BLACKPOOL TRAMWAY EXTENSION OPENS TO PUBLIC SERVICES
Published at 17:36 on Sunday 16th June 2024
Tags: Blackpool Tramway, Extension, Trams, Light Rail
The long awaited extension of the Blackpool Tramway finally opened to regular public operations on 16th June.
Ahead of the public opening several preview trips had been operated, as previously reported, primarily using the new Flexity2 light rail vehicles, but on the final day before opening, the special service was operated by pioneer 'Balloon' tram No. 700 Sir Ken Dodd. This included the tram working from Starr Gate to Blackpool North, becoming the first heritage tramcar to the new terminus in the process, and then heading to Fleetwood, before returning to Starr Gate once more.
The public service has resulted in the tramway adapting its normal Starr Gate to Fleetwood Ferry service into three separate operations. Alongside the traditional through service, which will run every 30 minutes, there will be a further 30 minute interval service from Starr Gate to Blackpool North and back, and a 30-minute interval working from Fleetwood Ferry to Blackpool North. This will have the effect of providing a 15 minute interval service across the whole tramway, and avoid the need for passengers wishing to use Blackpool North to change trams.
