Yikes, waiting since 2019?! Is that Covid related?
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Blackpool trams
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trainmananthon
Member
It's certainly one of the better ones to drive!
Also the PPIs and TCLs at Talbot Square are now fully operational
That and Brexit haven't helped
I can't find any reference to day tickets that are valid both on the heritage tram tours and on the normal service trams, though, either on the Blackpool Transport website or on the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours site.
Before the Covid pandemic you used to be able to get day tickets for £11 (£6 child) that were valid on heritage and normal trams, but I am guessing that these have now been withdrawn.
The heritage tram tours also now appear to be primarily book in advance (in which case withdrawing those tickets would seem logical), although the Heritage Tram Tours website does say that you can turn up and ride if there is space but there is no guarantee that you will be able to do so, whereas before the pandemic you could just turn up and ride.
This may be the page to find the tram/bus fare prices/tickets
www.blackpooltransport.com
Scroll down the page for the different fare and ticket options
Prices and download links for mobile tickets with Blackpool Transport
Travel made easy. Buy your ticket before you even reach the stop and simply show your ticket on your phone to the driver or conductor.
Scroll down the page for the different fare and ticket options
trainmananthon
Member
We do have the option on our ticket machines to sell heritage tickets which are £18 adult and £9 child. I *think* these are effectively day tickets that can be used on the heritage tours plus the normal bus and tram network but I'm not too sure precisely on their validity, so will double check when I'm next at work.
Skymonster
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Just a quick shout out for the twice-weekly Rigby Road (Tramtown) depot tours being run by Heritage Trams. I had a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating visit a week ago, adeptly and informatively guided by “Bolton Bob” and Carol, and I recommend anyone in the area to book - its not expensive, and the income contributes to the urgently needed roof repairs. Visits pass through all areas including the paint, electrical and restoration shops as well as the main depot shed. I believe there are more than 50 trams on site, some of which haven’t run for many years but are totally unique, meaning the tour is the best oportunity to see them at present. In the future, it’s hoped the site will become a working museum supporting both the operation and restoration of the collection, but as always this is subject to funding.
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Just back from a few days in Blackpool and pleased to report that the service was adequate. There were even a couple of "mystery" specials running during the day to Bispham or Little Bispham, although they weren't to be relied upon, and were always appearing at the wrong time! The only heritage vehicle I saw was 700, although how a 1930s tram operating with 60s/70s bus seats downstairs can be called heritage escapes me. I won't pay the exhorbitant price anyway, having purchased a 7 day ticket for 4 days travel, I think there should at least be a discount. Of course I might pay if there was ever to be an operable Coronation!
It's hard not to agree that the decision to ruin 700 by including it in the 'Fat Door' conversion was a very poor one indeed, but at least it isn't still in the purple livery in which it looked absolutely awful!
I think you have to consider that the heritage tour tickets are supporting a truly wonderful operation, one that we are truly fortunate exists at all, and are not just there as a money making venture. I'm long overdue a visit and will very much be wanting to partake when I finally do!
LOL The Irony
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I would think any future tram order would probably eradicate the converted Balloons.
I was under the impression that they rarely if ever see any frontline use in ther intended role supporting the main fleet?
DanNCL
Established Member
It is indeed a railcoach. It’s being restored to streamlined condition as railcoach 279, from its previous flat fronted condition as Twin Motor car 679.
It’s exceptionally rare but has happened on a very limited number of occasions. It’s almost always unannounced when it does happen.
Thank you so much. I wondered which it was. Rebuilding an OMO would have been too big a job I always assumed, with the chassis, I'd completely forgotten the twin-Car motors. The railcoaches were a really beautiful tram, so much nicer than the Brush cars. on which subject, is the old permanent way car still scheduled for restoration?
I would have thought the only time to see frontline use for the converted ballonns might be illumination weekends?
philthetube
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There was one ran for a couple of weeks early last summer to assist the service, I suspect, however, that the main reason for this was to make use of the volunteer crew, only downstairs was used.
Is there an instruction that two conductors are required for a double decker?
bluegoblin7
Established Member
It was always the case prior to the upgrade, (essentially) one doing the doors and the other doing fares. Where only one conductor was available the top deck would be closed.
In theory there is no reason why the modernised Balloons have to run in this manner (there are cameras for the doors) but I wouldn’t be surprised if the old methods of working (still largely used by the heritage operation) were retained - particularly if volunteer crews were working the car(s).
Just to confirm, does a 'fat door' converted car in normal service (as opposed to on heritage manouevres) operate with the driver having full control of the doors? Or was their never sufficient use of them in service to actually establish a clear method of working?
trainmananthon
Member
Yes, one for the bottom deck and doors and one for the top deck. If there's only 1 conductor available then the top deck is closed. There are a number of staff at Starr Gate who are still licensed to operate the heritage (including me soon!) and just need a refresher on them to be able to work them, but we're all needed to keep the Flexity services moving. When the B fleet comes out, it's crewed by heritage volunteers.
trainmananthon
Member
Starting Monday 27th June, trams are being tested up Talbot Road to the new North terminus for up to a week between 1000 and 1500. They'll be running every 10 minutes, not in service obviously, and aren't expected to interfere with normal operations.
That is so good! Hoping for lots of videos on YT.
LOL The Irony
On Moderation
Does this mean it's on track for a school holidays opening?
Cliveblackpool
Member
Glad they are finishing by 3pm, before traffic builds up on the promenade.
trainmananthon
Member
Extremely unlikely as we are waiting for the hotel to be completed and building site gone before we can open North terminus to passengers.
Ahh yes, tram 010. I have not a good history with that thing...
LOL The Irony
On Moderation
Start of Illuminations then?
If you're after a tram, Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust are selling Coronation St star 710
Former Blackpool tram that starred in Coronation Street is looking for a new home
Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust is disposing of its trams, but is experiencing problems finding a home for car 710.
www.railadvent.co.uk
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Just thinking that if 4 trams are being run tomorrow, 2 to Bispham & 2 to Pleasure Beach, that it may be indicating that those will be the routes, rather than a Starr Gate-Fleetwood via North Station scenario? I could never see the sense in that to begin with.
I wonder has anyone from the Trust contacted ITV or whoever is responsible for the 'Coronation Street Tour' attraction with regards to whether they would have any interest in housing 710 as a part of the attraction (it being the infamous 'Alan Bradley tram', of course!) - got to be worth a shot? It only needs a paintjob and it'd be an interesting inclusion! Could be a valuable PR opportunity for ITV.Start of Illuminations then?
If you're after a tram, Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust are selling Coronation St star 710
Former Blackpool tram that starred in Coronation Street is looking for a new home
Fleetwood Heritage Leisure Trust is disposing of its trams, but is experiencing problems finding a home for car 710.
If that is going to be the routes then it seems a bit tough that those that live in Fleetwood and Cleveleys have to change at Bispham to make use of the extension. Maybe a Fleetwood to Pleasure Beach via North Station and Starr Gate to Little Bispham via North Station taking up the bulk of the workings and supplemented by a Fleetwood to Starr Gate missing out the new extension. There's bound to be a good reason why.
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