Blackpool’s new trams have been opened to the public after a £100million revamp. 16 brand new computerised trams have replaced some of the old heritage vehicles, although plenty of these continue to run for tourists to the resort. In addition to this, 6 miles of track has been replaced and a new tram depot has been built.
Since the new trams opened last week, passengers have said that they love the new look vehicles. However, the launch has not been without teething problems. The first tram to carry paying passengers was derailed by sand in Fleetwood soon after the launch. Also, some stop request buttons have not been working, meaning that people have had to ask the conductor to stop the tram when they want to get off.
Despite these initial problems, the new trams have been very busy, with tourists flocking to ride on them. Whilst some are unhappy that the trams resemble ‘the London Underground in Rush Hour’, the chaos is expected to die down as the novelty of the new trams wears off.
Blackpool remains the UK’s most popular holiday destination, with millions of tourists travelling to the seaside resort to enjoy Blackpool holidays by coach, train, car and even by plane into Blackpool Airport.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Blackpool has a long and proud history of tram use, indeed its tramway is among the oldest in the world. We want to ensure that the future of tram use in the town is even brighter and that is why I was happy to give £68m towards this fantastic project. Blackpool’s trams are absolutely on the right track.”
