LITTLE BISPHAM CROSSING ACTIVATED – NON TRANSPONDER TRAMS BANNED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 11th July 2010
The transponder operated crossing at Little Bispham (just south of the stop) was fully activated from Thursday (8th July) meaning all non-transponder fitted trams can no longer travel further north than Bispham. The roadway at this location still remains closed to traffic but the lights are now operational. The lights are activated by the transponder onboard the tram and priority should be given to the tramway. The last non-transponder fitted tram to travel north of Bispham is believed to be Brush 632 on 28th June with other trams known to have travelled on this section in 2010 and not fitted with transponders being Boat 602 and Open Top Balloon 706.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info
BALLOON 719 RETURNS TO SERVICE IN PLEASURE BEACH ALL OVER AD
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 11th July 2010
Blackpool Balloon 719 returned to service yesterday (Saturday 10th July) in its new black based all over advert for Pleasure Beach. The advert is similar to that carried by 721 last year (but better in that it doesn’t look like someone has just used a bit of WordArt!) and features full gold ends (with one end advertising Hot Ice) and also has an image of the “Big One” on the sides. It is also reported that Balloon 723 is currently receiving an advertising livery for Sands Venue which is due to open this summer in the former Palace Nightclub – this leaves just 717 of the currently operational double deckers (taking 706 out of the equation) in fleet livery!
Source: Blackpool Trams.info
LATEST METROLINK PERFORMANCE FIGURES RELEASED
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 11th July 2010
The latest performance figures of Manchester Metrolink are now available on the GMITA website and will be presented to the committee for approval on 16th July 2010. The report covers periods 11, 12, 13 and 1 from Monday 8th February to Sunday 30th May 2010. Read on for a summary of the report.
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FURTHER BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY TOURS ANNOUNCED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 11th July 2010
Further tours on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway have been announced with the Fylde Tramway Society announcing their plans for anniversary week in September and also their joint plans for the weekend of 11th/12th September with the Tramway Museum Society.
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NEW DLR SERVICE INTRODUCED
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 11th July 2010
A new service commenced on the DLR from yesterday (Saturday 10th July) with modifications to some routes and frequencies. This has included increased morning peak frequencies and changes to some first and last train times. New timetables were due to be posted at stations from 10th July and details are also available through the < href="http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en
">TfL Online Travel Planner.
Source: Docklands Light Railway
TMS LAUNCH BLACKPOOL DEPOT FUND
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 11th July 2010
The Crich Tramway Village have launched a campaign to raise funds to construct a small depot to house the trams being acquired from the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway. An amount of £70,000 has been quoted to construct the depot which would house at least six trams and be 40 foot in length. The preferred location is at Cabin Crossing (where the double track becomes single) and it is hoped that is could be constructed by the end of 2011. Crich are due to get an additional six trams from Blackpool - Boat 607, Brush 630, Centenary 648, Twin Car 672+682 and Jubilee 762 although some of these will not be released until 2015 due to their “book value”.
Source: Journal of the Tramway Museum Society
NET EXTENSIONS ALREADY COST £29 MILLION
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 11th July 2010
£29 million has already been spent on plans to extend Nottingham Express Transit to Beeston, Chilwell and Clifton with planning, design, economic appraisals and environmental studies eating up the bulk of this between 2000 and earlier this year. The money has been obtained from the City Council, County Council, DfT, East Midlands Development Agency, Greater Nottingham Partnership, European funding and local developers.
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DLR UPDATE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 11th July 2010
151, 152 and 153 have all now been noted in service (in fact running as 3 car train on 8th July together) leaving just 154 and 155 not yet noted by our correspondent.
Source: Brian Elvidge
TRAMS MAGAZINE WEEKLY TOURS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 11th July 2010
It should be noted that the twice weekly tram tours on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway and organised by Trams Magazine - The Coastal Tour and Evening Tramway Cruise – have been cancelled because of the uncertainty of what trams can be used and also the remained closure of the section of tramway to Fleetwood.
Source: Trams Magazine
REVISED TRAM-BUS GATE OPERATING HOURS TO REMAIN
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 11th July 2010
Officials at Sheffield City Council have recommended that a trial relaxation of the operating hours of the tram-bus gate at Hillsborough should continues, despite protestations from transport bosses as journeys through the area are now taking longer. Normal traffic is banned from using the area between Langsett Road and Middlewood Road between 0700 and 1100 and 1500 to 1900. A further review is due to take place in November.
Source: Sheffield Star
TRAM TO FALL ONTO CORONATION STREET AFTER VIADUCT COLLAPSE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 11th July 2010
As part of the 50th anniversary of ITV’s popular soap opera Coronation Street a tram from Manchester Metrolink is to be “sent falling” onto the cobbles after the viaduct at the end of the street collapses. Trams have featured in the opening titles for many years and it was reported several years ago that a similar story was planned but it was shelved after bosses at Metrolink expressed their unhappiness with the idea. However, now it seems transport bosses at GMPTE are willing to co-operate with Granada – the makers of the soap – on making sure the story is as realistic as possible (and to make sure the tram is not seen to be cause of the accident, but dodgy builders!). Of course a real life tram will not actually fall onto the street but visual effects will be used from The Mill, a team heavily involved in the revamped Doctor Who. The scenes are due to be shown in December and several much loved characters are said to be killed in the incident.
Source: Manchester Evening News
TRAM DRIVER IN COURT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 11th July 2010
Paul Edensor – the former tram driver accused of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving – has made his first appearance at court. Mr Edensor is accused of driving his tram at five times the speed limit at Norbeck when hitting Moreen Foxwell, who later died in hospital from her injuries back in August 2009. At the hearing the magistrates decided to send the case for trial at Preston Crown Court. No plea has been entered as yet with Mr Edensor on unconditional bail with committal proceedings due to take place on 9th September.
Source: Blackpool Gazette
TRAMS TO RETURN TO FLEETWOOD ON 26TH JULY
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
It has been confirmed that trams are due to return to Ash Street, Fleetwood (or Fisherman’s Walk to use the modern name) from Monday 26th July following the replacement of the stolen overhead wire. It had been hoped that trams would resume operation between Cleveleys and Fleetwood from Monday 19th July but Blackpool Transport have encountered further problems and this will not now be possible.
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BALLOON 716 THE LATEST TO LEAVE BLACKPOOL
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
Blackpool Balloon 716 has become the latest tram to leave the resort for a new life. The tram left Blackpool on Friday (2nd July) and was transported to Perth in Scotland to its new owners – Ptarmigan Transport Solutions (a consultancy and training service to the transport industry). 716 is a more or less just a shell of a tram having been used for spares during the restoration of 717 and was transported with a large plastic sheet as it is missing several windows. Of interest is that it was shunted to the low loader (again provided by Scotts) by fellow sold Balloon 721, still in its Pleasure Beach advert.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info
BOAT 607 TO RUN AT CRICH – FUND LAUNCHED TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 4th July 2010
It would appear that Blackpool Boat 607 - which has been acquired by the Tramway Museum Society –is to become a member of the operating fleet at Crich with the Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation and Fylde Tramway Society launching an appeal to make it happen. 607last operated in 2004 and since being introduced into service during the 1930s has never received a major overhaul, something that will have to be rectified before entering service at Crich. Funds will also be raised through a series of tram tours involving the TMS visitors to Blackpool in September. It is expected 607 will move to Crich later this year.
Source: Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation/Fylde Tramway Society
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL BACK TIE BUT WANT REVISED BUSINESS CASE
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 4th July 2010
As previously reported on British Trams Online the City of Edinburgh Council heard a full report on the current status of the project to return trams to the streets of the Scottish capital. At the meeting there was a “lengthy and full debate” between all political parties and they endorsed tie’s current approach to reach a resolution on the current contractual dispute. The motion carried at the meeting also instructed tie to provide full disclosure of costed options and a revised business case for a meeting in September.
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GRAZ 225 TO HEAD SOUTH TO HELP WITH BRIGHTON 53’S RESTORATION?
Brighton Tram 53 – Sunday 4th July 2010
Graz 225 - which has been stored out in the open at the Summerlee Museum in Scotland for a number of years – looks set to head south to assist with the restoration of Brighton 53. Summerlee have been looking to dispose of 225 for a while and with the restoration of 53 kicking on and the need for spare parts the Tram 53 Group have decided to acquire the Austrian tram. It is planned it will move down to the South Coast soon and will then be stored next to 53 before being used for spare parts and a clubhouse for members of the Tram 53 Group.
Source: Brighton Tram 53 Blog
BRUSH 632 RETURNS TO SERVICE IN 1970S LIVERY
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
Blackpool Brush 632 made a return to the rails on Saturday 26th June following over four years out of service. The tram has been repainted into the late 1970s half green and half cream livery style with roof advert boxes for the Blackpool Tram Shop and has also received the trucks from sister 622. 632 was first used on a shuttle tour service for owners the Lancastrian Transport Trust before being used on specials on Sunday 27th June, including trips to Cleveleys and Little Bispham! The return to service of the tram is thanks to a joint deal between the LTT, Trams Magazine and Blackpool Transport. Click below for a photo.
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MARTON 31 BACK IN SERVICE AT BEAMISH
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
Blackpool Marton Box 31 has returned to service at Beamish following the completion of most of its repaint into the Red, White and Teak 1920s livery. The tram first saw use during the 40th Anniversary celebrations at the North of England Open Air Museum yesterday (Saturday 3rd July) and was decorated for the 40th anniversary during the weekend. Crests are to be added and then the lining on the wood effect panels can be completed. The tram is due to head to Blackpool this summer for the 125th anniversary of the tramway with Blackpool Balloon 703 - to be known as Sunderland 101 heading the other way for an initial five year loan.
Source: Beamish Transport
FTS SPONSOR STANDARD 147 TO CELEBRATE 125 YEARS OF TRAMS
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
On Friday 25th June, the Fylde Tramway Society launched their sponsorship of Blackpool Standard 147 at a small ceremony outside the Rigby Road Transport offices of Blackpool Transport. The interior of the car has been revarnished, with remedial attention to paintwork as required. 147 now looks very smart and will no doubt be one of the most visible heritage trams in use during 2010. The car was launched by Bryan Lindop of Blackpool Transport (also FTS Vice-President) and FTS Chairman Harold Blythe. Click below for photos.
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REVISED EDINBURGH TRAM LIVERY
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 4th July 2010
As previously reported the livery to be carried by the Edinburgh Trams has been revised with the red being replaced by a madder (maroon) with gold flash stripe at the top. Tram 252 on display on Princes Street has been changed on one side but as the other is by the traffic this has not yet been amended. Click below for a photo.
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BALLOON 719 RECEIVES REPAINT
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
Balloon 719 has received a coat of black paint as a preparation for a new all over advert for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The tram has also had many of its “Walls” additions removed from the bodywork and is expected to receive vinyls to complete the livery in the near future. 721 was the last tram to advertise the Pleasure Beach and this also featured a black base coat and so it is likely 719’s advert will be similar. 719 has now lost its Donna’s Dream House name.
Source: Blackpool Trams.info
NEW CRICH CENTURY OF TRAM EXHIBITION OFFICIALLY OPENED
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 4th July 2010
The new Century of Trams Exhibition at the Crich Tramway Village was officially opened by James Lewis – celebrity auctioneer and star of BBC’s Flog It! and Cash in the Attic – on Tuesday 22nd June. The new exhibition traces 100 years of tram history from the earliest horse trams of the 1860s, through the steam years and on to the end of the electric tram era in the 1960s.
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DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR SEATON’S 70S WEEKEND BONANZA
Seaton Tramway – Sunday 4th July 2010
Details have been announced of Seaton Tramway’s 70s Weekend Bonanza which takes place between Friday 27th and Monday 30th August. It will include intensive tram services including the original Eastbourne fleet, depot visits, a special recreation of the first service in 1970, tram driving experiences and entertainment.
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MP CLAIMS WATFORD-ST ALBANS TRAM LINK WILL GO-AHEAD
Watford-St Albans – Sunday 4th July 2010
Richard Harrington, Conservative MP for Watford, has claimed that the DfT have assured him funding for conversion of the Watford-St Albans rail line to tram operation will be forthcoming, despite fears it would be affected by the spending review.
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CENTRO VOW TO FIGHT FOR BIRMINGHAM METO EXTENSION
Midland Metro – Sunday 4th July 2010
Centro have vowed to fight for the proposed Midland Metro extension through Birmingham City Centre from Snow Hill to New Street after its future was put in jeopardy by the coalition government’s spending review. Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro, made the vow at their AGM and said they aimed to make sure the business case for the extension was as strong as possible. He also confirmed that those schemes which had already been contractually improved would go ahead including the acquisition of new trams.
Source: Birmingham Post
WOLVERHAMPTON METRO EXTENSION TO GROW?
Midland Metro – Sunday 4th July 2010
The Wolverhampton Express and Star are reporting that the proposed extension of Midland Metro into Wolverhampton City Centre is set to increase in its scope with trams now due to reach the University of Wolverhampton, bus station and along the Ring Road.
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EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS POLL: ALMOST HALF WANT TRAM SCRAPPED
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 4th July 2010
A poll undertaken by the Edinburgh Evening News has revealed that 47.4% of those questioned want to see the entire project scrapped now with 39% wanted to see the work completed and the remaining 13.6% not sure – so in reality less than half of those questioned actually want an end to the project. Officials at tie and the Council were actually quite happy with the poll results as they thought it would be much worse!
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MIDLAND METRO FARE CHANGES
Midland Metro – Sunday 4th July 2010
Fares on the Midland Metro are changing today (Sunday 4th July) and by changing we of course mean going up! As well as single and return fares rising travelcard prices will also be going up whilst Day ticket prices will also increase but these will not change until Sunday 1st August.
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OVER £1MILLION SPENT ON CONSULTANTS SINCE MARCH
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 4th July 2010
It has been reported that tie have spent £1.12 million on lawyers and consultants since the end of March – many on advice relating to the dispute with Bilfinger Berger. The news has, predictably, been met with “outrage” from the usual anti tram suspects and also predictably the Edinburgh Evening News have seen fit to give these suspects the publicity for their whinges.
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BURY & ECCLES LINE STOPS TO GET IMPROVEMENTS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 4th July 2010
The GMITA Capital Projects Committee have announced that funding has been put into place which will allow significant refurbishments to take place over the next 18 months on tram stops on the Eccles and Bury lines. The idea is to improve the passenger experience and bring them in line with existing and future Metrolink stops.
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DOCKLANDS LIGHT RAILWAY UPDATE
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 4th July 2010
The first three car trains operating to Woolwich Arsenal have now been noted with our correspondent seeing two so formed sets on Monday 21st June – one being lead by 101 and the other by 104. Extension platforms are going in on stations where they are not being lengthened for the three car trains on the Beckton branch, these being at Gallions Reach and Royal Albert. Works are progressing at Beckton with the platform base now installed and there is rapid progress at Prince Regent/ICC London.
Source: Brian Elvidge
M5000 LRV UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 4th July 2010
3018 has now arrived in Manchester, seen being unloaded at Queens Road depot on Saturday 26th June whilst 3017 is now at the Old Trafford Depot.
Source: Terry Darlow
WINDOW ADVERTS ADDED TO SUPERTRAM
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 4th July 2010
Stagecoach have started to put stickers on the top of the windows advertising the Mega and One Day tickets in green or orange. Yellow silhouettes of people have also been added lower down the windows. Click below for photos.
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BURY LINE ENGINEERING WORK ON 18TH JULY
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 4th July 2010