Blackpool Heritage Tram Operations Suspended

[bluegoblin7]

It's common knowledge that the heritage operation hasn't been making money since it started.

It's common knowledge that the heritage operation was using up life in cars overhauled prior to the tramway upgrade in 2021.

It's common knowledge that Rigby Road tram depot has been chronically underfunded and in need of serious work for years - indeed there were originally plans for a new heritage/B fleet/Illuminated cars depot at Starr Gate.

It's common knowledge that a skeleton engineering staff left over from the 'old era' were being retained, largely until they were expected to retire.

It's also common knowledge that the heritage operation was never planned or intended to reach the scale it did.

I don't think there's anything sinister at foot: there is (rightfully) a tightening of belts and a review of operations. It has been clear that the operation was going to need significant amounts of money putting into it for some years - across many different fronts - and this simply hasn't happened. Whilst Blackpool Transport/the heritage operation haven't covered themselves in glory with their excuses (and I do think it's safe to say that some of it is excuses) the regulatory environment has changed significantly over the last decade, coupled with the economics of running such an operation. Having an effectively 'free' source of tramcars makes a huge difference versus suddenly having to pay significant amounts for basic maintenance, and having no staff to do so. None of us who were around at 'the end' of traditional trams, or indeed are still involved in the sector, were expecting things to last this long, nor are surprised that they've now come to an abrupt halt.

It won't be the end of the heritage operation (there is absolutely still plenty of demand for seasonal specials, plus there were certain conditions attached to the Western Train's HLF grant) but it will almost certainly be far leaner and targeted than it has been. That, ultimately, is a good thing - again, the operation as it has been for the last few years, particularly immediately prior to Covid, was never sustainable.

Blackpool is not comparable to San Francisco, and never has been, before anyone posits that. At best it is a fair comparison with some of the European cities, who have heritage tram operations on a far more restrained basis.

 

[DarloRich]

the heritage operation was always above and beyond what was expected in November 2011

I have noticed a couple of comments on this score. For the benefit of an outsider:

• what was the expectation in November 2011?
• Is that something that would be easier to resurrect than the 2024 service?

 

[tram21]

Surprised this hasn't been covered yet.

Good news- it's been announced the heritage trams will be returning for the Illuminations!

https://www.visitblackpool.com/latest-news/heritage-trams-to-return-for-lightpool-festival/

Heritage trams to return for Lightpool Festival
14 May 2025by Visit Blackpool
Blackpool Council can today confirm that heritage trams will return to the Promenade this autumn.

Last December, the heritage tram tours were temporarily suspended. Operating the heritage trams alongside the modern fleet had become increasingly challenging, with issues such as depot space, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts making it difficult to continue running the service effectively.

Since then Blackpool Council has been working with Blackpool Transport Services to find a solution that would enable the heritage trams to run out of the Starr Gate depot.

A programme of works has now been agreed which will see the necessary modifications made to enable heritage trams to run from the same depot as the modern fleet.

The works are scheduled to be undertaken in time for the trams to run during the Lightpool Festival at October half-term. The award-winning festival takes place from October 15 - November 1, and features a mix of light installations, live performance and 3D projection shows, complemented by the Illuminations.

During the festival visitors and residents will be able to book tours on two illuminated trams, the Western Train and the Frigate, as well as the Balloon tram.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “I am delighted that we have found a solution has been found that will enable these much-loved trams to be back where they belong on the promenade later this year.

“From the outset we said that this would only be a temporary pause in the service and we would work to ensure they returned at the earliest opportunity. They are important part of the heritage of the town and the Council was always committed to securing their future.

“Lightpool is a hugely popular festival and the perfect time for visitors and residents to enjoy a tour on an illuminated heritage tram.

“I know many people have been concerned about the future of the trams and I hope this reassures them that their future is safe.”

Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport Services, said: “It was a difficult decision to pause our heritage tram tours but a necessary step to take stock of the operational challenges we were facing. Since December we have been working hard to find a solution and we always aimed to have the trams running again this year.

“I am confident the plan we agreed is achievable and I look forward to welcoming customers back on-board in October.”

Following the Lightpool Festival, heritage tram tours will continue to run during the Illuminations season.

 

[Tramfan]

That's good news, assuming it happens, but even so it still means there'd be no illumination tours for the first 6 weeks or so of the illuminations.

 

[mjc]

So pleased they’ll be back, I’ve been trying to get a Blackpool trip, including heritage tram ride, for our family for a few years. Or year just too busy with other things and last year the weekends we could do had sold out so we didn’t make it.

 

[Tramfan]

Or year just too busy with other things and last year the weekends we could do had sold out so we didn’t make it.

That's where l I think the turn up and go timetabled service at weekends is much better. I get that by having them be bookable it provides them a better guarantee of their income, and can tailor resources accordingly, but it must put people off, and you lose the custom from people seeing a heritage tram rumbling along the prom, and decide spontaneously to go have a ride

 

[Krokodil]

Having visited Stockholm last month it was an education in how heritage trams run for the benefit of tourists can be integrated into a modern public transport operation.

 

[mjc]

That's where l I think the turn up and go timetabled service at weekends is much better. I get that by having them be bookable it provides them a better guarantee of their income, and can tailor resources accordingly, but it must put people off, and you lose the custom from people seeing a heritage tram rumbling along the prom, and decide spontaneously to go have a ride

I think there’s room for both, I don’t think I’d like the queue and cram in approach, and my wife certainly would take some persuading to do that whereas if it’s booked she’d go for it. I guess the other downside of running the heritage trams on a turn up and go basis is whether some passengers would shun the new teams and wait for the heritage ones causing capacity issues. Of course if the heritage trams could just be fun year round as part of a regular timetable then it would take the pressure off.

 

[Jonathan Lynch]

https://www.blackpooltransport.com/phased-plan-set-see-return-blackpools-historic-trams Bit of a plan in place now at least to re introduce heritage trams

Blackpool’s iconic heritage trams are on track for a return to service on the seafront this autumn as the operator Blackpool Transport undertakes work to get the trams and track ready.

An important step will see an independent expert assessing the operational worthiness of the vehicles, with a view to having them running for October half term.

Martin Gurr, Heritage Operations Manager at Blackpool Trams, explained: “Inspections are set to start in the next few weeks and the resulting technical reports will give us a clear idea of how many trams we can bring back into service.

“We will then carry out the additional work, including fitting them with the latest speed restriction technology and a programme of intensive driver and conductor training.

“In terms of infrastructure, we also need to inspect and clean tracks outside the Rigby Road depot before the trams can be moved to our Starr Gate depot, where they will be stored and maintained alongside the second-generation fleet.”

“Everyone at Blackpool Transport is committed to bringing back our iconic trams to the seafront, and we’ll be working tirelessly to achieve this in time for the Lightpool Festival in October,” Martin said.

“As each phase of our reintroduction plan is completed, we’ll provide further updates on our work to preserve the town’s rich tramway heritage,” he added.

 

[Leight]

So do double-decker Balloons still run regularly? I have no idea if the modernized cars count as "heritage trams"

 

[Tramfan]

So do double-decker Balloons still run regularly? I have no idea if the modernized cars count as "heritage trams"

They haven't been, as the heritage trams are anything that's not a Flexity. The modernised Balloons were originally talked about providing an intermediate Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys using the platforms, but this never materialised.

 

[Towers]

So do double-decker Balloons still run regularly? I have no idea if the modernized cars count as "heritage trams"

Sadly despite the obvious potential, Blackpool Transport have never been minded or able to run the system to its full potential, and therefore the modified Balloons have never really found use.

As I commented somewhere above, there is an obvious role for a couple of them as open toppers, able to use the regular service platforms and operate some sort of summer service and bring a truly unique and doubtless popular element to the promenade, alas I suspect it’s unlikely that the will exists to join these sort of dots and make use of the non-core elements of the system. A shame.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jul 2025 ==

https://www.blackpooltransport.com/phased-plan-set-see-return-blackpools-historic-trams Bit of a plan in place now at least

Odd that they’re stating the speed limiters etc need fitting, I thought the ORR clearly said those simply weren’t needed for heritage operations.

 

[Leight]

They haven't been, as the heritage trams are anything that's not a Flexity. The modernised Balloons were originally talked about providing an intermediate Pleasure Beach to Cleveleys using the platforms, but this never materialised.

Sadly despite the obvious potential, Blackpool Transport have never been minded or able to run the system to its full potential, and therefore the modified Balloons have never really found use.

As I commented somewhere above, there is an obvious role for a couple of them as open toppers, able to use the regular service platforms and operate some sort of summer service and bring a truly unique and doubtless popular element to the promenade, alas I suspect it’s unlikely that the will exists to join these sort of dots and make use of the non-core elements of the system. A shame.

Oh, that's a real shame. Here's hoping they don't go the way of the Wirral trams.

 

[Krokodil]

I thought the ORR clearly said those simply weren’t needed for heritage operations.

How is "heritage operation" defined? There is a difference between a heritage railway, and a heritage train running on the main line. Similar issues for trams.

 

[Towers]

How is "heritage operation" defined? There is a difference between a heritage railway, and a heritage train running on the main line. Similar issues for trams.

The statement was to the effect that heritage cars could be driven “by line of sight” - i.e. without the automated safety systems due on the main fleet.

 

[AY1975]

I've just looked into booking on a Rigby Road depot tour, and it would appear that there's only one tour per day on Saturdays starting at 10am. It says the tour lasts one hour but gives the start and finish time as 10.00 to 14.00. For anyone coming from anywhere much more than an hour's journey from Blackpool, that means an early start or an overnight stay the night before.

I understand also that they only show you around the workshops these days, not the main part of the depot like they used to.

 

[Jonathan Lynch]

I've just looked into booking on a Rigby Road depot tour, and it would appear that there's only one tour per day on Saturdays starting at 10am. It says the tour lasts one hour but gives the start and finish time as 10.00 to 14.00. For anyone coming from anywhere much more than an hour's journey from Blackpool, that means an early start or an overnight stay the night before.

I understand also that they only show you around the workshops these days, not the main part of the depot like they used to.

Its just a turn up and walk round yourself now. There are guides inside who will tell you about the trams. we were there in May. access is very much reduced but worth a visit.

 

[AY1975]

Its just a turn up and walk round yourself now. There are guides inside who will tell you about the trams. we were there in May. access is very much reduced but worth a visit.

Does that mean you can turn up any time between 10.00 and 14.00? Is it still worth booking a ticket via the Blackpool Transport website or is it best to just turn up and pay on the day?

 

[Jonathan Lynch]

can definetly turn up on the day. paul galleys youtube channel gives an idea of what to expect https://m.youtube.com/@paulgalleyblackpool

 

[Peter749]

can definetly turn up on the day. paul galleys youtube channel gives an idea of what to expect https://m.youtube.com/@paulgalleyblackpool

Can you suggest a video to watch?

Tried one and it was him stood in a Boat talking about things happening but not much of the place.
Another had him talking to the camera but difficult to see what was behind him.

 

[Jonathan Lynch]

this ones from the offical channel

 

[Peter749]

this ones from the offical channel

Thank you - that is quite helpful

 

[Trackman]

Blackpool council are at it again.
I've seen the video from the councillor, he says there is nothing wrong with the building.
Let's say they did close Tramtown (Rigby road) where else could they go and what about maintenance?

Tramtown -home of heritage trams - is at risk and we must save it, says councillor

The future of Blackpool’s Tramtown attraction - home to the town’s world-famous heritage trams - is at serious risk, says a leading councillor.

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

The future of Blackpool’s Tramtown attraction - home to the town’s world-famous heritage trams - is at serious risk, says a leading councillor.
Cllr Paul Galley says Blackpool Council is seeking to demolish the engineering works at Tramtown, including the fitting shop, paint shop and body shop, which he says are at the heart of the visitor attraction.
Tramtown, based at the historic Rigby Road Tram Depot, offers a behind-the-scenes look at Blackpool's famous heritage trams, their engineering, restoration, and the history of the tramway, with opportunities to see vintage trams and learn about their maintenance in the workshops.


Tramtown, home to Blackpool's heritage trams, is at risk, says a leading councillor and volunteer | Third party

Cllr Galley, who is leader of Blackpool Council’s Conservative opposition group and is also Tramtown’s volunteer coordinator, says the engineering building is so essential to the restoration and public exhibition of the trams that the proposed demolition would effectively kill off Tramtown.


And the councillor, who said he had been given confirmation of the demolition by the Council’s Head of Estates and also Blackpool Transport, said Tramtown volunteers had been kept in the dark about the council proposals.

But Blackpool’s Labour leadership hit back, stating that the heritage trams and the separate building where they are housed are not at any risk.
They say the 90 year old engineering workshed will cost “millions” to restore and if it is demolished, the council would move the display items into the tram shed, which the council is looking to improve with potential funding bids.

We must save Tramtown​

Cllr Galley said: “This is a devastating and shocking moment for Blackpool’s heritage.

“Tramtown Blackpool now faces effective closure, with the Council stating there is no longer any ability or intention to maintain the buildings, restore heritage trams, or carry out engineering work. No engineers.
“No engineering. No future. Heritage trams are not obsolete — they are irreplaceable. Yet the paint shop, body shop and fitting shop, the very heart of Tramtown and home to one of Blackpool’s most distinctive visitor attractions, are set to be demolished.
“This is nothing else but cultural vandalism.”

Cllr Paul Galley at the Tramtown attraction | Iconic Media
Cllr Galley says that under the Council’s current plans, the heritage trams themselves would remain stored in a deteriorating tram shed which, for now, is expected to remain.

He added: “There would be no restoration, no tours, no public access and no interpretation — just the slow decline of irreplaceable historic vehicles until they are lost forever.”
He says he and other supporters of Tramtown are now calling for the attraction to be protected as an Asset of Community Value, safeguarded in perpetuity for future generations, and he is calling for the public, the heritage sector, the media and local and national representatives to protect it.

No threat to trams, says Leader​

But Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Nobody has made a decision on this yet so it’s premature to talk about what could happen here. I’m a big supporter of Tramtown and understand how our heritage trams are a huge part of Blackpool’s tourism appeal and cultural heritage.
“We are always looking at ways to protect that heritage across Blackpool and keep it safe so people can enjoy it for decades to come.

“These buildings are, however, in need of serious work and would need millions of pounds to repair. They are over 90 years old and every storm creates more damage, disruption and cost.
“I don’t think anyone would want us to start spending very significant sums of money on a building that could become a money pit for continual repairs. I should add that none of this discussion is about the heritage trams or the building they are housed in.
“We do have a plan forTramtown and protecting the heritage items by keeping them secure, safe and dry with the heritage trams in the main shed, while we continue to support funding bids for a new Tramtown visitor experience.
“We shared all this background and plan with Tramtown representatives and staff before Christmas but Paul Galley didn’t attend the meeting.”

 

[Tramfan]

I thought that the main shed building was now fenced off and has a leaking roof? I'd assumed that was part of the reason for the shut down of the heritage operations at the end of 2024.

 

[uww11x]

Blackpool council are at it again.
I've seen the video from the councillor, he says there is nothing wrong with the building.
Let's say they did close Tramtown (Rigby road) where else could they go and what about maintenance?

Tramtown -home of heritage trams - is at risk and we must save it, says councillor

The future of Blackpool’s Tramtown attraction - home to the town’s world-famous heritage trams - is at serious risk, says a leading councillor.

www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Limited maintenance can be done at Starr Gate. Apart from that, the tram would have to be sent by road to a workshop somewhere.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==

I thought that the main shed building was now fenced off and has a leaking roof? I'd assumed that was part of the reason for the shut down of the heritage operations at the end of 2024.

You're correct, the full amount was never raised in the end.

 

[Towers]

I’ve never been one to come out in defence of Blackpool Council over the heritage operations, quite the opposite in fact. But, pragmatically, I do think we need to be realistic as to what the future looks like. The past decade or so since the rebuild has been a real treat for tram fans, but it’s no surprise in the current climate to learn that it can’t last forever. BT frequently attract criticism for their level of operational accumen, but it’s worth considering that a more ‘corporate’ outfit may well have clamped down on things to a far greater degree a lot earlier.

I very much suspect that the future of heritage ops will look like a couple of select cars based at Starr Gate; 717 and the illuminated frigate seem pretty safe bets, perhaps joined by Boat 600. That pretty much covers most of the potential charter market as well as the heritage tour roster. Bolton 66 very much deserves to remain in service too, but I suspect the final number will be very slim indeed. My personal hope is that Rigby Road remains connected to the network, and that whatever safety kit BT have decided the heritage cars need is suitably ‘light’ that it can be easily deployed on visiting cars - rather like the portable GSMR units used by some heritage locos on the mainline. I sincerely hope that it isn’t more akin to TPWS; massively complex and enormously costly to fit - which will enable the sizeable fleet of privately preserved Blackpool cars to still visit from time to time, something which will allow Blackpool’s heritage legacy to live on. I very much suspect that the contents of Rigby Road will be of the ‘stuffed and mounted’ variety, regretfully.

As ever, we shall see.

 

[Skymonster]

Paul Galley very much has the look of a man who has had the rug pulled from under his feet, and I can understand his frustration, even anger. The Heritage volunteers have invested a lot of time getting the workshop visitable, after they had previously made similar efforts to get the main tram shed more presentable only to find their efforts frustrated by the state of the roof. I seem to recall though that the grandiose plans for the redevelopment of the tram shed into a major museum included moving the workshop into the right hand side of shed, because the workshop space was needed by BTS. If Paul and the team had been given guarantees before they started improving the workshop, then shame on the Council for taking those away - but if tarting up the workshop was based more around wishful thinking and hope…

Anyway, I suspect it almost inevitable is that if the workshop goes, then sooner or later so too do Heritage tram operations. Starr Gate doesn’t have the space, the skills or the equipment to undertake major restorations. Yes there’s enough room for a few heritage vehicles which can be maintained there, but when those trams wear out or develop major faults, where are the next set of vehicles going to come from? Trams do eventually expire, even if not used intensively and there needs to be a pipeline, albeit a slow moving one, of restorations to sustain heritage operations long term. The relatively recent Heritage “Enhanced Weekend”s (with maybe seven or eight vehicles out) are a thing of the past and the best tram fans can hope for under current circumstances is a very limited operation, and even that without a long term future.

The ideal - for heritage volunteers and tram fans - might be to sort out the main tram shed and develop Tram Town into the vision that was put forward a couple of years ago. Will that ever happen? Sadly I doubt it because the money isn’t there. It has been suggested that fewer people will visit a Blackpool without the heritage trams, but how many less? Lets be honest, tram fans are merely a drop in the Irish Sea compared to the total number of visitors to the resort. And while I have no doubt the general public like the heritage trams, and some may even pay for a ride on one, how compelling are they really when it comes to making a decision to visit the town? I suspect most normals, even if they are aware of Heritage, would just shrug and make the same decision to visit Blackpool anyway. So I think Heritage needs to cut its cloth according to the current state of the resort, its visitors and the funds that are realistically accessible. That means just two or three heritage trams running on select weekends and during the illuminations. Even that may well not be sustainable long term without the workshop facilities to properly support an operational fleet.

As to the main tram shed… Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Lottery provided money or some other benevolent funding was to be found (I doubt it’ll come from the council). But I think that’s where the focus needs to be if the workshop closes, because sooner or later that will be the only basis on which it will be feasible to maintain some semblance of historic tram operations in the town. However, there’s also a lot of “junk” in the main tram shed - vehicles robbed for spares, some too far gone to restore, and a lot of duplication (how many Balloons does a tram museum really need?). I think thinning out at Rigby Road is required and that might even raise a bit of money - perhaps Crich, Beamish or Carlton Colville might take some of them, because they are likely to be the places were ‘intensive’ historic tram operations are going to be realistically possible in the future.

The reopening of the workshop always seemed like a bit of a bodge-it job to me - a surrogate or a stop-gap for the big project tram fans want. I hope Paul’s campaign turns the Council around, but what I’d also like to see is more of a focus on what’s really needed to secure long-term sustainability of heritage trams in Blackpool - and I don’t believe that’s just the workshop.

 

[Towers]

Perhaps the obvious solution here might be for the heritage tram sector who maintain their own fleets to take on the required overhaul work on Blackpool’s heritage fleet; there could be an arrangement whereby those cars not required in Blackpool are loaned to the museum for their own operations, and the Blackpool operational fleet exchanged periodocially to allow for timely withdrawal for heavy maintenance work off site etc at a sensible rate and without undue urgency, etc.

There is, as there always will be, a need to think outside of the box here if heritage ops are to have a future. Local authorities have no spare funds and that isn’t going to change, and paying tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds to have ‘professional’ outfits carry out heavy overhaul work on heritage trams just is not feasible. There are, however, plenty of viable routes to explore - the healthy mueseum & heritage sector and the number of Blackpool cars in keen private ownership presents a huge opportunity here. Just as TOCs would baulk at the cost of maintaining heritage fleets on the mainline but private ownership keeps it a reality, there should no reason this approach cannot work in Blackpool. What is absolutely key here is realising, and valuing, that Blackpool has a unique heritage and is not just another modern tram system. Solutions in some form are very likely to exist, and they should be explored. The danger is that it is easier simply not to bother looking into them; that would inexcusable.

 

[Krokodil]

and that whatever safety kit BT have decided the heritage cars need is suitably ‘light’ that it can be easily deployed on visiting cars - rather like the portable GSMR units used by some heritage locos on the mainline. I sincerely hope that it isn’t more akin to TPWS; massively complex and enormously complex to fit

I thought that it was just a Driver Safety Device (DSD) needed. Not too difficult to rewire and add one in. Or write a mitigation that says that a tram can be operated without a DSD is a Secondman is provided.

 

[Towers]

I thought that it was just a Driver Safety Device (DSD) needed. Not too difficult to rewire and add one in. Or write a mitigation that says that a tram can be operated without a DSD is a Secondman is provided.

The ORR / RSSB or whoever it was did release a statement, I thought, during the initial heritage shutdown to the effect that the heritage cars could be safely driven by line of sight?