In an article in Bus and Coach Buyer Blackpool Transport has announced 15 more Enviro 400 City buses are expected in October for a contract, presumably for the winter rail replacement between Blackpool and Preston, the rail line being closed fpr six months for electrification. This will take the fleet up to 50 from the first entering service last July transforming the fleet. It is presumed they would replace Manx DAFs after the railway reopens.
Today has seen the start of the new timetables. Paladium double deckers were observed on routes 1, 7, 11 and 14 and the final weekend of winter rail replacement services, though Tridents and DAFs also appeared on the 14. The latter was something of a surprise as the Sunday service 14 has been Enivro operated since last year!
Older double deckers operated the 15/16, Solos on the 2, 2C, 3, 4 and 17. Volvo 531 was observed on extended service 6, with Citaros on the 5. The 9 was not observed, but presumably ran with Citaros as usual.
Trident 349 has now been withdrawn.
