The new Bombardier-built Flexity trams in Blackpool are proving such a success with passengers that heritage ‘balloon’ trams are having to be pressed into service to help ease overcrowding on the network as locals flock to use the recently modernised tramway.
A number of modified ‘balloon’ trams were retained for such an eventuality and, during busy periods, will be able to offer passengers a tram every six minutes on the busiest section.
Blackpool Transport says passenger figures are “above expectations” and that it already has plans in place for next season to assist with “capacity and the lessons we have learned to date will be implemented”.
Was there in August – all the heritage trams could only be boarded with a 10 pound heritage tram day pass, vs 3 pounds per adult on the Flexities. As a result the Flexities were jammed & the balloons were nearly empty. Good to see some common sense has returned with the balloons to regular service.