Date revealed for official opening of Blackpool tramway extension

The date has revealed for official public opening of Blackpool’s new tramway extension. 

The route is set to welcome its first passengers on Wednesday, June 12, and residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre can enter the draw to be on the very first tram.

After a £23.42 million investment Blackpool’s new extended tramway is only weeks away from taking its first passengers.

On Wednesday June 12 the first passenger tram will travel from Blackpool Transport’s Starr Gate tram depot at Squires Gate to the new terminus adjacent to Blackpool North Train Station.

To celebrate the launch there are 10 pairs of First Rider tickets up for grabs giving the lucky winners a seat on the first passenger tram from Blackpool along Talbot Road to Blackpool North train station since 1963.

 The first regular trams taking fare paying passengers will start on Sunday 16 June with details of routes and timings available nearer the time. There will also be limited tickets available on special tram tours on the 13, 14 and 15 June. Tickets will be on sale from the middle of May and more detail will be released in due course. 

Alan Cavil, Director of Communications and Regeneration said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the new tramway extension will be running in time for the summer.

“The First Rider ticket draw gives residents a chance to be part of a historic event for the town. We wanted to make it a special occasion as it is such an important day for the Fylde Coast.

“The extension to the tramway is an important piece in the council’s commitment to create a modern and integrated transport network across Blackpool which is important for both residents and visitors. It will make it easier for people to get to work, places of interest and carryout our everyday lives.

“The tramway extension will also enable everyone to travel more easily across town but also across the Northwest and further afield in a quicker more efficient way”.   

To be in with a chance of winning click here:  www.blackpool.gov.uk/firstrider