The line dates back to 1885 and is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world. It is operated by Blackpool Transport Services (BTS) and runs for 18 km (11 miles). It carried 4.8 million passengers in 2019/20.
When was Blackpool trams built?
29 September 1885
The Blackpool Tramway was officially opened to the public by Alderman Harwood, the Mayor of Manchester.
Do Blackpool still run old trams?
They are now operated by Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours between Pleasure Beach and North Pier as standard and can be caught at the ‘Heritage Tram Tours’ stops, identifiable by a green circular sign.
What is the oldest tram system in the world?
The world’s very first tram system was actually a horse train called the Oystermouth Railway, a commercial service which began operation in 1804, in order to transport limestone between the south Wales areas of Mumbles and Swansea.
How long do the trams run in Blackpool?
The TRAM light rail (Fleetwood Ferry (Blackpool Tramway)) has 38 stations departing from Starr Gate (Blackpool Tramway) and ending in Fleetwood Ferry (Blackpool Tramway). TRAM light rail timetable overview: Normally starts operating at 05:00 and ends at 23:15. Normal operating days: everyday.
What is the oldest tram in Blackpool?
Blackpool’s permanent electric street tramway was the country’s first, and opened on 29 September 1885. It originally ran from Cocker Street to South Shore – and has operated there ever since.
What is the oldest thing in Blackpool?
North Pier is the most northerly of the three coastal piers in Blackpool, England. Built in the 1860s, it is also the oldest and longest of the three.
North Pier, Blackpool.
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Total length | 550 yards (500 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Eugenius Birch |
| Opening date | 21 May 1863 |
How much do Blackpool tram drivers earn?
The average Blackpool Transport salary ranges from approximately £16,477 per year for Health and Safety Instructor to £190,000 per year for Bus Driver. Average Blackpool Transport hourly pay ranges from approximately £9.25 per hour for Conductor to £9.66 per hour for Cleaner.
Why did Britain get rid of trams?
The advent of personal motor vehicles and the improvements in motorized buses caused the rapid disappearance of the tram from most western and Asian countries by the end of the 1950s (for example the first major UK city to completely abandon its trams was Manchester by January 1949).
Are trams outdated?
Electric trams largely replaced animal power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Improvements in other vehicles such as buses led to decline of trams in the mid 20th century. However, trams have seen resurgence in recent years.
What is the best tram in the world?
Six of the best tram systems around the world
- Lyon, France. Lyon won the gold for being home to the best performing tram system in large cities across the world.
- Paris, France.
- Dijon, France.
- Tours, France.
- Zürich, Switzerland.
- Vienna, Austria.
What is the oldest working train?
The Fairy Queen, also known as the East Indian Railway Nr. 22, is a steam locomotive built in 1855, restored by Loco Works Perambur, Chennai in 1997, and housed at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum.
Where is the oldest rail line?
The oldest railway in continuous use is the Tanfield Railway in County Durham, England. This began life in 1725 as a wooden waggonway worked with horse power and developed by private coal owners and included the construction of the Causey Arch, the world’s oldest purpose built railway bridge.
How fast are Blackpool trams?
43 mph
| Bombardier Flexity 2 (Blackpool) | |
|---|---|
| Articulated sections | 5 (four articulations) |
| Wheel diameter | 600 mm (23.62 in) (new) 540 mm (21.26 in) (worn) |
| Maximum speed | 43 mph (70 km/h) |
| Weight | 40.9 t (40.3 long tons; 45.1 short tons) (empty) 56.7 t (55.8 long tons; 62.5 short tons) (loaded) |
Are Blackpool trams free for pensioners?
The travel pass scheme in Blackpool and Lancashire is operated by NoWcards. This allows free local bus and tram (in Blackpool) travel for those eligible from 9.30am until 11.00pm Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, across England.
Can you take dogs on Blackpool trams?
Dog-friendly travel in Blackpool
Dogs are welcome passengers on buses in Blackpool and on both the Heritage trams and the new modern trams too. You must have them on a lead for the whole of the journey, and – probably unlike at home – they’re not allowed on the seats!
What was Blackpool called before?
‘Black Poole‘ eventually evolved into ‘Blackpool’. The stream drained Marton Mere and Marton Moss into the sea and close to what we now know as ‘Manchester Square’. In the 15th century, the settlement in the area was known as ‘Pul’.
When was Blackpool at its peak?
1930s
At its peak, it drew around 10 million visitors per year
In the 1930s, Blackpool’s numerous theatres and cinemas could seat more than 60,000 people each night.
What happened to the rocket tram in Blackpool?
The 1980’s saw the space race come to Blackpool in the form of the Rocket tram. It was actually a much altered tram number 732 and is still in storage at our Rigby Road depot.
How many died building the Blackpool Tower?
It cost £290,000, more than £37m in today’s money, with 200 workers, most of them scaling the dizzying heights to build the magnificent tower, working at any one time. One man lost his life in the construction, losing his grip and falling almost 100 feet to the ground.
What is the oldest pub in Blackpool?
the Saddle
Blackpool’s oldest pub , established in 1770, and local CAMRA pub of the year in 2007, the Saddle comprises a main bar and two side rooms, plus a large patio for outside drinking in the summer.