Optare Excel 224 (T934EAN) has returned from Cummins, Middlesbrough , noted on the A66 during the late afternoon on Thursday and arriving back at the depot on Friday morning. It is understood 221 (T884RBR) was the outward load. Unlike other recent refurbishments, 221 has gone without the bodywork overhaul taking place - indeed it was in service Wednesday!
Trident 328 has now entered the paint shop with 329 completed. 336's repaint is still in progress.
Lancashire County Council has confirmed that Coastal Coaches will be replacing Blackpool Transport as operator of the evening 17 journeys - as per there previous operation of the 14A this will use two buses with lengthy layover in St. Annes. Blackpool Transport will continue to operate the daytime service seven days a week.
Service 7 is expected to partially revert to single deck operation from 31 January with Solos moving to service 2. A small number of Solos is expected to be withdrawn at the end of the month, along with Metrorider 518 as the changes to the 7 and 18 will reduce the vehicle requirement to four buses.
