A NEW £23million tramline is set to open in one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns this weekend, making it much easier for visitors to get straight to the beach.
The trams have returned to the site for the first time in more than 60 years, after they were replaced by buses in 1963.
4
4
More than 20 million people visit Blackpool each year and now those tourists will have quick and efficient access to the town’s famous seafront.
The new trams will travel directly from Blackpool North train station to the town’s promenade, with some parts of the existing network almost 140 years old.
It is the only original tramway in Britain to have stayed in continuous operation that long.
The new line includes a 600 metre track extension connecting the pre-existing line with a new tram stop by the station.
The reopening of the line after 60 years excited some residents so much that they entered a competition to be among the first passengers to take the historic trip up Talbot Road, where the line will run.
The inaugural journey happened on Wednesday, June 12, while Blackpool Transport has also been running a range of special tours ahead of its official opening on Sunday, June 16.
Once up and running, the trams will leave and arrive at the new North Station tram stop roughly every fifteen minutes between 5:45am and 11:45pm.
These routes will work alongside with the mainline tram operation which continues to run between Starr Gate and Fleetwood.
As well as being in an advantageous position for visitors arriving into the town, the new Blackpool North tram stop also sits alongside a Holiday Inn hotel and a Marco Pierre White restaurant, which opened in May,
A range of retail units surround the new tram stop as well, making it worth the return trip from the town’s promenade.
More than two million passengers per year use Blackpool North train station and the town’s bosses are hoping that the tram will be seen as a great way for those people to explore.
Jane Cole, managing director of Blackpool Transport Services, told the BBC: “Last year two million people arrived by train.
“If you know you can leave, say Manchester, on the train and be straight onto integrated transport that can take you anywhere in the resort, why wouldn’t you do that?”
Ms Cole also claims that it marks a “significant” step in the town’s future, with the project part of a wider £350m regeneration of the Talbot Gateway area around Blackpool North train station.
She continued: “Bringing back the iconic trams to Talbot Road after 60 years marks a significant milestone in Blackpool’s history and its journey towards a vibrant future.
“I am thrilled to witness this momentous occasion, which not only enhances our transportation network but also contributes to the economic and cultural revival of our beloved town and the 20 million visitors that we proudly serve.”
Alan Cavill, Director of Communications and Regeneration at Blackpool Council, added: “Opening this new tramway extension has many benefits for Blackpool.
“For our tourism businesses, it means that customers can reach their hotel, shop or attraction even easier, supporting the local economy.”
Meanwhile, Blackpool was named the UK’s cheapest budget staycation destination.
And this pub in Blackpool could be home to the country’s cheapest pint.
4