New Blackpool tramway passes five million journeys

Blackpool’s revamped tramway system has passed the five million journeys milestone in less than a year.

The good news comes as work progresses to extend the tramway from the Promenade up to Blackpool North train station.

Cllr Christine Wright, chair of Blackpool Transport, said: “It is fantastic news that more and more people are choosing to use the tramway network to get around the Fylde coast.

“It is great news that more people are regularly using the trams, and hopefully that success can grow even further with the extension of the line.”

Jane Cole, managing director of Blackpool Transport, added: “The team at BTS have worked very hard over the last two years to design the tramway operation around the needs of the customers who use it.

“We will have two new trams joining the fleet this year in preparation for the capacity needed to grow the tram patronage even further."

The tramway re-opened in 2012 following a major £101m replacement of the track, creation of a new tram depot and arrival of 16 new Flexity2 trams. The new trams have level boarding, making them accessible for all disabled users, allowing for faster journey times and a more energy efficient service. At the same time, the previous stock of heritage trams still run as a tourist attraction along the same network during the summer.