Blackpool Transport Launches 25 New Enviro400 City buses
The promenade at Blackpool was awash with new buses on Sunday 9th April when Blackpool Transport officially launched 25 new Enviro400 City buses, manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).
These buses are the latest investment by the company in the last 3 years and at a cost of over £5m they significantly bolster the existing fleet.
Blackpool Transport stunned the general public by carrying out a unique celebration of their latest investment, parading all 25 of the buses in convoy along the world famous Blackpool Tramway. The buses were officially unveiled on the Blackpool Festival Headland later in the day, with 15 of the buses on show for the general public to enjoy.
The launch was officially recognised by Councillor Christine Wright cutting the ribbon, with speeches from Jane Cole (Managing Director), Cllr Christine Wright (Chair, Blackpool Transport) and Richard Matthews (Sales Director, Retail Bus, ADL).
Jane Cole, Managing Director for Blackpool Transport comments; “The delivery of these 25 vehicles, which are supplied by British manufacturer Alexander Dennis, fulfils my commitment to boost our fleet year on year. My vision is to ensure no bus in Blackpool is older than 5 years by 2020, with 54 buses out of a fleet of 140 now finished in the high grade Palladium specification we are well on our way to delivering on our promises to our customers.
Our unique partnership with Alexander Dennis has been pivotal in getting to where we are today. Working with the UK’s leading bus manufacturer provides the opportunity for us to continuously improve and invest in the latest technology available and ensure we are constantly improving the customer experience.”
Richard Matthews, of ADL says: “We are extremely proud to be a part of this journey which is radically changing the transport landscape in Blackpool. What we have achieved so far is testament to like-minded teams of people getting connected to take a vision and mould it into reality.
We are committed to supplying Blackpool Transport with the most modern, fuel efficient, environmentally friendly and customer-focussed buses available in the market today and look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming years.”
The 25 new vehicles are now in service and can be seen operating predominantly on route 11 & 14, two of Blackpool Transport’s most popular services.