'Throwback!' - Blast from the past as Blackpool Transport reveals nostalgic makeover for modern tram
“We want to ensure our heritage plans remain in the public eye.”
Blackpool Transport has given one of its modern trams a nostalgic makeover, transforming it with a green and cream livery inspired by the single-deck trams which were a familiar sight along the seafront during the 1950s.
Tram 012, which first entered service in April 2012, has been wrapped in the heritage-inspired design as Blackpool Transport pays tribute to its rich history.
The makeover comes ahead of plans for static displays at next month's Lightpool Festival, with the operator also highlighting ongoing efforts by engineers and volunteers to restore some of its best-loved trams and bring others up to modern-day operating standards.
Lea Harrison, Blackpool Transport Managing Director, explained: “While we’re on track to have some static displays ready for next month’s Lightpool Festival, in the meantime we want to ensure our heritage plans remain in the public eye.
“Our engineers and volunteers are also doing all they can to restore some of our best-loved trams and bring others up to modern-day operating standards, and this nostalgic makeover aims to remind everyone of their efforts behind the scenes.”
Tram 012 has previously been used to promote one of Blackpool's top tourist attractions, with its Pleasure Beach wrap featuring SpongeBob SquarePants becoming a firm favourite with visitors and local residents. Its latest transformation has come at no additional cost to the operator, as a makeover was required following the end of current sponsorship arrangements.
Harrison said the updated look also provides an opportunity to highlight the operator's wider heritage work. “We’re delighted to be able to use one of our younger trams to showcase our commitment to a safe and sustainable future for our wider heritage operations,” he added.