It\u2019s the news that many people have been waiting for \u2013 Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours are to return to action in October as part of the Lightpool Festival, and will then tours will continue to run for the remainder of the illuminations season.<\/p>\n
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As probably no-one reading these words will need reminding\u2026 all heritage tram operations in Blackpool were suspended in December 2024 by Blackpool Transport. Having reviewed the operations \u2013 which had been based out of Starr Gate Depot throughout the year because the main depot at Rigby Road was out of bounds \u2013 Blackpool Transport Managing Director Jane Cole made the decision to stop all heritage tram services with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
In various statements released since it has been stated that the operations had become increasingly challenging \u2013 issues included depot space, tram movements and general safety, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts.<\/p>\n
After the announcement Blackpool Council and Blackpool Transport Services Limited have been working together to find a solution and that has now been found which will enable heritage trams to resume operations in October. In the statement making this announcement from the Council its said that \u201ca programme of works has now been agreed which will see the necessary modifications made to enable heritage trams to run from the same depot as the modern fleet\u201d.<\/p>\n
Once these works are completed \u2013 as well as familiarisation for drivers etc. \u2013 it will be possible for them to run again and its planned their return will be during the Lightpool Festival between 15th<\/sup> October and 1st<\/sup> November. After that heritage tram tours will continue to run for the remainder of the Illuminations, which run until 4th<\/sup> January 2026.<\/p>\n Three trams are expected to be used to run these tours \u2013 the Western Train<\/strong> and HMS Blackpool<\/strong> along with a Balloon Car.<\/p>\n Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: \u201cI am delighted that we have found a solution has been found that will enable these much-loved trams to be back where they belong on the promenade later this year.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the outset we said that this would only be a temporary pause in the service and we would work to ensure they returned at the earliest opportunity. They are important part of the heritage of the town and the Council was always committed to securing their future.<\/p>\n \u201cLightpool is a hugely popular festival and the perfect time for visitors and residents to enjoy a tour on an illuminated heritage tram. I know many people have been concerned about the future of the trams and I hope this reassures them that their future is safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Jane Cole, Blackpool Transport Services Managing Director, added: \u201cIt was a difficult decision to pause our heritage tram tours but a necessary step to take stock of the operational challenges we were facing. Since December we have been working hard to find a solution and we always aimed to have the trams running again this year. I am confident the plan we agreed is achievable and I look forward to welcoming customers back on-board in October.\u201d<\/p>\n Further details of exact dates of tours will follow in due course.<\/p>\n Apologies for the delay in this article being published. There aren\u2019t many guarantees in life but one of those is when I\u2019m away (for work this time) there will be an important news story that breaks and I can\u2019t get to a computer to write it!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s the news that many people have been waiting for \u2013 Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours are to return to action in October as part of the Lightpool Festival, and will then tours will continue to run for the remainder of … Continue reading