From platform to promenade

Train operator Northern is teaming up with Blackpool Transport to offer a new combined train, tram and bus ticket.

Rail users will soon be able to travel on Blackpool's buses and trams simply by buying an add-on alongside their train ticket on Northern's app, website, at ticket machines and from ticket offices across the Northern network. 

From Monday, July 7, the add-on tickets can be bought online or on the Northern app by entering 'Blackpool North Bus/Tram' or 'Blackpool South Bus/Tram' as the destination or starting point.  

The tickets can be bought for onward travel from most places on Northern's network, including from Preston, across Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds, York and beyond. 

Though rail users have been able to buy tram and bus tickets from Northern's ticket offices since 2022, it is the first time that customers will be able to buy these tickets for onward travel digitally through the operator's app and website.  

Bus and tram stops are located directly outside Blackpool's two main rail stations, with frequent services connecting key destinations like North Pier, Pleasure Beach, Starr Gate, Fleetwood, and Cleveleys. 

It comes as both Northern and Blackpool Transport take part in Better Transport Week (16-22 June), a week promoted by the Campaign for Better Transport aimed at promoting sustainable, accessible and affordable transport options.  

James Clough, finance and commercial director for Blackpool Transport, said: “Anyone taking the train into Blackpool can now look forward to a more seamless travel experience when using public transport to get to work or for a visit to the town’s top attractions. 

“Since the first trams to North Station in June last year, we’ve recorded more than 250,000 trips to and from the stop, so this new joint ticket option is sure to prove a hit with train, tram and bus users.” 

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director for Northern, added: "Whether you are visiting for historic piers, top attractions, fish and chips or iconic landmarks, Blackpool is quite rightly one of the most popular tourist and leisure destinations on the Northern network. 

"Rail customers will be able to transfer from the rails to the rollercoasters with less fuss, thanks to our revitalised partnership which will make travelling to - and around - Blackpool as seamless as possible, especially given that the Blackpool North tram stop is based no more than a few steps away from our station. 

“One combined ticket will now take you from the train to destinations around town and beyond, creating a truly integrated, multi-modal transport network across train, tram and bus." 

Tickets can be bought on the Northern website and app, or at ticket vending machines and station ticket offices. 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.