New Blackpool supertrams.

Blackpool's new Fexity2 trams are to be launched next month.

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/business/first_tram_ready_to_roll_into_town_1_3666597

 

Hooray !!! Whilst I love our Heritage fleet, lets not forget that the Blackpool Tramway is not a heritage line! I'm sure the ordinary folks of the Fylde will welcome the modern fleet which will co-exist over most of the route with the old timers in the summer season.

 

What is the position on the trams with an over 60 bus pass?

In Sheffield they're accepted but not in Manchester. Someone last week told me that they are now accepted in Blackpool.

 

Some interesting - and very pertinent - comments on that link

 

That is correct. The rules changed in April this year, before then only Lancashire residents could use them on the trams.

 

They won't be accepted on weekend evenings in the illuminations season

 

Quite right too ! Can't have you lot coming into town and getting everything for free !

I've got to wait till i'm 62 for my pass

 

They will be running a heritage service over part of the route - oh, sorry - didn't you mean "the trains with an over 60 bus pass" as being trams aged over 60....?

 

New trams & new depot revealed today (includes a video report):

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/blackpool_supertram_is_here_1_3752758

 

Poor old Blackpool - what a pup!

Two trips from Starr Gate to Beach and Flexxity 001 has clanking flats like a Mk1 coach!

These were always the wrong answer to the wrong question as the last thing Blackpool actually needed!

They are actually the result of a quest for Euro Grants which is how local authorities fund everything these days, and it is undeniable that the tramway required relaying in parts, and that DDA compliance was needed if the trams were to continue in operation.

The real answer was demonstrated so eloquently yesterday as £100,000,000 worth of spending with Bombardier and Volker was visited by £100,000 worth of 717 refurbishment which stood at Starr Gate platform silently showing how a simple electronically operated flap to the new dwarf platform would have done the job - no bulgies - no unnecessary metro cars, and the possibility of a tramway capable of being reckoned alongside San Francisco or New Orleans where they know how to run a tourist town.

It was depressing last night to watch two bulgies and four millenium cars with three specials operating an illuminations service.

Sic Transit Gloria Mundi

Messrs Blackburn, Roberts etc etc- You are no Walter Luffs

 

I'll make my judgement (as a local) when they are all here and well settled on the service.

 

There was some talk on the local radio today about extending the system to Blackpool airport.

I couldn't hear any details as 'er indoors was talking into my other ear 'ole at the same time!

I'm sure other inland routes were mentioned as well.

 

Fleetwood to Poulton might also make sense Alan !

 

I'll drink to that John!

And then Poulton - Layton - Talbot Sq?

 

Actually, that would be easy, given that Blackpool and Wyre councils are experienced at going round in circles!

 

Seems like we might get trams to Poulton after all !!

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/local/forty_drivers_face_a_big_test_1_3761625

 

Nice thought - and renovate the old Talbot Road bus station as a tram/bus interchange. Sorry..........common sense............I do apologise !

 

It would be good if they resurrected the old Marton Loop - I remember as a kid seeing during long term roadworks on Whitegate Drive (I know Whitegate Drive is a long term road work) seeing the tracks still under the street several inches down. If they then re-opened the Talbot Road Layton route they could link the two routes together via' St Walburga's Rd & East Park Drive. You could actually then get to the hospital, zoo, Stanley park etc more easily. Found some interesting old pics too:

http://www.cyberpictures.net/blackpool/

 

The Flexitys are now on driver training as far as Fleetwood but only to Fishermans Walk not the ferry.

001 at Fishermans Walk this afternoon ready to reverse and head back to Blackpool.

مشاهدة المرفق 4377

 

The ghost timetable should have been running by now - but isn't. There are still eight Flexities to be delivered and nothing on flanged wheels has passed Ash Street since the 9th November 2009. Any service is going to need a Frankenstein or two.

There is supposed to be a Councillors' special on the 3rd April - I wonder if that will reach Ferry? I'm still minded to ask if 717 could be chartered as a ceremonial first car back!