As we’ve reported already this year, the Blackpool Tramway has been the latest system in the UK to suffer from tram shortages which required the introduction of a temporary timetable (which is still in place). Maintenance of the trams has been continuing during the quieter winter months and things took a step forward in late March with 018 returning to action – complete with new vinyls to celebrate the Tramway Operator of the Year award they won in 2025.
018 had last been seen in service on 7th January 2026 but after attention at Starr Gate Depot it returned to the Promenade on 26th March 2026. Although not in passenger service – it was being used for driver training – this is a positive sign that things should improve on the tram availability front and allow an improved frequency timetable to be introduced later in the year for the busier summer season.
The tram is also the first in the fleet to receive special vinyls on the ends which note that they won UK Tram Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards. This is similar to how Edinburgh Trams have previously made mention of their award wins, and there is surely no coincidence that the new Managing Director of Blackpool Transport has come from Edinburgh!
There remain six trams out of service, some longer than others:
004 – last ran December 2025
005 – last ran July 2022
007 – last ran January 2026
010 – last ran August 2025
012 – last ran December 2025
017 – last ran December 2025
018 on its first day back out. The new UK Tram Operator of the Year logos are seen underneath the Blackpool Tramway logo on the end of the tram. (Photograph by Oliver Shenton, 26th March 2026)