Friday 22 April 2011

715 returns to service for Easter

Preserved Balloon car 715 became the first 'un-refurbished' Balloon car to operate on the Blackpool tramway in 2011 on Good Friday, after winter hibernation since November 2010. It was one of only five Balloons to operate - cars 711, 715, 717, 719 and 723 on the first passenger carrying day resulting from the winter closure. However, trams are only operating between Pleasure Beach and North Pier.


Over the winter period, the fitting of transponders for traffic light activation on car 715 has been completed. Blackpool Transport has pledged to repaint 715 in 1970s style green & cream livery in time for Totally Transport in late June.

Postscript - 715 operated every day over the Easter weekend.