Blackpool’s trams given £100m makeover
by David Masters
June 11, 2009
Blackpool’s seafront tram system is to be given a £100 million makeover.
Funding has been secured to bring the 120-year old line up to modern standards, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.
Sixteen new trams, replacement track, and extra stops will speed up journey times and make the tramway accessible to more people.
Transport minister Sadiq Khan unveiled the refurbishment plans this week – one of his first tasks since he was promoted to the cabinet.
“Investing in the tramway system is the right thing to do,” Khan said.
“These new trams will bring comfort, efficiency and modernisation to Blackpool and help the town make big strides forward.
“Blackpool has a very bright future and the Government will back the town all it can while it goes through its many regeneration projects.
“There are joyous times ahead for Blackpool and I am pleased to be the person who helps kick start the tramway investment.”
Blackpool’s tramway, owned by Blackpool Council, has been operating since 1885.
Peter Callow, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “This is a great day for Blackpool.
“Blackpool has a fantastic tram heritage and this funding will ensure that our tram network has a great future too.”
The new trams, track, and stops will be in operation by Easter 2012.
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Replacing the traditional old iconic trams with new characterless boxes on wheels is madness. I’ve riden on some of these new trams in Nottingham and the continent and the traditional blackpool trams are much more comfortable. The old trams are a TOURIST ATTRACTION in their own right-I’ve not heard of many people even ardent tram enthusiasts making a special trip to see Sheffields or Nottinghams trams (or any uk town with modern trams {or light rail vehicles}). Why kill the goose which lays the golden egg by getting rid of the town’s main asset:- the traditional trams? This seems lunacy. I’m sure few people would continue to visit the North Yorks Railway, Severn Valley Railway etc etc if they announced proudly they were updating their trains to the most modern featureless boxes as found on the rest of the network. The reason why Blackpool’s trams are so popular is precisely because they are OLD, TRADITIONAL, AND UNIQUE.I certainly wont be visiting Blackpool once the trams have gone: I’ll probably visit Manchester or Sheffield they still have older, more interseting trams -theirs are nearly 20 years old!!
Surely some one can see sense and stop this madness before Blackpool goes and shoots itself well and truly in the foot. You don’t know what you’ve got until its gone.
PS Sorry for the mixed metaphors!
Comment by Howard Spencer — November 2, 2009 @ 7:18 pm