The first of Blackpool Transport's 25 new Enviro 400 City double deckers have been outshopped at Alexander Dennis in Falkirk. SN17MFJ, SN17MFK and SN17MFX have been reported so far. Thanks to those who have shared this information via the contact form or through Facebook. Such reports are always welcome and helpful. This batch will be the largest single batch of buses since the 1974/5 batch of Swifts (566-595) - a batch of 30 ordered together which entered service in groups of 24 in April/May 1974 and 6 in Spring 1975. Prior to that it was the 25 1967 PD3s (501-525).
The early part of 2017 has seen closure of the Preston to Blackpool railway lines at weekends as part of the preparation for electrification of the Blackpool North line and also to allow the new Crossley's Bridge to be installed. Also some late night, early morning weekday services are replaced by buses. The weekend rail replacements has mainly been provided by the usual coaches, but Blackpool Transport has provided Mercedes Citaros from the Palladium fleet on most occasions. 554 was noted at Blackpool North on Saturday 21 January and in both Preston and Lytham on Saturday 4th February, 553 was also observed on the 4th.
