An autumn break in Blackpool introduced me to the new trams running there. These are Bombardier Flexity 2 light rail vehicles built as part of the 100 million pound upgrade of the 128 year old tramway system that runs as far north as Fleetwood Ferry.
Apart from the trams themselves, there has been massive improvements made to the promenade, track overhead supply and a new purpose built depot at Starr Gate at the Southern end of the line.
The Flexity 2 trams have been built by Bombardier in Germany and Austria and operate alongside members of the ‘heritage’ fleet.
Normal daytime services are provided by the new trams with the heritage fleet coming out on special occasions and at night during the illuminations.
My own ‘take’ on the new trams is that they are comfortable, fast, powerful, low floored and seem well able to do the job. I understand that blown sand on the track along with salt spray can be a problem but the crews I spoke to were well satisfied with their new mounts.
Having been in service since Easter 2012 they seem to have been well accepted by everyone.
The drivers control desk.
The view the driver gets of the road ahead.
The overhead power supply wire showing how it is spread to even out the wear on the pantograph head.
The termini at Starr Gate and Fleetwood Ferry are 11 miles (18km) apart and it is interesting to note that both termini serve the same purpose for Blackpool’s buses.
No. 11 about to leave Bispham heading North.
No.5
No.15
No. 15 again
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