Enter the Centro

Blackpool Transport is understood to have taken delivery of the first of a batch of about nine Plaxton Centro bodied Volvo B7RLEs. These are believed to be unused dealer stock vehicles. Registrations BF60UVJ/K/N have been noted so far.

Following on from the five second hand B7RLEs, also in the course of delivery, these represent a change in fleet direction. From 1987 to 2009 165 of the 207 new vehicles purchase have been supplied by Optare - all the exceptions being Double Deckers. Prior to this the only Volvos operated were the six Olympians of 1994 and a solitary B58 coach taken over with Fylde.

Not previously illustrated here is the new livery on Optare Excel 211

Meanwhile the de-branding of Solos continues and their new freedoms are being taken advantage of. Red Solo 255 operated on Line 17 during the evening of Thursday 19th August, earlier in the day Line 4 liveried Solo 266 was stretching its legs on Line 7.

Solo 266 heads to Lytham Saltcotes Road; released from the shackles of Line 4