What are the plans for the Blackpool Tramway?
The tramway is in the process of complete refurbishment, following the Government 's February 2008 announcement that the £85m Blackpool Tramway Upgrade bid had been successful.
Although it has been closed completely over the winter, the system will run between
Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham during the 2011 season using the old tram vehicles.
The first of the new Bombardier Flexity 2 trams are scheduled to arrive in August 2011, whereupon they will be tested on the stretch of line between the new Starr Gate depot and Pleasure Beach. Drivers will be trained over the winter ready for the new, state-of -the-art trams to take to the rails From Easter 2012
Approximately twenty ‘heritage’ trams will remain, including illuminated trams used during the annual Illuminations event. Surplus trams have been sold to preservationists.
The
SINTROPHER project is appraising ways in which the tramway can be developed further.
Blackpool Council, Lancashire County Council and Blackpool Transport Services are committed to the tramway as a vital transport system and tourist attraction. Follow progress on the
Tramway's own web-page.