Blackpool Transport has given one of its second-generation trams a heritage-inspired makeover, with Tram 012 now carrying a green and cream livery based on the town’s single-deck trams of the 1950s.
Tram 012 entered service in April 2012. The operator said the new design is intended to keep its heritage plans in the public eye ahead of next month’s Lightpool Festival, when static displays are expected to be ready.
Lea Harrison, managing director of Blackpool Transport, said: “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 carried a promotional wrap for Blackpool Pleasure Beach featuring the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants. Blackpool Transport said that design became a firm favourite with visitors and local residents.
The latest transformation was completed at no additional cost, according to the operator, because the tram required a new wrap after its previous sponsorship arrangements ended.
Harrison added: “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.”