The Talbot Road tramway extension officially launched on 12 June 2024
The £22m project improves public transport in Blackpool, taking commuters and shoppers directly from Blackpool North station to where they need to be across town, via the Promenade. It also includes:
- A new terminal
- 4 star Holiday Inn hotel and Marco Pierre White restaurant
- Office and retail units to let
The additional services to and from North Station also provide additional capacity and an increased frequency of service in the busy seafront area of the tramway network. See tram timtables.
Tramway contractors SISK carried out span works at the Talbot Road site to complete the running of the overhead wiring into the new tram terminus, ensuring that trams can run down Talbot Road.
The opening of the track was celebrated by an official launch event, where First Rider Prize Draw competition winners were among the lucky few to take a seat on the first passenger tram to travel up Talbot Road since 1963.
Tramway extension benefits
The tramway extension offers a wide range of benefits to both residents and visitors.
Connectivity
Passengers are already able to travel from South Shore to Fleetwood – now they can also venture inland to the town centre, making travel even more convenient with a direct modernised underpass to Blackpool North Train Station.
Accessibility
All trams have level boarding and step free interiors. They also have visual and audible announcers to inform passengers of the next stops.
Helping the environment
Tramways are an effient and green way to travel. They can carry a lot of passengers at one time, reducing the CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions made per journey.
As well as being electrically powered, trams can also operate using battery or hydrogen power. They also have steel wheels, meaning that there are no harmful particulates from tyres or road wear.
Blackpool Council are striving to create a green and sustainable town. The tramway extension will encourage more people to travel on public transport.
Quality of life
The new tramway benefits people that use the train for work or leisure, as they can quickly access Blackpool North Train Station through the underpass.
Not only does it connect to the train station, but it also provides an ideal link for those working in and around the town centre.
For those visiting the town centre who would usually drive, the tramway introduces greener transport options.
The project has been funded externally by the Lancashire Growth Deal and is all part of making Blackpool better, making transport easier and helping to create more jobs for people in Blackpool.
