Open Toppers are Back

Easter saw the return of the City Sightseeing open top 'tour' Line 20. This year - following the demise of Pontins - the route starts at Pleasure Beach. From Easter until May 21 the full tour (Pleasure Beach - Promenade - Town - Stanley Park - Zoo - Marton Mere) runs every 30 minutes at weekends and bank holidays only with a one bus shuttle service from Town to Marton Mere (missing out the Zoo) every hour on weekdays. The full tour operates daily from after May 21.

The Manchester tour is not operating at all this year and the fleet is being reduced to four buses. Easter saw the two generically branded buses 857/8 (D257/8FYM) and former Manchester bus 873 (D173FYM) operate - though regular appearances were also made by pool liveried Volvo Olympians. 873 initially ran still with Manchester decals - but without the lettering - though the full Blackpool livery is now applied. With the demise of the Metro logo, BT "tower and waves" logos are carried - the first bus to receive these since 2001. Blackpool branded 818 (D218FYM) was noted in service on Saturday 17 April also with BT logo. 813/49 (D213/149FYM) - both Blackpool branded and Manchester liveried 844 (D244FYM) are still in store.