Blackpool suspends heritage tram operation

 

The municipal operator Blackpool Transport has suspended all operations by heritage trams with immediate effect, leading to the cancellation of the remaining Illuminations tours for 2024 as well as coastal and promenade tours due to run in the lead-up to Christmas. Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours has flagged up the challenges of operating the heritage fleet alongside the modern fleet, with issues such as advanced safety systems (ODAA and COMPASS) due to be introduced in accordance with Health & Safety recommendations following the Croydon Sandilands accident, and depot space (the 1920s Rigby Road depot is largely unusable due to the state of the building). Blackpool Transport describes this as a ‘suspension’ of heritage service, giving hope that some limited operation may resume, perhaps in summer 2025. They say, 'By reassessing their operation, we aim to explore new ways to honour Blackpool’s rich transport heritage while maintaining our commitment to a safe, efficient, and future-focused service. We are dedicated to finding innovative opportunities to honour and showcase Blackpool’s iconic tramway history, and we thank you for your understanding as we work towards this’. 

 

The decision has prompted dismay, especially amongst the enthusiast community, with attention drawn to the overall loss of income in the area of Blackpool tourism due to the removal of this visitor attraction.The heritage fleet is made up of examples of the earlier tram fleet that have been kept in running order, plus the famous Illuminations trams such as the Western Train and HMS Blackpool frigate. The modern Blackpool tram fleet is made up of 18 Bombardier Flexity dating from 2012-2018. there is also a ‘B’ fleet of nine 1930s cars that have been modified to operate in normal passenger service on the upgraded tramway. The heritage trams are the ‘C’ fleet, and have been used for round-trip tours and private hires, with boarding and alighting only at specific points. 

 

Footnote: On 10 December, Jane Cole, Managing Director issued a statement. "As Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, I would like to reach out to everyone who has expressed their concerns about the future of the Heritage Tram operation. I am the biggest advocate for the preservation and future of our beautiful assets. I can confirm that the future of our heritage trams is safe and we aim to have them back on the Promenade next year. However, before that can happen there are a number of complex operational issues that need to be addressed. While we work on these, we have made the difficult decision to suspend operations. We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused to our passengers but it is the right decision at this time."