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| Simon Smiller |
| simon(at)garden.f9.co.uk |
| Location: Iford |
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 Thursday, 23. August 2012 20:56 IP:
Blackpool Trams Today. The trams are nice, but the way they are being operated has left some people on the tram groups 'very alarmed'.
They are too infrequent, tram stop queues (especially at popular places such as North Shore) are far far too long, there is insufficient public information and many people are being left stranded (or forced to use buses).
I was thinking of going to the Blackpool Lights this autumn (to see the trams as well as the lights) but from what I've read (so far) the chances of me doing this are receding. In years gone by there were trams 'almost every other minute' but now with the new Flexity trams running at 10 minute intervals and the widened balloons not being used, plus only two 'heritage' trams out at a time so I question the point of my going. I'll do better to watch my 1982 super 8 cine film of the lights.
Also, the trams are travelling too slowly - despite being much more powerful than the older trams they are driven as if the tram driver will be sacked for exceeding 30mph. OK, the pedestrian precinct section needs a 20mph limit, and the section between the shore and the road is also not suited to fast running but the cross country section immediately south of Fleetwood should be suitable for 40mph or even 50mph.
The moral of what I'm saying is that its all well and good having investment, but if the transport operator is then unable to operate the service in a way which entices passengers then what is the point of the investment?
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