Blackpool Trams

[Western SMT]

Horse drawn buses were a well established part of the Blackpool scene when the revolutionary idea of propelling a railed vehicle along the Promenade by electricity was thought of. In 1884 the council decided to go ahead with the laying of almost two miles of track.
The first tram line in Blackpool opened along the Promenade in 1885, and was the first electric tramway in the country. Blackpool Corporation took over the system in 1892, and the system expanded to serve much of the Fylde coast and towns inland. The line to Fleetwood was opened in 1888, and became part of the Blackpool Corporation system in 1920. Line closures began in 1936, but the bulk of the network was closed in the early 1960s, leaving only the line from Starr Gate (just to the south of Blackpool) along the Promenade and up to Fleetwood.
Today about 76 assorted 'cars' are still in the fleet.

[springs branch mickey]

But not for long. There are plans to keep a few, but most are to be sent to museums.
Modern trams are to replace the old uns.
Sad really, as we had a living museum here, which was loved by many visitors.
mickey