Since the Crich Tramway Village started their 2025 season all the trams which had run in service had also been seen in action during 2024. But that all changed on Wednesday 16th April when Leeds 345 was part of a two tram service – its first passenger use since 2022!
Leeds 345 had been withdrawn from service during the 2022 season after it received damage during an incident at the depot with it requiring workshop attention before it could be considered for service again. At last year’s Tram Weekend in September, 345 was moved into the Workshop (after being involved in a photo line-up on the depot fan) and a start was made on repairing the damage.
The tram was listed on the planned operating fleet for 2025 with work having progressed sufficiently enough to be confident enough that it would be available this year and after the completion of commissioning and testing it was made available for service once again. Its first day back was Wednesday 16th April when it operated alongside Glasgow 22.
With 345 in service it now means that nine trams have run with passengers so far this season. They are Chesterfield 7, Glasgow 22, Blackpool 40, Sheffield 74, Newcastle 102, Leeds 345, Leeds 399, Blackpool 630 and London Transport 1622.
As Inspector on Wednesday 16th, I wasn’t expecting to be able to use 345 despite having seen it out testing the preceding day. When the workshop advised me that it was available, I was delighted to find we also had a driver on duty who had it on his license. Hence we ran it in public, which came as quite a surprise to some. I believe these vehicles should be as soon as practicable once they are ready, as a thank you to and as an acknowledgement of the hard work done by the engineers. The return to service also seemed to please commenters on social media. Its been out again a couple of times since April 16th and as we get more drivers and conductors reacquainted with it I’m sure 345 will be a regular runner – its a lovely tram.