Blackpool Transport to commence running trams Monday 19th March?

Crimson_Quiff · 16th March 2012, 10:03

I recieved some gen today that Blackpool Transport are to commence running trams this Monday (19th March). Apparently it's 'Ghost running', I take it that means running empty/not in service?

If anyone else knows anything of this, please feel free to post/discuss etc.

jcollins · 16th March 2012, 12:25

The passenger services start on 4th April according to Blackpool Transport:

Tramway re-opens on 4th April

Posted - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46
Updated - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46

On completion of the £100 million upgrade to light rail status the tram service will commence on Wednesday 4 April with new low floor Bombardier trams.

Heritage tram tours will operate on Bank Hoidays, weekends (April - October) and ever day during the summer school holidays and every evening during the Illuminations.

Cliveblackpool · 16th March 2012, 15:36

Proper Trams also commence at Easter only between Pleasure Beach & Little Bispham. Bit pricey, and limited stops.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/ne...rams-1-4329560

jcollins · 16th March 2012, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliveblackpool

Proper Trams also commence at Easter only between Pleasure Beach & Little Bispham. Bit pricey, and limited stops.
http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/ne...rams-1-4329560

So the heritage tour costs the same as the illuminations tour and is the same distance but you don't get a view of the illuminations on the heritage tour.

WestCoast · 16th March 2012, 17:05

£10 does seem a little steep, although you do of course get a bus/tram day pass as well, which includes the Line 20 out to the zoo and Marton Mere, a popular route for tourists.

I am sure the bosses will be hoping that tour revenues will make up for any deficits incurred by the reduction in normal tram fares - the £3.50 off-bus day ticket will also be valid for the trams as well now. Previously, it was £6 for a TravelCard covering trams and buses.

I was also a bit skeptical when they made the CitySightSeeing service separate from the network last year and premium tour prices were introduced, replacing the 'normal fares and passes' that were originally charged. I don't think they are planning on changing this, however I wonder if the CitySightSeeing tour franchise service will suffer with more people choosing the tram heritage tour instead. In any case, it's BT competing with themselves again!

Crimson_Quiff · 17th March 2012, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcollins

The passenger services start on 4th April according to Blackpool Transport:

Tramway re-opens on 4th April

Posted - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46
Updated - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46

On completion of the £100 million upgrade to light rail status the tram service will commence on Wednesday 4 April with new low floor Bombardier trams.

Heritage tram tours will operate on Bank Hoidays, weekends (April - October) and ever day during the summer school holidays and every evening during the Illuminations.

Aye, that's what I read on the website

I was asking a question in regards to the 'Ghost Running' in readiness for the start of the season.

BestWestern · 19th March 2012, 14:47

"...Once the new system opens, vintage trams will no longer legally be able to operate in conventional stage carriage service and they will therefore become a pleasure ride..."

More b*ll*cks from BT then...

jcollins · 19th March 2012, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crimson_Quiff

Aye, that's what I read on the website

I was asking a question in regards to the 'Ghost Running' in readiness for the start of the season.

I thought if I confirmed the start date for passenger running that if any trams were spotted running prior to that then they would be 'ghost running' possibly for driving training purposes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BestWestern

"...Once the new system opens, vintage trams will no longer legally be able to operate in conventional stage carriage service and they will therefore become a pleasure ride..."

More b*ll*cks from BT then...

Unless they have a contract with Bombardier saying all services will be operated by new trams except for some tourist vintage trams.

Imagine if Northern said something similar "We have introduced new trains so the British Leyland Pacers can no longer legally operate

except for a pleasure ride. "

Tramfan · 19th March 2012, 20:46

Unfortunately due to the huge amount of remedial work currently being undertaken on the tramway, the expected ghost running did not materialise today. Balloons 709 and 723 apparently went to Ash Street to test the overhead line though.

BestWestern · 19th March 2012, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tramfan

Unfortunately due to the huge amount of remedial work currently being undertaken on the tramway, the expected ghost running did not materialise today. Balloons 709 and 723 apparently went to Ash Street to test the overhead line though.

Is it just me who finds it highly ironic that after millions upon millions being spent on a fleet of EuroPlastics, it's still the proper ("heritage") cars that get used to test everything?!

What areas were in need of remedial work, sounds rather serious?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcollins

Unless they have a contract with Bombardier saying all services will be operated by new trams except for some tourist vintage trams.

Presumably any 'heritage' operation doesn't apply to the heavily modified Balloons, which are now devoid of most of their previous character and would hardly appeal to somebody wanting a ride on an 'old fashioned' tramcar? The new doors and so on will allow them to function as part of the front line fleet I presume?

Tramfan · 20th March 2012, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by BestWestern

What areas were in need of remedial work, sounds rather serious?

The whole tramway was fenced off between North Pier and Gynn Square when I walked into town the other day, this was for remedial work on the concrete between the rails which has been cracking in places. In addition, a new concrete type material is being laid over the sleepers at all tram platforms with open track. This is apparently due to fears that a passenger could fall from the platforms and become trapped underneath a tram. This has to be done at 16 of tram stops, and I think only 2 have been done so far.

WatcherZero · 20th March 2012, 01:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by BestWestern

"...Once the new system opens, vintage trams will no longer legally be able to operate in conventional stage carriage service and they will therefore become a pleasure ride..."

More b*ll*cks from BT then...

Rather they dont meet disability access requirements so are only allowed in regular passenger service if their operated in limited fashion as a heritage service. They will be operating from dedicated excursion stations rather than the normal stations which have level boarding.

BestWestern · 21st March 2012, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by WatcherZero

Rather they dont meet disability access requirements so are only allowed in regular passenger service if their operated in limited fashion as a heritage service. They will be operating from dedicated excursion stations rather than the normal stations which have level boarding.

But DDA hasn't come in yet, and indeed isn't due for several more years?! The suggestion that they will imminently become "illegal" is slightly rash!

jcollins · 21st March 2012, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by BestWestern

But DDA hasn't come in yet, and indeed isn't due for several more years?! The suggestion that they will imminently become "illegal" is slightly rash!

More likely to be a case of that they don't plan to buy any more new trams for the forseeable future so don't want to face criticism when DDA does kick in and they have to withdraw services operated by non-complaint vehicles.

Crimson_Quiff · 21st March 2012, 09:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tramfan

Balloons 709 and 723 apparently went to Ash Street to test the overhead line though.

They did indeed! I went chasing them for phots on Monday!

16th March 2012, 10:03	#1
Crimson_Quiff Nobody of Consequence Member Join Date: 2 Jun 2011 Location: Mount Dubious Posts: 406	Blackpool Transport to commence running trams Monday 19th March? I recieved some gen today that Blackpool Transport are to commence running trams this Monday (19th March). Apparently it's 'Ghost running', I take it that means running empty/not in service? If anyone else knows anything of this, please feel free to post/discuss etc. __________________ Rob Bray OBE Last edited by Crimson_Quiff; 16th March 2012 at 10:10.

16th March 2012, 12:25	#2
jcollins Established Member Join Date: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 8,448	The passenger services start on 4th April according to Blackpool Transport: Tramway re-opens on 4th April Posted - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46 Updated - Thursday 15/03/2012 21:46 On completion of the £100 million upgrade to light rail status the tram service will commence on Wednesday 4 April with new low floor Bombardier trams. Heritage tram tours will operate on Bank Hoidays, weekends (April - October) and ever day during the summer school holidays and every evening during the Illuminations. __________________ "We apologise for the delay. It is due to some selfish ******* throwing themselves in front of the train." - Andy Parsons.

16th March 2012, 15:36	#3
Cliveblackpool Member Join Date: 6 Sep 2011 Posts: 551	Proper Trams also commence at Easter only between Pleasure Beach & Little Bispham. Bit pricey, and limited stops. http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/ne...rams-1-4329560

16th March 2012, 17:05	#5
WestCoast Established Member Join Date: 19 Jun 2010 Location: West Midlands Posts: 4,520	£10 does seem a little steep, although you do of course get a bus/tram day pass as well, which includes the Line 20 out to the zoo and Marton Mere, a popular route for tourists. I am sure the bosses will be hoping that tour revenues will make up for any deficits incurred by the reduction in normal tram fares - the £3.50 off-bus day ticket will also be valid for the trams as well now. Previously, it was £6 for a TravelCard covering trams and buses. I was also a bit skeptical when they made the CitySightSeeing service separate from the network last year and premium tour prices were introduced, replacing the 'normal fares and passes' that were originally charged. I don't think they are planning on changing this, however I wonder if the CitySightSeeing tour franchise service will suffer with more people choosing the tram heritage tour instead. In any case, it's BT competing with themselves again!

19th March 2012, 14:47	#7
BestWestern "Transforming Trouble..." Established Member Join Date: 6 Feb 2011 Posts: 2,377	"...Once the new system opens, vintage trams will no longer legally be able to operate in conventional stage carriage service and they will therefore become a pleasure ride..." More bllcks from BT then...

19th March 2012, 20:46	#9
Tramfan Member Join Date: 19 Mar 2011 Location: Newcastle/Blackpool Posts: 94	Unfortunately due to the huge amount of remedial work currently being undertaken on the tramway, the expected ghost running did not materialise today. Balloons 709 and 723 apparently went to Ash Street to test the overhead line though.