporary less than a week timetable has been introduced with a standard 20 minute daytime frequency (trams every 30 minutes in the evenings) operating until Thursday 9th April, when a new timetable will be introduced.
Source: Blackpool Transport & Yahoo! Groups: Tramgen

ALL TRAMLINK TRAMS NOW GREEN
London Tramlink – Sunday 5th April 2009
The final operational Tramlink tram - 2545 - has been reliveried into the Lime Green, White and Blue style. The tram ran for the last time in its full Red and White livery on Monday 30th March before the vinyls were gradually sanded down – the tram operated for a number of days in this state. The new livery is, of course, part of the investment from Transport for London since they took control of the system and is also including the refurbishment of the tramstops across the network. One tram does remain in the Red and White livery - 2534 is currently out of service receiving major attention at Crewe following collision damage in September 2008.
Source: Various from Yahoo! Groups: Croydon Tramlink

NEW LIVERY FOR CENTENARY 645
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 5th April 2009
Centenary 645 is the latest tram to receive a new livery in Blackpool, with a red based all over advert for Jet2.com. This replaces its previous advert for Palm Beach Hotel. A photo follows.
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GMPTE LAUNCH INFORMATION CAMPAIGN FOR CITY CENTRE TRACKWORK
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 5th April 2009
The GMPTE have launched their promised information campaign to keep people up to date on the forthcoming trackwork in Manchester City Centre. The work will start on Monday 6th April with Metrolink services running to a revised service and some bus services having to take different routes within the City Centre. Posters have been put up at all 37 tramstops, letters have been delivered to local residents and businesses and thousands of leaflets have been printed to hand out at tramstops and GMPTE Travelshops.
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TIE APPOINT NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 5th April 2009
It has been announced that Richard Jeffrey has been appointed as Chief Executive of tie – the arms-length company of the City of Edinburgh Council, which is project managing the construction of the tram system. Mr Jeffrey is due to take up his role in May and will be tasked with management of the project through the construction phase until operation.
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BEAMISH MUSEUM TRAM UPDATE
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 5th April 2009
We take a brief look at the latest news regarding the tramway at Beamish – North of England Open Air Museum. Of course the trams are just a small part of this major museum but a small fleet of trams is maintained to run a service in a one and a half mile circuit including trams from Blackpool, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sheffield and Sunderland. Click below to read about the latest goings on with the trams.
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STANDARD 143 LATEST RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 5th April 2009
The latest progress on the restoration of Blackpool Standard 143 has been the installation of the new seat boxes in the lower deck. Other recent week has included the fixing in place of one staircase, further side panelling and the fitting of the beading. The trucks are currently being overhauled by Blackpool Transport at Rigby Road.
Source: Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups: Blackpool Transport

TfL ANNOUNCE 2009/2010 BUDGET PLAN OF £9.2BN
Transport for London – Sunday 5th April 2009
Transport for London have announced their 2009/2010 budget which will fund the delivery of a series of major transport improvements as part of its multi-billion pound Investment Programme. The budget has been set at £9.2bn and includes upgrading the Tube, building Crossrail, extending the East London Line and DLR and major cycling initiatives. The main part of the budget for light rail in London will see the continued investment in the DLR where work to extend the system in time for 2012 Olympic Games will intensify.
Source: Transport for London

DLR TEMPORARY SERVICE CHANGES
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 5th April 2009
Services on the Docklands Light Railway between Woolwich Arsenal and Bank are to terminate at Shadwell between Monday 6th and Thursday 9th April (from 0730-0930 and 1700-1900 only). This is because of unplanned escalator works by London Underground at Bank. Lewisham to Bank services will operate as normal but are expected to be busier than usual. The work should be completed by the end of the Easter weekend with full services resuming on Tuesday 14th April.
Source: Docklands Light Railway

SUPERTRAM EASTER SERVICES REVEALED
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 5th April 2009
South Yorkshire Supertram have revealed their planned services for the Easter period. Normal services will be operated on Good Friday 10th April, Easter Saturday 11th April and Easter Sunday 12th April whilst a Sunday service will operate on Easter Monday 13th April.
Source: South Yorkshire Supertram

FORTHCOMING DLR IMPROVEMENT WORK UPDATE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 5th April 2009
We take our regular look at the forthcoming improvement works on the Docklands Light Railway which may interrupt your journey’s over the coming weeks and months. The majority of the work taking place is to do with the programme to enable three car trains to operate on the entire network by 2010.
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EDINBURGH TRAM PROJECT SUPPORT DOORS OPEN DAY 2009
Edinburgh Tram Project – Sunday 5th April 2009
The charm offensive of the Edinburgh Tram Project upped its ante this week when it was announced they were to support the Edinburgh Doors Open Day 2009. They are to be a partner in the event which enables local residents to explore buildings in the city which are normally closed to the public – this year the event takes place over two days on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September
Source: Edinburgh Tram Project

CHANCE TO WIN FREE NET TRAVEL
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 5th April 2009
Winning Pairs – a chance to win up to a months free travel on NET has been launched. Special ticket rolls featuring the left and right hands on the High Five logo are being used on the trams and any passenger who collects a matching left and right hand could win a 30 day tram ticket.
Source: This is Nottingham