Southport Corporation Tramways operated a tramway service in Southport between 1900 and 1934.The Golden Age of Tramways. Published by Taylor and Francis.
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 in the 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.Great British Tramway Networks. Wingate H. Bett and John C. Gillham, Second Edition. 1944.
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 £ in ).
Fleet
Southport Corporation fleet eventually reached 45 vehicles. 1-12, 14, 16, 18, Electric Railway and Tramway Carriage Works 1900 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, Electric Railway and Tramway Carriage Works 1901 21 United Electric Car Company 1914 23, 25, 27 United Electric Car Company 1915
From Southport Tramways Company the Corporation acquired the following 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 35-44 Brush Electrical Machines 1918 29, 31, 33 English Electric 1919
Closure
The system closed on 31 December 1934.
See also
Southport Pier Tramway Southport power station
External links Rare 1902 film view of a trip on Southport tram
References