News Update

For Blackpool Airshow on 11th and 12th August Blackpool Transport ran a "Park and Glide" shuttle bus from a car park at Blackpool Airport to Starr Gate tram terminus. It was well used each day. 232 is seen at Starr Gate (Mike Wilson)

Blackpool Transport
Illumination weekend timetables start from Saturday 1st November, with some frequency reductions and running time increases.

Another route change in Blackpool Town Centre on 23rd July saw the 2, 2C, 12, 18 and 19 move to Topping Street following the closure of Abingdon St/Talbot Road Bus Station. Routes 5, 6 and 7 are also running through St John's Square from Clifton Street to Topping Street.

Catch 22
Not previously reported is the arrival of Y401NHK - a new to Stagecoach East London Alexander bodied Dennis Trident - this is in service in the new livery also seen on the repainted Versa. Following the disposal of Dart 147 for preservation, SN55HSK has taken its duties as a tow vehicle.

Solo Disposals and Tridents 347/8 pictures

Three more Solos have left the Blackpool Transport fleet today with 242/7/8 sold to Redfern Travel. DAF 363 has passed to Ashcroft's Runcorn. 

Former Blackpool 347 and 348 have settled into a new career with Lodge's of High Easter (David Bell - with thanks to David for sharing these and also for Paul Wigan for passing the on the photos)

News Round Up

Blackpool Transport
359 is the latest DAF to be withdrawn and has joined sisters in store at Jacksons Coaches, Marton. Solo 242 is now also on SORN, sister 248 has been noticed on driver training duties on 23 July.

Timetabled Rail Replacement work from Blackpool North to Preston finally ended on Sunday 29th July. Some BTS buses have been on standby at Blackpool North and have also been observed on some South line rail replacements and the continuing Saturday work between Wigan and Manchester. Examples of 436-442 have been noted on local services since then. 

A 'Park and Glide' service is advertised for the weekend of 11th and 12th August - when Blackpool Airshow is on. This uses a car park at Blackpool Airport and a shuttle bus to Starr Gate tram stop. 

Former Tridents 344 is in service with Tanat Valley - photo here, sister 346 is also in their livery (photo), with no further report of 343 yet.

Catch 22 Bus

Catch 22 has introduced a new livery with Versa YJ61JHH in this "lime green and Monsoon Blue" livery similar to that used on the affiliated Sightseeing Bus operation in Manchester and Birmingham (Philip Higgs)

Coastal Coaches
Not previously reported is service 78 was diverted in Ansdell to reinstate a service on Commonside from late June. It runs from South Hey via Worsley Road, Central Drive, Gordon Road, Commonside to rejoin the previous route at Blackpool Road. Other than school buses, Commonside was unserved from 26 March when Stagecoach diverted its 68 away. 

358 with Dekkabus

Former BTS DAF 358 has been refurbished internally by its new owner Dekkabus - high backed seats feature throughout. It has also now been re-registered F5HOR These pictures have been kindly provided by Mark Self from Dekkabus.