Since the launch of the new Blackpool Tramway timetable following the opening of the Blackpool North Station extension there has been much debate (our comments section has never been so “popular”) about its effectiveness. Much of it has centred over complaint about the reduction in frequencies, especially for through services between the north of the tramway and south, and the uneven spacing of trams between North Pier and Starr Gate. In an effort to allay some of these complaints, Sunday 23rd June saw the relatively rare use of “B fleet” Balloon as a special using LRT platforms.
The chosen tram on this day was Balloon 718 – which has been the “heritage spare” stabled outside the main shed at Rigby Road Depot throughout the season and saw some heritage use over the Spring Bank Holiday. It was utilised running specials between Starr Gate and Tower/North Pier.
As originally conceived this is what the B fleet Balloons were meant to be used for. Running services calling at the light rail platforms to supplement the Flexity2 service. But as time has gone on this has not happened for various reasons and with a fleet of 18 Flexity2 trams now available (one of which is out of use long-term) it would be expected that the use of B fleet cars for that reason would dissipate (especially when the new timetable only requires use of 11 Flexity2s, although using more requires more crew of course).
Whether the use of 718 is a precursor to more regular use on specials remains to be seen. If it is used more often it also begs the question how the travelling public will cope with a more traditional tram which only has one set of doors calling at the platforms!
718 has just terminated at Tower and now pulls forward to use the crossover and then return south to Starr Gate.
The tram is now seen heading south past the Tower on its way to Starr Gate. (Both Photographs by Peter Dockerty, 23rd June 2024)
Its good to see a B Fleet car being used for its intended purpose, but why Starr Gate – Tower? Why not Pleasure Beach – Bispham or Little Bispham, therefore providing a much-needed boost to the direct service between the Pleasure Beach and the many hotels on north prom? A step in the right direction for sure, but only a small one.
At last…. someone has remembered what these trams are really for! Unfortunately, confusion will ensue because of the inappropriate heritage livery applied to some of them, but more frequent appearances on specials will help people grow accustomed to using them – I hope. Now we just need someone to work out that TWO specials will be needed to plug the TWO 25 min gaps each hour.