It's not the bean counters that are to blame on this, the regulations have changed, the vehicles must be fully accessible. Are there level access boarding points being introduced? This is so that wheelchair users can enjoy a ride too as well as us able-bodied bods. The old trams were just not designed for this and probably not able to be adapted.
I doubt that there are many commuters in Blackpool, but coming into Blackpool from the places between Fleetwood and Blackpool could be a whole other "kettle of Fish"!:eek:

Regards, 62440.

Indeed, some units have been granted an exception under maximum annual running days (I think its 5 weeks a year but dont quote me on that) to preserve them but all other units need to be wheelchair accessible along with other disability reqs like a different colour around the doors to raise visibility, minimum door widths, minimum seat spacings, wheelchair/pram spaces, grab poles and seat holds have to be in a certain location and size and painted yellow.


Heres a copy of the regs, theyve just legislated to create seperate versions for light rail and heavy rail vehicles with the split occuring 6 April (previously heavy rail regs applied to light rail with a long list of exceptions and exemptions), however since they were based on heavy rail regs theres at the moment no difference between them (for example regs on catering cars and toilets while no UK light rail vehicle has either or is likely to ever have either). Having seperated them however allows them to change in future allowing each to evolve to its own needs.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2010/pdf...0100432_en.pdf

A handful of heritage units are being converted to the new safety regs for general use (touristy routes) and another handful could be used on special occasions with the new fleet forming the bulk of services.

Having lived in Blackpool and Fleetwood in the past, I can confirm that there are quite a few commuters, especially in the mornings with staff coming into Blackpool to serve the tourists their breakfast and clean the hotel rooms. They also go home later in the day.
I don't understand the people knocking the Manchester Metro system, it seems to work well and serves it's catchment areas very well with frequent services (every 12 minutes). If I remember correctly, the Bury and Altrincham train services were half hourly, no contest!
If the Blackpool tramway was brought into the 21st century, it would be a great improvement. As previous contributors have pointed out, safety requirements have changed. Remember that the Balloon trams built in 1935 were built on wooden frames, 75 years later they are having ageing problems and the craftsmen to maintain them are in very short supply.

Blackpool would do us all a favour if they could have all the preserved cars at Crich running the seafront in summer. Crich is OK but out-of-the way and to have a ride on a "Coronation" or "Feltham" in a proper toen setting would be lovely. It would be the best tramway museum around and would earn Blackpool more cash too. This health and safety mob are killjoys.

What has Health and Safety got to do with making things accessible for disabled people? The old trams were just inaccessible to any one in a wheelchair or unable to climb up or down steps.

Regards, 62440.

In fact the old trams were not so inaccessble as you might think. London trams would carry a large pram or wheelchair on the front platform. It was not unkown for the occupants of said items to remain in situ and in the case of a wheelchairee have a natter with the driver while going along. Crews have been known to lift a non walking person on and off of the car at start and end of the journey. I think Glasgow crews would do the same if men.

the tram at the moment dont run the full way up to fleetwood because there are no track for the trams to run on,

and im not trying to bor the atmosphere im just saying what is going on and all the problems they have got.

and just answer me a few questions plz:
1)how are the trams ment to run to fleetwood ferry when there is no track there?
2)how are tram ment to run with no over heads between cleveleys and ash street?

The whole route to Fleetwood will reopen when the upgrade is complete.

There are plenty of commuters between blackpool and fleetwood that will benefit by the modern trams and stops.

The heritage trams will still run in the summer so everyone is happy;)

There have been proposals for extending the route up the talbot gateway to the North train station and / or using tram / train technology to link into the Network Rail infrastructure at the pleasure beach.

Alternativley there is a scheme to reopen the old fleetwood to poulton le fylde railway as a light rail link as well....

All things a possibility:eek:

now that sounds like a good idea :)

cant wait till it opens

Despite it's a shame that the 'classic' fleet won't be the same, at least they aren't just closing the line. There are still going to be open Boats, a few Balloons, a pair of Standards plus a few others to hang on to.

yeah but dont forget what people are experincing now is what people experienced 70 years ago when these ballon trams first came into service

During 2011, a number of Balloon and Millennium class trams were modernised so that they could operate after the £100m refurbishment of the whole tramway. New widened doorways have been fitted, with driver operated doors which fit to the new platforms which have been built at tram stops for the new Flexity 2 trams. This means they are also now have level access for disabled passengers. Fixed seats and a new passenger information display has also been fitted to match the new trams. Speedometers have also been retrofitted to the driving console

Thanks for the links. I like the old trams a lot but to be honest the future ones look nicer and greener. I hope I don't upset anybody, it is just my view. This is the 21st century and these trams would make journey times smaller and make it more comfy for passengers.

Remember, you are entitled to your views. I am a strong believer in expressing one's views, I certainly do not pussy-foot around worried I might offend somebody! I am not a bad person (if you meet me, you will see this) I just believe in 'saying it like it is' ;)

Anyway, back on topic! - I must admit I'm looking forward to riding on the Flexities. Although given the choice, I'd rather ride the old'uns!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-17607881

Didn't get the new service going too well.

What they failed to mention in the article was that before the first service run derailed the heating packed in (at 5am on a chilly April morning), the automated display and passenger announcements packed in, the bells to press to get off the tram stop working and the tram had to stop four times for debris to be removed from the track.

I have very fond memories of the Blackpool trams. My dad took me when I was 12 in 1983 to see the trams. Because I lived in Scotland they were a real novelty as I'd never travelled on one before. One of the things I loved about them at that time was the variety of different types. Its sad that they are being replaced my more modern types. It would be good if they could keep some of the older types to run services alongside the newer ones.

I could see these are your beautiful memories of old days. Bringing back old trams, and they will not only serve as means of transportation, but also tourist attractions.

Just the job these new units
 

Just back from Blackpool photographing the new trams, they are certainly the business quite, smooth and stylish. We will all have a soft spot for the old trams, but time moves on and in years to come people will look at these new units and say the are vintage.

I have to admit, that they are quite a smart vehicle, and as you say they will be tomorrows vintage stock. I do like new as well as old things. I said at the start of this thread, that i was seeing the end of an era. For myself, I did not like the splitting up of a working museum; one of the things people came to the town to see.
I am pleased that this thread generated such interest and comment.
mickey