bluegoblin7
Established Member
It's common knowledge that the heritage operation hasn't been making money since it started.
It's common knowledge that the heritage operation was using up life in cars overhauled prior to the tramway upgrade in 2021.
It's common knowledge that Rigby Road tram depot has been chronically underfunded and in need of serious work for years - indeed there were originally plans for a new heritage/B fleet/Illuminated cars depot at Starr Gate.
It's common knowledge that a skeleton engineering staff left over from the 'old era' were being retained, largely until they were expected to retire.
It's also common knowledge that the heritage operation was never planned or intended to reach the scale it did.
I don't think there's anything sinister at foot: there is (rightfully) a tightening of belts and a review of operations. It has been clear that the operation was going to need significant amounts of money putting into it for some years - across many different fronts - and this simply hasn't happened. Whilst Blackpool Transport/the heritage operation haven't covered themselves in glory with their excuses (and I do think it's safe to say that some of it is excuses) the regulatory environment has changed significantly over the last decade, coupled with the economics of running such an operation. Having an effectively 'free' source of tramcars makes a huge difference versus suddenly having to pay significant amounts for basic maintenance, and having no staff to do so. None of us who were around at 'the end' of traditional trams, or indeed are still involved in the sector, were expecting things to last this long, nor are surprised that they've now come to an abrupt halt.
It won't be the end of the heritage operation (there is absolutely still plenty of demand for seasonal specials, plus there were certain conditions attached to the Western Train's HLF grant) but it will almost certainly be far leaner and targeted than it has been. That, ultimately, is a good thing - again, the operation as it has been for the last few years, particularly immediately prior to Covid, was never sustainable.
Blackpool is not comparable to San Francisco, and never has been, before anyone posits that. At best it is a fair comparison with some of the European cities, who have heritage tram operations on a far more restrained basis.
It's common knowledge that the heritage operation was using up life in cars overhauled prior to the tramway upgrade in 2021.
It's common knowledge that Rigby Road tram depot has been chronically underfunded and in need of serious work for years - indeed there were originally plans for a new heritage/B fleet/Illuminated cars depot at Starr Gate.
It's common knowledge that a skeleton engineering staff left over from the 'old era' were being retained, largely until they were expected to retire.
It's also common knowledge that the heritage operation was never planned or intended to reach the scale it did.
I don't think there's anything sinister at foot: there is (rightfully) a tightening of belts and a review of operations. It has been clear that the operation was going to need significant amounts of money putting into it for some years - across many different fronts - and this simply hasn't happened. Whilst Blackpool Transport/the heritage operation haven't covered themselves in glory with their excuses (and I do think it's safe to say that some of it is excuses) the regulatory environment has changed significantly over the last decade, coupled with the economics of running such an operation. Having an effectively 'free' source of tramcars makes a huge difference versus suddenly having to pay significant amounts for basic maintenance, and having no staff to do so. None of us who were around at 'the end' of traditional trams, or indeed are still involved in the sector, were expecting things to last this long, nor are surprised that they've now come to an abrupt halt.
It won't be the end of the heritage operation (there is absolutely still plenty of demand for seasonal specials, plus there were certain conditions attached to the Western Train's HLF grant) but it will almost certainly be far leaner and targeted than it has been. That, ultimately, is a good thing - again, the operation as it has been for the last few years, particularly immediately prior to Covid, was never sustainable.
Blackpool is not comparable to San Francisco, and never has been, before anyone posits that. At best it is a fair comparison with some of the European cities, who have heritage tram operations on a far more restrained basis.
