Newsroom

24 April 2024

Blackpool Tramway Extension to open – enter the draw to be one of the first passengers

Blackpool’s tramway extension is set to welcome its first passengers on the 12 June and residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre can enter the draw to be on the very first tram.

Two Blackpool Trams parked up at the new Talbot Road tram terminus in front of the Holiday Inn hotel
Tram testing at the new Talbot Rd terminus
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After a £23.42 million investment Blackpool’s new extended tramway is only weeks away from taking its first passengers.

On Wednesday June 12 the first passenger tram will travel from Blackpool Transport’s Starr Gate tram depot at Squires Gate to the new terminus adjacent to Blackpool North Train Station. Fylde Coast residents are being invited to enter a draw to be in with a chance of travelling on the first tram along the new tram track extension.

To celebrate the launch there are 10 pairs of First Rider tickets up for grabs giving the lucky winners a seat on the first passenger tram from Blackpool along Talbot Road to Blackpool North train station since 1963.

The winners will receive:

  • Refreshments at Starr Gate tram depot
  • Return tram journey from the tram depot to the new Blackpool North tram stop
  • Celebration brunch at the new Marco’s New York Italian restaurant
  • Goody bag including commemorative gifts

The £23.42 million investment has been made possible with funding from Lancashire’s Growth Deal funding and Blackpool Council.

The first regular trams taking fare paying passengers will start on Sunday 16 June with details of routes and timings available nearer the time. There will also be limited tickets available on special tram tours on the 13, 14 and 15 June. Tickets will be on sale from the middle of May and more detail will be released in due course. Visit www.blackpooltransport.com for more information.

Alan Cavil, Director of Communications and Regeneration said: 

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“I’m absolutely delighted that the new tramway extension will be running in time for the summer. “The First Rider ticket draw gives residents a chance to be part of a historic event for the town. We wanted to make it a special occasion as it is such an important day for the Fylde Coast. “The extension to the tramway is an important piece in the council’s commitment to create a modern and integrated transport network across Blackpool which is important for both residents and visitors. It will make it easier for people to get to work, places of interest and carryout our everyday lives. “The tramway extension will also enable everyone to travel more easily across town but also across the Northwest and further afield in a quicker more efficient way”.
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The competition

Blackpool Council is giving away ten pairs of the First Rider tickets.

To be in with a chance of winning please enter our draw at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/firstrider

Terms and conditions

Closing date Wednesday 15 May. Winners must be able to travel on 12 June 2024. No cash alternative. Not transferable.

View the full terms and conditions of the competition.

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