Grand Central Blackpool to London Service Scrapped

DB 90039 with Grand Central test train 3P51 approaching Blackpool North on 20th March

Sadly the proposed new Grand Central rail service from Blackpool North to London Euston has been shelved due to the poor economic situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier in the year, in March, several route learning trains had been run to Blackpool North using Class 90 electric locos hauling former LNER Mark 4 coaches. The test trains were suspended due to Covid-19, but unfortunately this latest news seals the fate of what would have been a bright new venture in rail travel from Blackpool.

DVT 82231 leading Grand Central test train 3K83 through Poulton-le-Fylde on 20th March

DB 90039 on Grand Central test train 3K83, passing Layton station on 16th March

DB 90019 leading Grand Central test train 3K83 into Kirkham & Wesham on 6th March

Sorry Tram Full

Flexity 018 at the Gynn already displaying "Sorry Tram Full" on its destination screen on 30th August

The August Bank Holiday Weekend in Blackpool was dry, if somewhat cool for the time of year. As a consequence of the foreign travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Blackpool has been enjoying something of a mini-boom with staycation visits by tourists and daytrippers. As a result of the social distancing rules in place on public transport, that were introduced because of Covid-19, it was inevitable that during this busy weekend trams and buses would be reaching their reduced maximum capacities. Over the three days of the Bank Holiday, many trams and buses were already displaying "Sorry Tram Full" or "Sorry Bus Full" before they had loaded up passengers in the busy North Shore hotel area from the Cabin southwards. As a result many trams were sailing past the stops leaving scores of passengers to find their own way to their destinations, with many people even resorting to walking (shock, horror!).

ADL Enviro 452 displaying "Sorry, Bus Full due to Social Distancing" on 29th August

Overall advert Flexity 001 showing "Sorry Tram Full" on Sunday 30th August