Blackpool\u2019s heritage trams need at least \u00a3150,000 of funding if they are to run again in 2025 according to reports in the media (including the BBC). Having been suspended since November 2024 following a full review of their operation by Blackpool Transport Managing Director, Jane Cole, it had been hoped that they may return to the rails this year, but there is currently no funding in place to allow this to happens with warnings that if it isn\u2019t found soon they will miss the complete year from the Prom.<\/p>\n
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Blackpool Transport\u2019s Head of Heritage, Bryan Lindop, is quoted on the BBC News website: \u201cAt this moment we can’t run any trams, we’ve got no income, and we need some money. We need at least \u00a3150,000 to spend on various people who can do all the work that we need.”<\/p>\n
Any heritage service would again have to be based out of Starr Gate Depot, which is said to add to the complexity of the operation as this facility would need to be shared with the modern trams and also leads to increased out of service running for the trams.<\/p>\n
Funding would also be needed to ensure the long-time survival of the heritage trams.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: \u201cWe are working with Blackpool Transport Services on a solution that would aim to see the heritage trams return as a feature during the Lightpool festival. In order for the trams to operate solely from Starr Gate depot, complex operational issues need to be overcome.”<\/p>\n
The Lightpool Festival runs between 15th<\/sup> October and 1st<\/sup> November 2025.<\/p>\n Unless I have completely lost the plot when this news was originally reported on the BBC it mentioned at least \u00a325,000 being needed but just a couple of days later and the sum has increased to \u00a3150,000 – and that probably isn’t a big increase in inflation in two days!<\/p>\n Whilst the operation of the heritage trams remains an unknown at the moment, Tramtown reopened on Good Friday. The attraction is based in the former Fitting Shop and has seen new displays added with a selection of trams (including Boat 600<\/strong>, the Trawler<\/strong> and Bolton 66<\/strong>) on view, and for the first time is not just open for guided tours. It is open every Monday and Saturday until further notice from 1000-1400 with guided tours also available between 1400 and 1500.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Blackpool\u2019s heritage trams need at least \u00a3150,000 of funding if they are to run again in 2025 according to reports in the media (including the BBC). Having been suspended since November 2024 following a full review of their operation by … Continue reading