Blackpool trams to stop running

The final service will be the last tram on Saturday night, with no trams operating from Sunday onwards.

The heritage trams have already been suspended until August 29.

Blackpool Transport will also reduce the number of buses running during the day, but will maintain frequency for key workers with the first and last bus times remaining the same for essential travel - also starting from Sunday.

The number one bus along the Promenade will operate to a similar timetable as the tram to provide an alternative to regular tram users, with the first and last departures being the same as tram services.

The changes are to keep customers and staff safe during the coronavirus outbreak, but also reflect a reduction in demand following government guidance for people to stay indoors.

Jane Cole, managing director of council-owned Blackpool Transport, said : “I am very proud of the way the team at Blackpool Transport has continued to ensure the region is supported by a comprehensive bus and tram service.

“In the current circumstances it was inevitable we would have to scale our service down.

"The transport that is available from Sunday will ensure key workers and people who need to access essential services are able to do so.

“Timetables will be reviewed on a regular basis to take account of customer needs and our staff availability.”

Ms Cole said there would be no redundancies as a result of the changes to services and the aim was to act sensibly while "not letting a wide number of people down."

Blackpool Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: "By replacing the tram service with the number one bus we can concentrate on transport for people who do need to use the buses."

New revised timetables are available online at www.blackpooltransport.com.