Category Archives: Blackpool Tramway

Western Train loses its trolley

One of Blackpool’s best loved trams, the illuminated Western Train 733, has undergone another minor change to its external appearance recently, with the removal of its trolley arm. It may be recalled that over winter, 733 had been fitted with … Continue reading

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More good news for Blackpool’s heritage service

After starting the year on a low with the announcement of budget cuts which threatened to severely dent this year’s operations, the heritage tram service at Blackpool has been the subject of many positive developments recently, with more running days … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 17 Comments

Blackpool heritage trams join Facebook

A new, official Facebook page has been launched for Blackpool Transport’s heritage tram tours. Titled ‘Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours’ (hmm, that makes sense!) the page will provide information on the plans for upcoming operating dates for the fleet of heritage … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 5 Comments

More good news for Blackpool’s heritage trams

The good news keeps coming from the Blackpool tramway of late, and following on from the initial disappointment regarding the reduced number of operating days for the heritage fleet this year compared with 2013, another positive step has been taken … Continue reading

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Vintage trams to Starr Gate

The tenth annual ‘Totally Transport’ event, held on Blackpool’s New South Promenade, has been enhanced this year thanks to the excellent news that Blackpool Transport will be operating their heritage tram service to Starr Gate for this event. Normally the … Continue reading

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Heritage tramways prepare for spring

As the start of the main 2014 season approaches for most of Britain’s heritage tramways, preparations for the onslaught of visitors is now well underway at several different locations across the country. Trams at Blackpool, Crich and Manchester have all … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Heaton Park Tramway, National Tramway Museum | 6 Comments

Twin car sighted at Starr Gate

The latest member of Blackpool’s heritage tram fleet to pay a visit to the state-of-the-art tram depot at Starr Gate, is Twin set 272+T2. The pair first visited this building last autumn to rectify some minor defects, and now they … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 7 Comments

Blackpool lights switch-on event to be free

Last year, what is normally one of the busiest weekends of the year for the town of Blackpool was ruined by an attempt to make money out of the annual illuminations switch-on event, which was replaced by two concerts held … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 2 Comments

Changes to Blackpool concessionary arrangements confirmed

As predicted, Blackpool Council are to withdraw the provision of free tram travel in Blackpool for non-Blackpool residents eligible for the English National Travel Concession Scheme, with effect from 1st April. Despite hopes that Lancashire County Council would step in … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 42 Comments

Trevor Roberts leaves Blackpool Transport

It has been announced that Blackpool Transport’s Managing Director Trevor Roberts has stepped down from his position with the company. Mr Roberts had been in charge of the firm since 2009 when he replaced Steve Burd, and although he has served … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, People | 13 Comments

Blackpool heritage trams set for May Day

Following the previous announcement that the daytime heritage tram service in Blackpool had been cut back to just nine days for the 2014 season, it is pleasing to have some good news to report in regard of this decision. Thanks … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 2 Comments

In Pictures: Blackpool Flexity2 015 suffers collapsed pantograph

On Saturday 22nd February one of the normally reliable Flexity2 trams in Blackpool suffered a collapsed pantograph causing delays to the service. The incident occurred at Pleasure Beach when 015 was operating a Starr Gate-Fleetwood Ferry service and caused services … Continue reading

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In Pictures: More Blackpool trams visit Starr Gate

The movement of various trams from Blackpool Transport’s heritage tram fleet between the two depots at Rigby Road and Starr Gate has been a frequent occurance on Fridays for the last few weeks. Friday 28th February was no exception, as … Continue reading

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Centenary car 643 on the move again

Blackpool Centenary car 643 became the latest tram to make a journey by road on Friday 28th February, when the car departed its home at the Broadwater Caravan Park. This follows a short period of use as a static cafe … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 6 Comments

Free tram travel for non-Blackpool residents under threat

There is currently intense speculation regarding the future of the offer of free travel on the Blackpool tramway for all holders of the UK concessionary passes issued to senior citizens. Before the opening of the modernised tramway, this offer was extended … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 26 Comments

New Cab Ride DVDs available

Two new cab ride DVDs have recently been released featuring footage from the Blackpool Tramway and London Tramlink. As well as featuring full uninterrupted cab rides both DVDs include speeded up journeys.

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New owners confirmed for Blackpool 671

After a number of twists and turns in its recent past, Blackpool Towing car 671 is set for a new home with a new name to the transport preservation movement, the Tyne Tees Transport Trust. This group are believed to … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Fylde Transport Trust, North Eastern Electrical Transport Trust | 4 Comments

Blackpool Transport weather the storms

On Wednesday 12th February, gale force winds reaching 90mph hit the Fylde coast, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Buildings such as Anchorsholme Library, the cage next to the wedding chapel at North Pier and even the famous … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 1 Comment

Blackpool and Crich announce tram swap for 2014

Following a considerable amount of speculation, it has been announced that Blackpool Transport and the Tramway Museum Society have successfully concluded negotiations for an exchange of trams during the 2014 summer season. Blackpool ‘Pantograph’ car 167 of 1928 is set … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, National Tramway Museum | 35 Comments

Bryan Lindop reveals Blackpool heritage plans for 2014

Blackpool Transport have announced details of the plans for its heritage tram service during the 2014 season. Disappointingly, despite encouraging passenger numbers last summer, the number of running days has been reduced for the second consecutive year. Outside of the … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway | 25 Comments