This world-renowned British tram museum has plans to welcome even more visitors

The National Tramway Museum has pledged to increase its accessibility for tourists. Next month it will launch a pioneering access tram which will allow wheelchair users to sit alongside seated passengers. 

A tram from the 1980s has been specially converted to provide greater access for disabled visitors. It’s a Blackpool Centenary Tram No. 645, which was one of the last first-generation tramcars built in Britain in that decade, and has been adapted to carry up to three wheelchair users next to 25 seated passengers, allowing friends and family to travel together. 

Besides dedicated space, other accessibility features on the tram include a new wheelchair lift (similar to those you see on buses) and improved passenger facilities. 

There is also space for a wheelchair user to drive the tram under supervision with adapted driving controls, which is believed to be a world first for a heritage tramway. Visitors would have the opportunity to steer the vehicle as part of the museum’s Ultimate Tram Driving Experience days.

It’s not the first time that the museum has an access tram. After realising that many visitors found it difficult to board its heritage tram cars, the original accessible tram was introduced in 1997 and was in service for 25 years before retiring in 2023. 

The new accessible vehicle will officially launch on September 12, which coincides with the museum’s annual Tram Weekend – a two day event offering vintage tram rides, live music and curatorial displays. Former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson will be among the special guests in attendance. 

Heritage should be for everyone, and this project demonstrates that preserving the past and embracing innovation can go hand in hand.

Graham Bennett, chief executive of the National Tramway Museum, said: ‘This one of the most significant moments in the museum's history.

‘Heritage should be for everyone, and this project demonstrates that preserving the past and embracing innovation can go hand in hand.

‘Our volunteers, engineers, funders and supporters have achieved something remarkable. and thousands more people will now be able to experience the magic of travelling on a historic tram.’

ICYMI: The 800-year-old castle that is being turned into Wales’ next major tourist attraction. 

Plus: This massively underrated museum has closed for a £13m makeover. 

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