Phased plan set to see the return of Blackpool’s historic trams

Blackpool’s iconic heritage trams are on track for a return to service on the seafront this autumn as the operator Blackpool Transport undertakes work to get the trams and track ready.

An important step will see an independent expert assessing the operational worthiness of the vehicles, with a view to having them running for October half term.

Martin Gurr, Heritage Operations Manager at Blackpool Trams, explained: “Inspections are set to start in the next few weeks and the resulting technical reports will give us a clear idea of how many trams we can bring back into service.

“We will then carry out the additional work, including fitting them with the latest speed restriction technology and a programme of intensive driver and conductor training.

“In terms of infrastructure, we also need to inspect and clean tracks outside the Rigby Road depot before the trams can be moved to our Starr Gate depot, where they will be stored and maintained alongside the second-generation fleet.”

“Everyone at Blackpool Transport is committed to bringing back our iconic trams to the seafront, and we’ll be working tirelessly to achieve this in time for the Lightpool Festival in October,” Martin said.

“As each phase of our reintroduction plan is completed, we’ll provide further updates on our work to preserve the town’s rich tramway heritage,” he added.