The 10 new vehicles, representing a £2m investment, are expected to enter service on the Palladium service in the summer
Blackpool Transport is to invest over £2m in a fleet of 10 new-generation ADL Enviro400 City buses.
As well as a stylish new interior and exterior look, including a glazed stairwell – the new 10.5m double-deckers will include eco-leather seats, wood-effect floors, WiFi, USB charging points and next stop audio-visual announcements.
The vehicles will be powered by Euro 6 engines and come complete with fuel saving ‘smart accessories’ and stop-start capability.
The new buses are due to be delivered in the summer of this year and will be the first one-door variants of the recently introduced City bus. They will have 27 seats and a wheelchair location on the lower deck, and 45 seats in the upper level.
They will operate on the high profile Palladium service (route 9) between Blackpool town centre and Cleveleys, and replace five Volvo Olympian double-deckers and five Optare Solo midi buses.
Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, commented: “The introduction of these leading-edge vehicles forms part of our on-going investment in modern buses.
“Our aim is to enhance the customer experience, provide value-for-money and encourage people out of their cars and onto public transport.
“The ADL Enviro400 City bus is a stunning, high performance, eco-friendly vehicle that sets the pace and reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and further enhancement of the passenger experience.”
Richard Matthews, Sales Director for ADL Retail Bus and Coach, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Blackpool Transport on this break-through contract.
“They will be the first transport operator in the country to introduce the one-door 72-seat variant of the Enviro400 City, which we launched just a few months ago. As we said at the time, it brings together style and innovation.
“In addition to the latest low-emission technology, it introduces a whole range of new features. The glazed stairwell is obviously a big attraction, as is the wrap-around driver’s windscreen with the wipers recessed at the top.
“Customers are also intrigued by the combination of the shallow upper deck front window, which – along with hopper windows and other design features – significantly reduces solar heat on warm, sunny days. And, of course, our unique QRG (quick release glazing) continues to be as popular as ever.”
Richard confirmed that ADL is now in discussions with a number of other bus operators, both in London and wider afield, with a view to securing further City bus orders.
