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BALLOON 703’S PAINT JOB COMPLETED – PHOTO SESSION ARRANGED
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Blackpool Balloon 703 - owned by the Lancastrian Transport Trust – has been released from the Rigby Road Paint Shop looking resplendent in its Sunderland streamlined livery of Red and White. 703 is now due to go on a five year loan to the Beamish Open Air Museum in mid-June, but not before it undertakes a farewell photo session in Blackpool.
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MANCHESTER L53 MOVES TO BURY TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 23rd May 2010
In order to make room for Blackpool Vanguard 619, Manchester Eades Reversible Horse Tram L53 has gone on loan to the Bury Transport Museum for three years, moving on Tuesday 18th May. As 619 is longer than 765 (which it is being swapped for) there will be no space for L53 in the Depot. Although L53 will be a static exhibit at the newly reopened Museum in Bury it is expected to make trips away (details of which are yet to be announced. And if you want to see pictures of the trams move to Bury visit the link below to the official Bury Transport Museum website.
Source: Bury Transport Museum
REMAINS OF BALLOON 722 SCRAPPED
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 23rd May 2010
The underframe of Blackpool Balloon 722 has been cut up in the Workshops at Rigby Road bringing an end to the tram. 722’s body was scrapped last October but the underframe and bogies remained stored in the Depot until this week when the final deed was done. Click here for the final photos of the tram.
Source: Yahoo! Groups: Blackpool_Transport
TFL: WE DO WANT TO EXTENDE TRAMLINK – BUT NOT ALL AT ONCE
London Tramlink – Sunday 23rd May 2010
2010 is a big year for anniversaries in the UK tram world with Blackpool, Seaton and Heaton Park all getting publicity for their birthdays but what should not be forgotten is that earlier this month London Tramlink celebrated their 10th birthday. During celebrations for the milestone Phil Hewitt, TfL Director in charge of Tramlink, said that there is still a desire to extend the system but that it cannot all be done at once.
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TRAM SERVICES TO BE DISRUPTED BY BLACKPOOL FC PROCESSION
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Due to a Blackpool Football Club Civic Procession – celebrating their promotion to the FA Premier League following a 3-2 win at Wembley in the Championship Play Off Final - there will be disruption to tram services as the procession moves along the Promenade on Monday 24th May 2010. The last tram travelling northbound from Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys will be 1600 whilst the last southbound tram will leave Cleveleys at 1620, terminating at Bispham. Blackpool Transport hope to get things back to normal as soon as the Procession is finished.
Source: Blackpool Transport
METROLINK BANK HOLIDAY ENGINEERING WORKS
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Engineering works on the Altrincham line of Manchester Metrolink will see no services running on Saturday 29th May from 2100 until 1030 on Sunday 30th May and from 2000 on Sunday 30th to 0930 on Monday 31st May. The engineering work is in connection with the Metrolink expansion work and replacement buses will be in place during the work.
Source: Manchester Metrolink
SUPERTRAM ENGINEERING WORKS
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 23rd May 2010
The next week will see more track replacement works on the Supertram network with overnight work from Monday 24th May until the morning on Tuesday 1st June whilst work will also be undertaken on Sunday 30th and Bank Holiday Monday 31st May. The weekend work will see no trams operating between Cathedral and Shalesmoor on with a replacement bus service in operation. If the weather is poor at the weekend the work will not take place.
Source: Stagecoach Supertram & Sheffield Star
LEEDS TOWER WAGON 2 SEES WORKSHOP ATTENTION
Crich Tramway Village – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Leeds Tower Wagon 2 has recently undergone attention in the Workshops at Crich and is now expected to feature at this years Enthusiasts’ Tram Event (taking place next Sunday – 30th May). A full preview of the event can be found here.
Source: Crich Tramway Village News Blog
MARTON BOX 31 REPAINT BEGINS
Beamish Tramway – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Blackpool Marton Box 31 has returned to the workshops at Beamish for a start to be made on its repaint into the 1920s Red, White and Teak livery. The Works Green livery has been rubbed down with extensive preparation work undertaken to ensure a high quality final finish, which should be completed next month to allow the tram to move on loan to Blackpool for the 125th anniversary celebrations.
Source: Beamish Transport Blog
SUPERTRAM DESTINATION DISPLAY CHANGE
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Changes have been noted with the end destination displays of a number of trams in Sheffield. Whereas the destination was previously displayed the whole height of the screen this has now been reduced and underneath the terminus is a scrolling display of stops the service will also call at. 124 was the first such tram noted with this change but others have now followed. The side displays remain unchanged. Click below for a photo.
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METROLINK NEWS UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 23rd May 2010
1014 and 1016 have become the latest LRVs to be fitted with the orange LED destination equipment leaving only 1011, 1013 and 2001 to be so treated. Use of the M5000 units has been cut in recent weeks but two of these units have been seen at the new Old Trafford Depot although their identities are unknown.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
NET PHASE TWO BIDDERS SUBMIT PROPOSALS
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 23rd May 2010
The two bidders to build and operate Phase Two of Nottingham Express Transit, which will bring Beeston, Chilwell and Clifton to the network, have submitted their proposals to the City Council. Arrow Connect and Tramlink Nottingham both believe their consortia are best placed to win the contract. It is expected the Council will make their decision later this year.
Source: This is Nottingham
BRIEF EDINBURGH TRAMS UPDATE
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 23rd May 2010
Edinburgh Trams have released their latest “Photo Update” which details the latest progress on the project to bring trams back to the Scottish capital in, would you believe, photos. This edition features images of the first tram on display, progress on the depot complex at Gogar and on various bridge type structures.
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METROLINK SERVICE DISRUPTION
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 23rd May 2010
There was service disruption on Metrolink during the evening peak of Friday (21st May) because of a problem with the overhead at Sale. A replacement bus service was initiated between Trafford Bar and Altrincham from 1700, calling at all Metrolink stops.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
SPENDING REVIEW PUTS TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN DOUBT?
General – Sunday 23rd May 2010
A major spending review has been called by the new coalition government into all projects funding has been committed to since 1st January this year after it was revealed there is “no money left”. Projects such as the Midland Metro extension through Birmingham City Centre (which didn’t even have any funding committed) are believed to be in doubt although no exact details have been revealed as to what may be cancelled following the review. New Transport Secretary of State, Philip Hammond, has said it will be the Autumn before they know which projects they will have funding for.
Source: Wolverhampton Express & Star
FOUR MORE BLACKPOOL TRAMS GET A SECURE FUTURE?
Wirral Tramway – Sunday 16th May 2010
It is reported in the latest Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society newsletter that Merseytravel – who are due to take over the running of the Wirral Tramway from late May – have purchased four (as yet unknown) trams for operation on an expanded tramway. Merseytravel have been awarded the contract to operate the tramway from Wirral Council who can no longer afford to run it due to budget cuts and as part of their plans they would like to see extensions built and to enable this to be done effectively they have decided extra trams are needed. In order for the trams to be accommodated extra depot space will be required and it has been suggested the current Taylor Street Depot will be expanded although nothing has been confirmed.
Source: MTPS Newsletter
BRUSH 632 OUT OF PAINT SHOP
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 16th May 2010
Lancastrian Transport Trust owned Brush 632 has now come out of the Paint Shop following the completion of its repaint into late 1970s Half Green and Light Cream livery. The tram is now in the Fitting Shop where it is being prepared to receive the trucks from fellow Brush Car 622 (now owned by Totally Transport CIC). The tram will then receive roof advert boxes where it will advertise the new Blackpool Tram Shop at North Pier before re-entering passenger service being restricted to operating between Pleasure Beach and Bispham.
Source: Lancastrian Transport Trust News Blog
MIDLAND METRO HIT BY LINESIDE EQUIPMENT THEFTS
Midland Metro – Sunday 16th May 2010
Around £5,000 worth of equipment has been stolen from the Midland Metro in the last few weeks, causing disruption to services in the Wednesbury area and leading to the offer of a reward for any information helping to identify the thiefs.
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DOUGLAS HORSE TRAMWAY STARTS OPERATION FOR 2010
Douglas Horse Tramway – Sunday 16th May 2010
The Douglas Horse Tramway has started operation for the 2010 season with trams running every day until 12th September between 0900 and 1900. 2010 sees a number of new innovations including a recorded running commentary of things of note along the route and a Horse Tram Experience Day.
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NET FARE RISE
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 16th May 2010
Fares on Nottingham Express Transit are rising from today (Sunday 16th May) including the all day adult tram only ticket which will now cost £3 (previously £2.70). The child version of the day ticket remains at £1.70 whilst the Group day ticket is up 50p to £6. All week tickets are now £13.50 for adults (was £12) and £7 for a child (staying the same). The peak single remains £2.50 whilst the Off peak single increases by 10p to £1.60. There are also other fare change on pre-bought PayPal tickets are full details of the new fares can be found by following the link below.
Source: Nottingham Express Transit
WIRRAL TRAMWAY UPDATE
Wirral Tramway – Sunday 16th May 2010
It has been busy in Taylor Street Depot where the MTPS and Council owned trams for the Wirral Tramway are kept along with many other vehicles. Liverpool 762, Hong Kong 70, Wallasey 78 and Birkenhead 20 have all been receiving recent attention along with major restoration project Warrington 2. Read on for more about all these trams.
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MANCHESTER METROLINK UPDATE
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 16th May 2010
1017, 1020 and 2004 are the latest LRVs to receive the orange LED equipment whilst M5000 vehicle 3015 has now been noted at the Queen’s Road Depot. An emergency services training exercise is to be held on Sunday 13th June 2010, whilst normal services will be continuing. Notices have been posted on trams requesting volunteers to participate.
Source: Gordon Ferguson
NEW DFT MINISTERIAL TEAM ANNOUCED
General – Sunday 16th May 2010
Following the eventual formation of a government after the recent General Election in the UK, a new ministerial team has been announced at the Department for Transport. The Secretary of State for Transport has been revealed as Philip Hammond (MP for Runnymede and Weybridge) and he is joined by Theresa Villiers (MP for Chipping Barnet) as Minister of State for Transport and Norman Baker (Lib Dem MP for Lewes) and Mike Penning (MP for Hemel Hempstead) as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of States for Transport.
Source: Department for Transport
SUPERTRAM MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY ENGINEERING WORK
South Yorkshire Supertram – Sunday 16th May 2010
As previously reported on British Trams Online services through Hillsborough on the South Yorkshire Supertram were suspended on Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May because of engineering works. This work saw the replacement of the crossover just above the Hillsborough tram stop. Click below for a selection of photos of the work.
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NET SERVICES DISRUPTED BY FIRE
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 16th May 2010
Trams running through Bulwell were stopped for an hour on Friday (14th May) evening after a fire in undergrowth around Potters Hollow. It was feared the fire might spread to the tram tracks and whilst it was bought under control no trams were allowed to operate through the area from around 1710.
Source: This is Nottingham
MAYOR VISITS MIDLAND METRO HEADQUARTERS
Midland Metro – Sunday 16th May 2010
Cllr Geoff Lewis, Mayor of Sandwell, has visited the Wednesbury headquarters of Midland Metro, becoming the first Mayor to drive a tram in the process. He made the visit to learn more about the trams, greet staff and have a go at driving along the training track. Included in his trip was a tour of the control room and engineering areas before meeting the driver training team.
Source: Midland Metro
TRAM & BUS LANE CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED IN NOTTINGHAM
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 16th May 2010
Motorists who are caught illegally drive in tram and bus lanes in Nottingham are to be fined following the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition digital cameras at key locations in the area. A £60 penalty charge notice will the punishment for those caught.
Source: This is Nottingham
OVER 400 OBJECTIONS RECEIVED ON TRAM TRAFFIC RESTRICTION PROPOSALS
Edinburgh Trams – Sunday 16th May 2010
Over 400 objections have been received by Edinburgh City Council over the proposed traffic restrictions which will be introduced when the trams start running in the city. In total 426 objections have been received with over half of these relating to a ban on right turns into and out of Blenheim Place whilst other objections have included the effect of increased traffic through the West End and New Town if Shandwick Place is permanently closed to cars. Cllr Gordon Mackenzie, transport convener, said: “The number of objections has been less than we expected. However, there are still a number of issues that are of concern to the public. We are working through these and looking at whether there are any possible alternative solutions."
Source: The Scotsman
SUNDAY SERVICE FOR BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY ON MIDLAND METRO
Midland Metro – Sunday 16th May 2010
Midland Metro will be operating a normal Sunday timetable on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May with off peak travel cards and Senior Citizen passes and Concessionary passes valid all day.
Source: Midland Metro
BRUSH 623 & BALLOON 702 LEAVE BLACKPOOL FOR PASTURES NEW
Heaton Park Tramway – Sunday 9th May 2010
Two more Blackpool trams have left the town, with Brush 623 and Balloon 702 - recently acquired by the Manchester Transport Museum Society for eventual operation at the Heaton Park Tramway departing on 6th May.
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CRYSTAL PALACE TRAMLINK EXTENSION BACK ON THE CARDS?
London Tramlink – Sunday 9th May 2010
The on-off saga of the extension of London Tramlink to Crystal Palace seems to be back on again with reports that it is to be included in the latest transport blueprint from the Mayor of London’s office. Mayor of London Boris Johnson had dropped the extension from his transport plans in 2008 because of a lack of funding and although it is now back on the table this lack of funds is still likely to be a problem. The transport blueprint is due to be published in the next few weeks and as far as Tramlink is concerned is likely to be followed by major lobbying for funding.
Source: Croydon Guardian
CENTENARY 641 SUPPORTS BLACKPOOL FC
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 9th May 2010
Centenary 641 has received lettering on its roof advert boards supporting Blackpool FC as they embark on a quest for promotion into the Premier League via the Play Offs (although we all know that the League 2 playoffs are where the big matches will be...). The tram was of course stripped of its advertising vinyls after the end of 2009 operation season and repainted all over orange which is quite handy as that is very colour Blackpool play in (officially tangerine before I get emails of complaint!) The lettering on the roof advert boards says “Blackpool Transport supporting Blackpool FC...”Glad All Over”. Of note as well is that the Tower and Waves Blackpool Transport has been added to the tram, replacing the recent Metro Coastlines branding. Click below for a photo.
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STANDARD 143 RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 9th May 2010
The lower deck saloon of Standard 143 has now been more or less completed after the fitting of the seat cushions on Tuesday (4th May). A few minor fittings now require completion in the lower saloon. Meanwhile, the two headlamps donated by the National Tramway Museum have been fitted and just require final wiring up.
Source: Standard 143 Blog
RAILCOACH 279 RESTORATION UPDATE
Lancastrian Transport Trust – Sunday 9th May 2010
The no.1 steel cab underframe of Railcoach 279 has now been fitted as the restoration of the tram into its original English Electric form continues. The can underframe has been painted into protective red oxide and is now ready for floor boarding and the refitting of the handbrake and compressor governor equipment. Meanwhile, the new half drop window units have been ordered from Cheshire Vehicle Windows.
Source: Railcoach 279 Blog
BALLOON 709’S VINYL AD UPDATED FOR 2010
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway – Sunday 9th May 2010
As mentioned briefly last week Balloon 709 has received an updated all over advert livery for the Sealife Centre. As usual the tram features contravision and for this year is mainly blue with adverts for the new attraction for 2010 – Shark Frenzy. Click below for a photo.
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DLR BEST INTERNATIONAL URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT IN THE WORLD?
Docklands Light Railway – Sunday 9th May 2010
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