One of the big stories on the modern Blackpool Tramway so far in 2026 has been the introduction of a temporary timetable whilst repairs take place to the Flexity2 trams, the first 16 of which are now approaching the 14th anniversary of their entry into service (let’s not forget that Nottingham Express Transit’s original trams had already gone through the first of their two mid-life refurbishments by this time), ahead of the main summer season. Podbaba Transport was afforded the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the depot whilst this work took place and has been kind enough to provide us with some photos inside the depot.
- The full video of the visit to Starr Gate Depot can be viewed at https://youtu.be/y7X5AP6V8aM?si=DAc4QoOuf61eLXK_. Whilst there why not subscribe to give you access to all the latest videos from the UK and Prague.
Always popular is the tram location board. This shows just where all 18 of the Flexity2 trams could be found. As seen here the number of trams under repair at the moment is high with eight down as with engineers.
004 out of service undergoing repairs but in the main part of the depot.
A general view of the depot. Note on the right 015 which is receiving a new advert for Central Beach Leisure.
012 has recently lost its Pleasure Beach advert and is now identity-less from the outside. This photo also shows how trams often end up after vinyls are ripped off. A decision is to be made on whether it will be repainted or receive a new advert before it returns to service.
005 has not run since 2022 and remains in the engineering bay.
After their use on Illumination Tours in late 2025, both the Frigate and Balloon 717 remain stabled at Starr Gate Depot.
017 was also out of service undergoing repairs. This is one of two trams which didn’t enter service until 2018.
010 has been out of use since early 2025 and continues to wait repairs in the engineering bay. (All Photographs by Michael Morton, 10th February 2026)