Blackpool Council is set to approve a £16.2m loan for Blackpool Transport to invest in new vehicles, marking the end of three years of the company’s five-year rejuvenation plan.
The loan facility is based on acquiring 54 double-decker and 18 single-decker vehicles, which Blackpool Transport (BTSL) expects to be purchased from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).
The first of the new buses are set to be delivered in October, 2017, and this batch will include two disabled wheelchair spaces, two TfT screens as well as infotainment. The remainder of the vehicles will be delivered over the next three years, with the last to be delivered in March, 2020.
The fleet replacement programme will allow the company to operate a fleet of 126 Palladium branded buses.
BTSL’s intention is to dispose of buses when they reach five-years old to continuously offer their customers the best possible experience when using services.
BTSL’s Finance & Commercial Director, James Carney, said: “The changes are not just about new buses. At the same time as our partnership with ADL is driving down unit costs, we are delighted that revenues are growing on core routes because of a quantum leap in our customers’ experience. [Managing Director of Blackpool Transport] Jane Cole, myself and the rest of the BTSL Board are committed to being part of Blackpool’s economic revival.
Blackpool Council Leader, Cllr Simon Blackburn, said: “This is more good news for Blackpool and continues the drive to improve the quality of public transport serving the town and the wider area.
“Continued investment is needed to revitalise the service given that many buses in the fleet are becoming tired and costly to run.
“The benefits are many. The new buses will be more reliable, more environmentally friendly and more economic to operate. We also anticipate that a more modern fleet will attract new users.
“We have already helped Blackpool Transport fund the purchase of 35 new buses within the last two years and this additional investment will see another 72 vehicles added to the fleet from 2017 to 2020.
“This loan structure is a sensible solution. It will allow Blackpool Transport to complete its bus replacement plans very quickly without having to lease vehicles at a higher cost or source more expensive alternative funding.”
