Blackpool Transport - Operating Changes

Blackpool's Transport Company (BTS) has announced several changes to services and

its operations over the coming days. Fullest details are best sourced from the BTS official website online. A summary is as follows :

Tram Service - remains suspended until further notice. Travellers on the trams are advised to use Promenade Service 1.

Bus Service Frequency - with a significant reduction in passenger numbers throughout the Fylde coast (and the UK as a whole) BTS bus timetables are being amended from April 5. A much reduced frequency on all services has now been published with later starting times and last buses departing much earlier than current timetables.

NHS Travel. The company is providing free travel on all bus services for NHS staff

Flat Fare Introduction. With effect from April 5 all bus fares will be standardised at £1.50 irrespective of distance travelled.

New Buses. The imminent delivery by Alexander Dennis of its 2020 tranche of new buses during April will see the final withdrawal of BTS yellow and black branded vehicles from service. This will involve BTS thus

having the youngest fleet of buses in the country. Say goodbye to the 2010 BTS branding - above. Introduced by MD Trevor Roberts to replace the multi liveried fleet with individual 'Line' colours brought in by his predecessor - Steve Burd as part of the 'Metro Coastlines' era from 2001.

A smartly repainted Trident 315 fresh out of the Paint Shop at Rigby Road on Promenade Service 1 heading to 'Fleetwood Freeport' itself later rebranded. Image : John Woodman Hopefully at least one example of this chapter in Blackpool's bus evolution will be retained for posterity by the Company at Rigby Road.