Flexity 2 (Blackpool)

Flexity 2 (Blackpool)
Flexity 2 tram #011 at Tower
Interior
In service2012–present
ManufacturerBombardier Transportation
Built at
Family nameFlexity 2
Constructed2010–2017[1]
Entered service3 April 2012
Number built18
Number in service18
Fleet numbers001–018
Capacity148 standing, 74 seated
OperatorsBlackpool Transport
DepotsStarr Gate
Lines servedBlackpool–Fleetwood
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel side panels/Aluminium
Car length32.23 m (105 ft 8+78 in)
Width2.65 m (8 ft 8+38 in)
Height3.42 m (11 ft 2+58 in)
Floor height320 mm (12.60 in)
Low-floor100%
Doors8 (4 double width, 4 single width)
Articulated sections5 (four articulations)
Wheel diameter600–540 mm (23.62–21.26 in) (new–worn)
Maximum speed70 km/h (43 mph)
Weight
  • 40.9 t (40.3 long tons; 45.1 short tons) (empty)
  • 56.7 t (55.8 long tons; 62.5 short tons) (loaded)
Axle load9.6 t (9.4 long tons; 10.6 short tons)
Steep gradient60‰
Traction systemIGBTVVVF (Bombardier MITRAC 500)
Traction motors4 × 120 kW (160 hp) liquid-cooled 3-phase AC induction motor
Power output480 kW (640 hp)
Acceleration0.5 m/s2 (1.1 mph/s)
Deceleration
  • 1.2 m/s2 (2.7 mph/s) (service)
  • 2.73 m/s2 (6.1 mph/s) (emergency)
Electric system(s)600 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classificationBo′+2′+Bo′
BogiesBombardier FLEXX Urban 3000
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

In 2012, Blackpool Council ordered 16 Bombardier Flexity 2 trams for the Blackpool Tramway, becoming the worldwide launch customer for Bombardier Transportation's new design.[2] The modern 100% low-floor trams replaced the Blackpool Tramway's tourist-focused and high maintenance heritage fleet, some of which have been retained with modifications for use as a supplementary fleet alongside the Flexity 2 trams and some for tourist services on the promenade.[2] Blackpool's Flexity 2 trams are intended to be suitable for daily commuters and to provide a service competitive with other modes of transport and comply with legislation on accessibility for disabled users.[2][3]

Two further Flexity 2 units (17 & 18) arrived on 1 and 15 December 2017, entering service on 4 March 2018.[4][5][6]

  1. ^ "Bombardier confirm Blackpool tram order". British Trams Online. Retrieved 30 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b c "Flexity 2 tram unveiled in Blackpool". Railway Gazette International. 8 September 2011.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference blackpoolgazette20110908 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Flexity 017 makes its journey to Blackpool!". British Trams Online.
  5. ^ "Flexity 018 completes Blackpool's latest tram order". British Trams Online.
  6. ^ "In Pictures: Blackpool's newest trams enter service". British Trams Online.