Blackpool trams to be suspended from Sunday

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In happier times, Blackpool Transport’s Bombardier Flexity 2 No. 016 is seen at the resort’s Pleasure Beach. GARETH EVANS

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In happier times, Blackpool Transport’s Bombardier Flexity 2 No. 016 is seen at the resort’s Pleasure Beach. GARETH EVANS

Blackpool Transport has announced it is to temporarily suspend all tram services from Sunday, March 29 until further notice due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. The Blackpool Council-owned operator is also reducing the frequency of some of its bus routes.

Bus route 1, which parallels the tram line (Fleetwood to Starr Gate), will run to a revised timetable which starts and finishes at the same time as the current tram timetable on a 30-minute frequency. This, Blackpool Transport said, provides a suitable alternative while the tramway is suspended as the service will begin earlier in the day and finish in line with the current tram times.

Explanation

The operator said in a statement: “Passenger numbers are lower than normal as people are staying safe and only travelling when it is necessary. We’re taking steps to ensure our staff and passengers stay safe by reducing the number of services that are running each day. We want to continue to offer vital services to the communities that we serve. This measure will also help us to manage staffing resources as best as we can.”