Interesting. Were the Cleveleys turn backs actually running? On Traveline only the 10 minute through trams are shown (and at different times to that which BT's website say). Certainly for buses Traveline use the legal documents submitted by the bus companies specifying the timetable they will operate, so I assume it is the same for the Trams. I wonder if the short Cleveleys, once the 10 min frequency has kicked in at 1100, are just on demand. To be honest they seem a bit like overkill anyway outside weekends/the illuminations.
Hoping to go over tomorrow so I'll have a good look myself.
There is nothing on the timetable to suggest that they only run to meet demand. My only thought is that the timetable was delayed by a day as there was a rumour flying around on Sunday 1st that they were putting it back a day due to 'over running Driver Training'. Bit of a poor excuse but I think it's down to tram numbers and availbility. They are going to need every tram they can get if they are going to run this 10 minute service. They try to use every available Flexity but they do have the refurbished deckers if needs must.
In my opinion, I think Blackpool Transport are reluctant to use them. There has only been 4 recorded outings for the widened balloons and two of them broke down en route! 724 only made it to Ash Street before failing and running in, 713 made it to Fleetwood Ferry successfully, 713 has also had 2 round trips to Cabin and the same tram could have made it to the Ferry again but was turned back at Ash Street and ran in service back to Starr Gate and then into depot. Reason, not known. Delayed service, maybe?
In terms of the deckers being used on a regular basis, we'll see on that one!