In 2024 Blackpool Tramways celebrates 139 years of service as the system opened in 1885. On 12th June 2024 a new chapter began with the opening of the one third of a mile extension from North Pier to North Station. In 2011 prior to the Flexity 2 tram fleet being introduced a new junction was included in the upgrade of the system at North Pier in preparation for the extension. The track laying along Talbot Road began in 2018 with an expected opening in 2019. This date then moved to 2022, but due to delays in demolishing the former Wilko store the official opening date was moved to 2024 along with the beginning of trams running in public service.

This DVD programme begins on the launch day, Wednesday 12th June as we witness the first passenger-carrying tram running along Talbot Road and into the terminus at North Station. The tram, 018 is one of two additional trams ordered for the extension after the initial batch of 16 (001 – 016) that were introduced in 2012 carried the official party and invited guests from Starr Gate depot to North Station. The party were treated to a reception at the new Holiday Inn hotel at their ‘Marco’s New York Italian’ restaurant. We then see 018 running along Talbot Road on its way back to Starr Gate depot. The following day the independent transport videos cameras take you on a tour of Blackpool Tramways Starr Gate depot before riding on Flexity 2 tram 018 for a complete tour of the system. Thanks to Blackpool Transport we were able to put a camera in the cab of the tram to film the journey from Starr Gate to North Station, then from North Station to Fleetwood Ferry and then back to North Pier. Great views as we pass trams in service, see the stations as we pass through non-stop and witness the turn from the promenade onto Talbot Road and then from Talbot Road onto the promenade at North Pier as this is the first tram to take this turn carrying passengers. We also have a camera in the tram for the passenger’s experience. The new extension opened on Sunday 16th June to normal service.

Our programme concludes with some contemporary tram action at various locations along the system. Enjoy the ride!

Produced by - Independent Transport Videos
Running time - 109 minutes
Format - 16:9 Widescreen
DVD only
Release date - July 2024