Status Closed Depot(s) Canning Road, Blowick Open 1 January 1900 Locale Southport | Propulsion system(s) Electric Route length 17.4 miles (28.0 km) Close 31 December 1934 | |
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Track gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ⁄2 in) | ||
Southport Corporation Tramways operated a tramway service in Southport between 1900 and 1934.
Contents
History
In 1896, Southport Corporation purchased the Birkdale and Southport Tramways Company which had operated horse-drawn tramways since 1873. The tracks within its boundary was also purchased, with that in Birkdale being purchased by that Council
In 1899 Southport Corporation obtained permission to electrify and extend the tramways within its boundaries. Work moved quickly and on 18 July 1900, three routes opened in Southport and electric cars ran. By the end of the year the number of routes had increased to seven, a compact maze of routes serving Smedley, Birkdale, Bedford Park, Kew Gardens, Blowick, Crowlands, High Park and Churchtown.
The depot was in Canning Road, Blowick.
In 1912 Southport absorbed Birkdale and on 1 January 1918, the two tramway systems were finally joined at a cost of £35,000 (equivalent to £3,125,135 in 2015).
Fleet
Southport Corporation fleet eventually reached 45 vehicles.
From Southport Tramways Company the Corporation acquired the following
Closure
The system closed on 31 December 1934.