Blackpool Transport Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Blackpool Transport

English Electric Balloon tram at Cabin in July 2006
Parent	Blackpool Borough Council
Founded	1885; 140 years ago (1885)
Headquarters	Rigby Road, Blackpool
Service area	The Fylde Coast, Lancashire
Service type	Tram & bus services
Destinations	Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes, Kirkham, Knott End, Poulton-le-Fylde, Preston
Depot(s)	Starr Gate (Flexity 2 Trams) Rigby Road (Bus and Heritage Trams)
Fleet	135 buses 25 trams Various heritage trams
Chief executive	Jane Cole
Web site	www.blackpooltransport.com

Blackpool Transport Services Limited is a company that runs buses and trams. They operate in the towns of Blackpool and Fylde. Their services also reach nearby areas like Fleetwood, Lytham St Annes, and Preston. Blackpool Transport is owned by the local government, Blackpool Council.

History of Blackpool Transport
Where Blackpool Transport Works From
- Rigby Road Depot
- Starr Gate Depot
Blackpool Transport Bus Fleet
- Bus Designs and Branding
  - Palladium Buses
  - Electric Buses Coming Soon
Blackpool Transport Tram Fleet
Gallery
- Buses
- Trams
See also

History of Blackpool Transport

Blackpool Transport started a long time ago in 1885. The town council created it. At first, they only had trams. These trams ran on electricity using a special system under the tracks.

However, this system was difficult to use. So, in 1899, they changed to overhead wires. This made the trams run more smoothly. In the 1920s, Blackpool Transport added bus services. This helped people travel to even more places.

In 1986, the company became a new legal business. This was due to a new law. Later, in 1994, Blackpool Transport took over another local bus company. This company was called Fylde Borough Transport.

The Metro Coastlines logo used from 2001 to 2010.

In 2001, the company changed its name to Metro Coastlines. They also introduced a new look for their buses. Each main bus route had its own special color. Buses on that route were painted in that color. The famous tramway also had its own unique design.

In 2010, the Metro Coastlines name was stopped. The company went back to being called Blackpool Transport. Buses got a new black and yellow design. They also added a new logo with a tower and waves. Since 2012, the trams have a purple and white design. This matches the main colors of Blackpool Council.

Where Blackpool Transport Works From

Blackpool Transport has two main places where they manage their daily operations.

Rigby Road Depot

The main office for the company is at Rigby Road. This is where all the buses are kept and fixed. It's also home to the older, special heritage trams. The depot has workshops for bus and tram repairs. It also has painting areas. In late 2022, they started updating one of the old buildings. This is to get ready for new electric buses.

Starr Gate Depot

The modern trams are stored and looked after at the Starr Gate depot. This building is right on the promenade. It holds all the newer Flexity2 trams. It has a special area just for fixing these trams.

Blackpool Transport Bus Fleet

As of March 2024, Blackpool Transport has 117 active buses. Most of these are double-decker buses. All their buses now have low floors. This makes them easier for everyone to use. The company bought most of these buses new.

The most common double-decker bus is the Alexander Dennis Enviro400 City. There are many of these in service. For single-decker buses, the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 MMC is the most common type.

Bus Designs and Branding

For many years, from 1933 to 2001, Blackpool buses were green and cream. The way these colors were used changed over time.

When the Metro Coastlines brand started in 2001, buses had different colors for each route. Bus stops and timetables also matched these colors. In 2010, this route-specific coloring stopped. Buses then got a new black and yellow design.

Palladium Buses

In 2015, Blackpool Transport launched a new special brand called Palladium. These buses offer a more comfortable ride. They have WiFi, fancy leather-like seats, and wood-effect floors. They are also painted in a grey and yellow design.

The first route to get Palladium buses was Route 5. Other routes like 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14 also got these upgraded buses. By 2019, all Blackpool Transport buses featured the Palladium branding.

Electric Buses Coming Soon

In late 2022, Blackpool Transport announced exciting news. They received money to buy a whole fleet of electric buses. The first electric buses are expected to arrive by 2024. The goal is to have all buses be electric by 2025. It's not yet known how these new electric buses will look.

Blackpool Transport Tram Fleet

Blackpool Transport also runs the famous Blackpool Tramway. The tram fleet is quite varied. It includes 18 modern Bombardier Flexity 2 trams. These are long, low-floor trams.

They also have nine updated 1930s double-deck English Electric Balloon trams. These are classic trams that have been made modern. Plus, there are many other special heritage trams. These older trams are often used for advertising.

Gallery

Buses

A preserved Leyland Atlantean AN68 bus from 1982.
An AEC Routemaster bus in Blackpool in 1994.
A Leyland Olympian bus in Fleetwood in 2010.
An Optare Solo M850 bus in Blackpool in 2013.
A Mercedes-Benz Citaro bus in Blackpool in 2018.
A Dennis Trident bus in Blackpool in 2013.
An Enviro400 City bus at Pleasure Beach.

Trams

An open-boat tram in Blackpool in 2009.
Centenary tram No. 642 at the Pleasure Beach in 1990.
A Brush Railcoach tram in Blackpool in 2005.
English Electric Balloon tram No. 712 and Millennium tram No. 707 at Sandcastle Water Park in 1998.