How are we keeping you safe in 2021

Safety has always been the number one priority at Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours so what makes 2021 any different?

As everyone knows, the last year has been like no other. As we started to prepare for a return of our Heritage Tours our first consideration was not so much of how we were going to get the trams back on the rails as how we are going to keep our customers, and our staff, safe in the new coronavirus environment in which we all find ourselves. And this is what we’re doing:

Enhanced cleaning

Before our trams leave the depot at the start of the day they are thoroughly wiped down inside with particular attention being paid to the ‘touch points’ such as handles, poles and straps.

And these ‘touch points’ are again cleaned by the conductor at the end of each tour. This is why you will see a delay between one tour finishing and passengers being boarded for the next one. It is also the reason that Promenade and Costal Tours can only be boarded at the northbound North Pier and Tower stop and Illuminations Tours at our Pleasure Beach stop.

Face coverings

Whilst on board you will need to comply with the laws and recommendations for travel that may be in force at the time of your tour. This includes, for example, the wearing of a face covering at all times when on board, unless you have an exemption. If you would like to read more on this subject, please go to this page on the Blackpool Transport web site.

Seating

We have carried out a full review of our trams to create seating plans that will allow for social distancing to be maintained. This does mean that the capacity of our trams is significantly reduced.

It also means that, when booking your tour, we ask if you wish to travel on the upper or lower deck of double-deck trams.

You will be shown to your reserved seat as you board the tram and it will not be possible for you to change seats on arrival nor during the tour. This is so that we can maintain social distancing at all times.

Pre-booking

As much as we would like to offer a turn-up and ride service as in the past, it’s simply not possible to apply social distancing on that basis.

All our tours are now bookable and we recommend that you choose your preferred tour and time and reserve your place as soon as you can. Seats will be pre-allocated and, wherever possible, the seating will be arranged so that you and others on the same booking can sit with each other. We can also then ensure that social distancing can be adhered to.

If any of your travel companions need to be socially distanced from others in your group, please make separate bookings for them. We will then seat them at an appropriate distance from other passengers, including yourselves.

Turning up on the day

We are unable to accept customers on our tours who haven’t booked in advance right now. We are constantly reviewing this and, when possible, it will be reintroduced.

Please allow our staff to keep you safe

Our conductors are briefed before every tour day on any changes in regulations and recommendations.

We would ask that you listen to and act upon the recommendations and instructions given to you by our staff – they have been trained in how to keep you safe but will need your help to do so.