| PICTURE REVIEW OF 2005 This page was added on Sunday 8 January 2006 |
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In a change of format for 2005 BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE are proud to publish a brief review of the tram events of 2005. Not every event from the past year is covered and some of the photos aren't exactly earth shattering news but every photo on the following eight pages have never been seen on BRITISH TRAMS ONLINE! Thanks to all the regular contributors who have let their photos on the site during 2005, some of which are featured here! Blackpool Images 1 | Blackpool Images 2 | Blackpool Images 3 | Blackpool Images 4/Crich Images 1 | Crich Images 2/Trampower | |
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In Manchester progress continues with the mid-life refurbishment of the First Series trams, however this coupled with several RTAs involving trams has led to severe shortages causing service disruption regularly. Metrolink have put out to tender the contract for several new trams to allow for an increase in capacity. This photo shows 1022, one of those to have gone through refurbishment, at St Peters Square on 7 September 2005.
Photo: Gareth Prior |
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As well as tenders being investigated for new trams, the contract to operate and maintain the system is currently being looked at, as well as infrastructure improvements. In this view Second Series 2006 is seen at St Peters Square on 7 September 2005.
Photo: Gareth Prior |
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In early December news reached us that Midland Metro were considering replacing their entire fleet of trams with better ones. Since their introduction 6 years ago they have been dogged by problems and Centro have finally lost patience. The current fleet of trams will remain for a while yet as an order won't be made until extensions are given the go-ahead. This photo shows 11 at Priestfield on 10 June 2005.
Photo: Gareth Prior |
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Centro are currently preparing business cases for extensions to Five Ways via New Street and the city centre and also to Brierley Hill from Wednesbury. 15 is seen at Wednesbury Parkway on 10 June 2005.
Photo: Gareth Prior |