'Reliability and punctuality' - Blackpool Transport update on bus changes coming into effect TODAY
“These are designed to help us better meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
Bus users across Blackpool are set to see a series of changes to local services coming into effect today (30 August), with timetable tweaks and route changes being introduced across the network.
Blackpool Transport says the changes are designed to deliver a more robust and reliable service, including additional early morning journeys and alterations to several routes serving the town centre.
The changes include additional early morning trips from Mereside Tesco serving Marton and Whitegate Drive.
The renamed Cross Town 4 service, which follows the same route as existing Cross Town 3A buses, will continue to operate every 30 minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday, and hourly in the evenings and on Sundays.
Additional morning services are also being introduced to help commuters get into Blackpool earlier in the day.
There will also be a minor route change between Norbreck and Cleveleys, with buses using Fleetwood Road instead of North Drive and Anchorsholme Lane. Those locations will continue to be served by Service 3 buses.
Jamie Swift, Head of Commercial, explained: “Introduced in response to customer and stakeholder feedback, the amended route and extra buses are among several timetable tweaks across the local bus network. These are designed to help us better meet the needs of the communities we serve and evolving travel patterns, while improving reliability and punctuality.”
Other changes coming into effect from August 30 include minor timetable changes to Cross Town 3 services, with peak-time diversions along Faraday Way being removed.
Local Link 18 services will now operate via West Park Drive and Stanley Park Gates instead of East Park Drive, in a move aimed at avoiding heavy traffic which has previously caused delays, particularly on weekday afternoons.
In Blackpool town centre, Local Link 18 buses will also serve the North Station stops on Talbot Road in both directions, replacing the current inbound route via Topping Street.
The School Service X2 will also be renamed the 5X service, with morning and afternoon buses retimed to reflect increased traffic along the route.
The renumbered 5X service will depart from Corporation Street stop CO4 instead of Central Library, with the change intended to provide better connectivity with other services across the network.
“All these changes reflect our commitment to acting on feedback from customers to deliver the best possible transport network for both residents and visitors to Blackpool and surrounding areas,” Jamie added.