Picked up via Facebook that the operator of the Blackpool Tramway has taken the decision to no longer operate the Heritage fleet of traditional trams on tours or specials alongside the modern Flexity trams. Reading between the lines, seems this is Health and Safety related as the modern fleet is being equipped with collision detection equipment (presumably to mitigate accidental "one unders") and overspeed detection. A sad day as to me the Heritage fleet is the Blackpool Tramway and this will be a major blow to the tourist appeal of the system. My memories of the system are very much how it was in the late 1960's, then the 70's and early 80's - when the trolley pole was king. Maybe at some point, DTG or one of the associates will honour the traditional system in TSW or maybe CTS.
Last time I went to Blackpool (over 30 years ago), all the trams were what we now called Heritage. It’s a shame but times move on and the new trams are probably needed in order to keep the service alive. If ever you’re in Derbyshire or East Devon, the Crich Tramway and Seaton Tramway have plenty of heritage trams and are well worth a visit.
I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did. Never got to ride on them myself, but they do look cool!
They were "proper" trams rather than the LRV Flexity "trains" which will now monopolise the service. Presumably this also means an end to running the special trams during the Illuminations.
This is sad news. I’ve only ever been to Blackpool once, but the only reason I wanted to go was the Trams. Went to the pleasure beach with my friends, quickly got bored and spent the afternoon/evening riding the trams. This was some years ago now and I doubt I’ll be going back anytime soon, so I doubt I’ll get to ride them again.
Makes no sense to me, How do Beamish get on for example . I never felt unsafe or liable to throw myself off the open topped ones. Some of the trams they run are much older. Like many of you, I've not rode the trams at Blackpool since the 80's.The place lost it's family friendly charm after that. Another nanny knows best council attitude. And yet again, another piece of heritage put beyond active use. Sad to read it Vern.
Yes that’s what they put on Facebook. While possibly leaving a slight glimmer of hope they are pretty much slamming the door. As noted above, places like Crich or Beamish operate trams in an environment with pedestrians including children walking around, so no less a chance of an incident occurring there than on the Promenade at Blackpool. And, not being morbid, a Flexity (which has no lifeguard mechanism) is just as likely to kill someone as a Heritage tram or someone accidentally stepping out in front of a bus. Well I have the open top “cab ride” from Videoscene shot from Princess Alice a few years back which will remain firmly in my collection. Presumably Alice will also no longer be permitted to traverse the system.
