Blackpool Transport unveiled its £1.7m investment in 10 band new low-floor buses at the official launch on Tower Festival Headland towards the end of last month.
The environmentally-friendly single-decker Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Citaros boast low-floor access, USB charging points, free WiFi, wood-effect flooring, recycled leather seats and next stop announcements. They are adorned with a grey and yellow livery and carry the company’s ‘Palladium’ branding.
Each of the Citaros has seating for up to 45 passengers, plus 32 standees. It is the first investment in new buses since 2010, with the most recent purchases to join the fleet being refurbished vehicles bought from the Isle of Man in 2012.
Bob Mason, Director of Delivery at Blackpool Transport, said: “This is a step-change in quality for us and passengers will really benefit from all the mod cons the new buses have.
“Everything about the buses is also environmentally-friendly.”
Blackpool Transport Driver, Mark Hall, said: “They are very smooth to drive and the turning circle is amazing. I think it’s good for the town as when you put it alongside the investment we’ve had in the trams, it shows passengers we are moving forward.”
Stephen Brookes, Chairman of the Blackpool Transport Passenger User Panel, welcomed the introduction of the new fleet on behalf of passengers.
He said: “We were pleased to be part of the consultation on the original demonstrator and ensure the buses are accessible for everybody including the older people who come to Blackpool during the season.”
The new vehicles have started operating on route 5 route between the Halfway House pub on Squires Gate Lane and Blackpool Victoria Hospital every 10 minutes.
