If you head into Blackpool and see a splash of green and cream onto the tramway don’t worry you’re not seeing things! Flexity2 012 has returned to service carrying a new vinyl wrap in what Blackpool Transport have described as a tribute to the rich heritage of the tramway.
012 had been absent from service since December 2025 and last time it was seen out on the tramway it was carrying an advertising livery for Pleasure Beach. This contract had come to an end and the vinyls were removed from the tram but in doing this it damaged the original purple and white livery and so some rectification was needed before it could be seen back out on the Prom.
This is when Blackpool Transport made the decision to give it a fresh new look with the aim of also showing their ongoing commitment towards the heritage of the tramway – whilst they continue to work behind the scenes in preparing trams for static display during Lightpool as well as returning heritage trams to service in the future.
Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, said: “While we’re on track to have some static displays ready for next month’s Lightpool Festival, in the meantime we want to ensure our heritage plans remain in the public eye.
“Our engineers and volunteers are also doing all they can to restore some of our best-loved trams and bring others up to modern-day operating standards, and this nostalgic makeover aims to remind everyone of their efforts behind the scenes.
“We’re delighted to be able to use one of our younger trams to showcase our commitment to a safe and sustainable future for our wider heritage operations.”
012 returned to service late afternoon on Saturday 26th September 2026 when it worked North Pier to Little Bispham services before and after the latest night of fireworks which saw a split service operate.
- Video of the return to service of 012 can be viewed on the YouTube channel of Podbaba Transport at https://www.youtube.com/@podbabatransport7515
012 arrives at North Pier with its first public journey since December 2025 on its way to Little Bispham. It is just passing 011 in its advert for Tenpin.
012 is now at Little Bispham and having let the last of its passengers off it now moves onto the loop.
Another look at 012 as its now on the loop. (All Photographs by Oliver Shenton, 26th September 2026)