Leather seats and wifi on new buses

Blackpool Transport is set to take delivery of 25 new buses next March at a cost of £5.5m.

The purchase is the second phase of a £7.74m financial package agreed by Blackpool Council, which owns Blackpool Transport, and which has already seen 10 new buses go into service this year.

The latest batch of Enviro 400 City buses will operate on the number 14 route with upstairs seats grouped around three tables.

There will also be USB charging points, wifi, e-leather seating, wood effect flooring and audio/visual announcements.

Coun Christine Wright, chairman of Blackpool Transport, said: “At the moment we only have wifi on the lower deck, whereas the new buses will have wifi upstairs as well.

“That, along with the new seating layout, will mean people can use their laptops while they are on the bus.

“It will be good for students, for example, who tend to like to sit upstairs.

“The older buses are also more expensive in terms of upkeep and maintenance so it makes sense to replace them, and it means our residents will get the best buses that are out there.

“The new vehicles are environmentally friendly which means we are cutting down on our carbon footprint as well.”

Jane Cole, managing director at Blackpool Transport said “We have been delighted with the fantastic feedback received from locals and visitors alike on the 10 buses introduced this year.

“We are particularly proud of having responded to the needs of our disabled passengers who appreciate the low floor entry, wide access gangway and spacious wheelchair areas.

“Delivering an exceptional customer experience is our primary focus and these 25 new vehicles will continue to allow us to do so.”