Resort’s newest tram stop ‘growing in popularity’ as first anniversary celebrated

Blackpool’s newest tram stop – a key part of the town’s £23m new tramway extension – is growing in popularity, say transport bosses.

A year since the first trams arrived at North Station, Blackpool Transport says it has good reason to be celebrating the first anniversary of the stop.

As it marks the first anniversary of its Talbot Road extension, the Blackpool Council-owned operator has released figures showing more than a quarter of a million passenger journeys have been made to and from the stop since June 12, 2024.

With trams now running from every ten minutes to either Fleetwood or Starr Gate it is also playing a vital role in the regeneration of an increasingly important part of Blackpool town centre.

There has been criticism from some residents who questioned the need of the extension and the point of having a new tram stop next to Blackpool North Station when visitors could previously just walk down Talbot Road to the North Pier tram stop.

But Blackpool Transport says that not only is the stop already becoming more popular, it will pay even more dividends when the new wave of town centre workers move into the new offices in the town centre.

Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, explained: “Ideally located for staff working at the new Department for Work and Pensions offices at Fylde View, the North Station stop will become increasingly important as the next phase of the wider £350 million Talbot Gateway project takes shape.

“This includes new offices for the Ministry of Defence that will further boost the revival of this part of the town that’s fast becoming a vibrant hub of commercial and retail activity.

“At the heart of the transformation, the new tram stop has also provided improved connections to the national rail network, making it easier than ever for visitors to make the most of the town’s many sights and attractions.”

Recent timetable changes have further enhanced the popularity of the tram stop as it approached its first birthday, and now the summer season has arrived, it looks set to become one of the busiest on the network.

“We’re delighted that Blackpool North has proved such a hit with customers, and we’re looking forward to seeing its popularity soar as more commuters and tourists descend on the evolving Talbot Road area.”

Coun Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, added: “The tramway extension is a great example of how we are making Blackpool better for people who live and work here.

“Over 8,000 workers and students are expected to move into the town centre over the next few years, and connecting the area with the Promenade and train line makes it easier for local people to come into the area.”

The £23m tramway extension was funded by Blackpool Council and received £16.4m from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal funding.