Flexity 2 (Blackpool)
| Industry | Tram manufacturing and operation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Blackpool , United Kingdom |
| Products | Flexity 2 trams |
In 2012, Blackpool Council became the inaugural customer for Bombardier Transportation's new Flexity 2 tram model by ordering 16 units for the Blackpool Tramway. These fully low-floor trams replaced the heritage fleet, which was primarily aimed at tourists and required extensive upkeep; some of the older vehicles have been adapted to support additional tourist and promenade services. The Flexity 2 trams are tailored to meet the needs of everyday passengers, providing enhanced service quality and full accessibility compliance.
Two further Flexity 2 trams (numbers 17 and 18) were delivered in December 2017 and entered operational service by March 2018, marking the completion of the latest fleet expansion.
Background
In July 2009, Blackpool Council placed a £33 million order for 16 Flexity 2 trams, with funding contributions from the council itself, the Department for Transport, and Lancashire County Council. The global launch of the Flexity 2 series was marked by revealing the first tram for Blackpool on 8 September 2011. These vehicles began passenger operations on 4 April 2012.
Details
The Flexity 2 trams operating in Blackpool are bi-directional and consist of five articulated sections. Each side is equipped with four doors: two single sliding plug doors positioned near each driver’s cab and two double sliding plug doors located centrally. The design facilitates easy boarding for wheelchairs and pushchairs via level access from newly constructed low platforms.
The trams run on two powered Flexx Urban 3000 bogies situated under the first and fifth sections, while an unpowered bogie in the middle section supports the pantograph. Powered by a 600 V DC overhead electrical system, they can handle minimum curve radii of 25 meters during regular operation and as tight as 20 meters within Starr Gate Depot. They are capable of climbing gradients up to 6%. Although designed for speeds up to 70 km/h, electronic speed restrictions limit their maximum velocity to 50 km/h on Blackpool’s network.
During mid to late 2023, Alstom’s COMPAS (collision and overspeed monitoring system) underwent trials on several trams, with a plan to install it fleet-wide.
Livery
The initial livery showcases white side panels with black surrounds around the windows and purple-colored driver cabs. A purple criss-cross motif decorates the lower side panels. Some units display advertising liveries instead of the standard paint scheme.
Maintenance
Upkeep of the Flexity 2 fleet takes place at a dedicated Starr Gate depot, constructed by VolkerFitzpatrick using expertise gained from European tram depot projects.
Fleet
| Photo | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 001 | ||
| 002 | Named Alderman E.E Wynne | |
| 003 | Involved in a collision with a cyclist on 8 July 2013. Previously sported a full-body advertisement for PrettyLittleThing, since removed. | |
| 004 | ||
| 005 | ||
| 006 | Conducted the first passenger trip on 4 April 2012 but derailed upon returning to Starr Gate. | |
| 007 | Named Alan Whitbread. Sustained damage en route to Blackpool; involved in collisions in June 2013 and January 2024. | |
| 008 | ||
| 009 | ||
| 010 | ||
| 011 | ||
| 012 | Currently wrapped with advertising for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. | |
| 013 | ||
| 014 | Collided with a Volkswagen Polo on 22 May 2012; returned to service four days later. | |
| 015 | ||
| 016 | Wrapped entirely in an advertisement for PrettyLittleThing. | |
| 017 | ||
| 018 |