The Sun Shines on Blackpool's Bus Launch

The glistening lineup of Blackpool's new buses with matching images caught in the cab windscreen provide an impressive backdrop for the formal handover of twenty- five Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double deckers on April 9th. BTS MD Jane Cole gives the principal public speech accompanied by Chair of BTS Board and the MD of Alexander Dennis Ltd. The latest delivery (411 - 435) continues the sequence of fleet numbers following the initial order for ten of this model delivered in 2016.

A nice touch is the application of a vinyl heart symbol with 2017 embedded in the image next to each vehicle's front entrance. I am advised that the ten buses (401-410) will similarly receive a retrospective version with 2016 - and consequent deliveries may similarly be given appropriate year of entry into service.

There are now thirty five of these buses in the BTS fleet making substantial inroads into the once familiar yellow and black Trident fleet which will soon be a memory when further deliveries are received from ADL's Falkirk factory. BTS intend a complete makeover of the bus fleet in or by 2020 with the superior 'Palladium' brand finish in all (or most vehicles). Below : A glimpse of the past as the Company's retro painted Trident 332 passes the assembled ADL display with its equally smart rendition of the former Corporation green and cream standard livery worn from 1933 to 2000 (and still seen on members of the heritage tram fleet operating special tours).

Images : John Woodman