Lothians on the 20

416 stands at Marton Mere terminus

Today has seen the unusual appearance of no less than three ex Lothian via Blackburn Olympians on the 20. 413, 414 and 416 have all been noted.

These buses - acquired from Lancashire United with the former Blackburn Transport Fylde Coast school contracts - are normally restricted to school services despite carrying full Metro Line 1 livery. Since the July 2010 service changes they have carried full service destinations rather than the former Blackburn blinds previously carried.

The photo also shows that these are now finally losing their Metro branding with the route points removed, BT stickers over the Metro logo but oddly retaining the "Schools Plus 1" circle. Most of the Metro black and yellow 'pool' liveried buses also received the oblong BT logos over their Metro ones earlier this year.

413/4/6 are the prefered back up buses for the 20 when the newer Olympians are unavailable and may see further use during the school terms when the double deck requirement peaks. The repaints of Olympian 369 and Solo 285 are nearly complete with just the vinyls awaited.