Fylde Tramway Society
The Official Society for the Blackpool Tramway
£85m awarded for tramway upgrade - February 2008
Friday 1st february 2008 will long be remebered as a great day for the tramway, as the government announced funding totalling £85m for a full upgrade of the famous and iconic Blackpool Tramway.
The funding will permit a full upgrade of the 16 mile line from Starr Gate to Fleetwood; the purchase of 16 brand-new trams which will be low floor & easily-accessible to all; the rebuilding and refurbishment of tram stops; and an extension and reorganisation of the works facilities and depot at Rigby Road.
Work will start on the upgrade during the later part of next year, and should be completed by 2012. As per previous years, the work will be carried out over the winter period from when the Illuminations finish in November to Easter. When complete, we will be able to enjoy a fast, modern service using start-of-the-art vehicles, supplemented during the summer season by 20-25 of the existing heritage and vintage vehicles which Blackpool Transport will retain for this purpose.
While purists will bemoan the passing of the rest of the heritage fleet, we must remember that the Town's motto has always been 'Progress' and this certainly is good progress, and will guarantee the long term future of the tramway, the reason that the Fylde Tramway Society was formed in 1971.
Obviously, the next few years are going to be an exciting time for the tramway, and you can keep up-to-date will all the developments and improvements by joining the F.T.S. We will enjoy the last few years of full operation by heritage vehicles, and welcome the future with a more modern fleet.
Join the Fylde Tramway Society Today! Click on the link below
