Blackburn Transport: Difference between revisions
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{{confused|Blackburn Bus Company}} |
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{{one source|date=January 2010}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}} |
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{{refimprove|date=December 2007}} |
{{refimprove|date=December 2007}} |
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'''Blackburn Transport''' was a [[United Kingdom|British]] [[bus company]] that operated bus services within the [[Blackburn with Darwen|Borough of Blackburn and Darwen]] and surrounding areas in [[Lancashire]]. |
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{{Infobox Bus transit |
{{Infobox Bus transit |
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|name = |
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|logo = Blackburn Transport logo.PNG |
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|logo_size = |
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|image = Blackburn_Transport_5.jpg |
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|image_size = 280 |
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|image_caption = [[East Lancs Myllennium Lolyne]] bodied [[Dennis Trident 2]] in January 2004 |
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|company_slogan = |
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|parent = [[Blackburn with Darwen]] Council |
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|founded = 1881 |
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| headquarters = Intack,Whitebirk Road [[Blackburn]], [[Lancashire]], {{UK}} |
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|ceased = 22 January 2007 |
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| service_area = [[Lancashire]] |
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|headquarters = [[Blackburn]] |
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| service_type = Bus services |
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|locale = |
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| destinations = [[Blackburn]], [[Accrington]], [[Darwen]] and surrounding areas. |
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|service_area = [[Lancashire]] |
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| fleet = Approx 120 buses. |
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|service_type = Bus operator |
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}} |
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|hubs = |
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[[Image:LUT Optare Metrorider.jpg|right|thumb|An [[Optare MetroRider]] previously run by Blackburn Transport.]] |
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|stations = |
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|depots = 1 |
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|routes = |
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|fleet = 124 (August 2006) |
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|ridership = |
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|fuel_type = |
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|operator = |
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|ceo = }} |
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'''Blackburn Transport'''<ref name=company2003022>[http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/02003022 Companies House extract company no 2003022] Intack Services Limited formerly Blackburn Borough Transport Limited</ref> was a [[municipal bus company]] based in [[Blackburn]] from 1881 until 2007. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Blackburn_Transport_bus_536_(M536_RCW),_30_December_2008.jpg|thumb|[[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied [[Volvo B6|Volvo B6R]] (2008)]] |
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Blackburn Transport's roots go back to 1881, when Blackburn's first [[Tram#Steam|steam tram]]s were put into operation by the [[Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Company]]. From 1898, the routes were operated by Blackburn and Darwen councils.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/duncan.holden46/trams/chapter1.htm |title=Tramway History: | Chapter 1: |publisher=Homepage.ntlworld.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-31}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> From 1899, work began on converting the network to [[electric tram]]s. The last route to be electrified was completed on December 4, 1903. Blackburn's fleet consisted of 61 [[tram]]s, 48 double-deck and 13 single deck. |
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[[File:Blackburn_Transport_bus_8_(OCW_8X),_2012_Trans_Lancs_bus_rally.jpg|thumb|Preserved [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders|East Lancs]] bodied [[Leyland Atlantean]] in September 2012]] |
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Blackburn Transport's history can be traced back to 1881, when the [[Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Company]] commenced operating [[Tram#Steam|steam tram]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Co. Ltd. 1881-1899|url=http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/tramways/blackburn2.htm|website=Peter Gould|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> From 1898, the routes were operated by Blackburn and Darwen councils. From 1899, work began on converting the network to [[electric tram]]s. The last route to be electrified was completed on 4 December 1903. |
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Blackburn's fleet consisted of 48 double deck and 13 single deck trams. Buses started being introduced in 1929, when six routes were put into operation. Twelve vehicles (6 [[Leyland Tiger (front-engined)|Leyland Tigers]] and 6 [[Leyland Titan (front engined double-decker)|Leyland Titans]]) were put into service on these routes. Trams and buses operated together for the next 20 years. |
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The first tramway route was abandoned in favour of buses in 1935, although further plans to put more tramway routes out of action were put on hold due to the interruption of [[World War II]], during which time, tramway maintenance deteriorated markedly. |
The first tramway route was abandoned in favour of buses in 1935, although further plans to put more tramway routes out of action were put on hold due to the interruption of [[World War II]], during which time, tramway maintenance deteriorated markedly. The tram system closed in September 1949. |
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Blackburn Corporation purchased 83 new buses to replace the defunct trams, and, as a result, it was a further seven years before any more new buses were required. From 1974, due to a re organisation within the local government, the company became known as Borough of Blackburn Transport. |
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The tram system finally closed in September 1949. Tram number 74 made its final journey, from the Boulevard bus and tram station, to the Intack Depot, amongst crowds of people bidding their final farewells. |
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The livery changed from being predominantly green to green at the bottom, then white and also a red roof, recalling the predominant colour of neighbouring Darwen Transport, which Blackburn had absorbed. As a result, they were given the nickname of '[[Italian flag]]'. Twelve [[Leyland Atlantean]]s were the first vehicles to receive this new livery, a model of bus that would become a predominant feature of the fleet. |
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Blackburn Corporation bought 83 new buses to replace the defunct trams, and, as a result, it was a further 7 years before any more new buses were required. |
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In 1983, the livery changed again. The 'traditional all green livery' style was brought back. |
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From 1974, due to a re-organisation within the local government, the company became known as 'Borough of Blackburn Transport'. The livery changed from being predominantly green to green at the bottom, then white and also a red roof, recalling the predominant colour of neighbouring Darwen Transport, which Blackburn had absorbed. As a result, they were given the nickname of '[[Italian flag]]'. Twelve [[Leyland Atlantean]]s were the first vehicles to receive this new livery, a model of bus that would become a predominant feature of the fleet. In 1983, the livery changed again. The 'traditional all-green livery' style was brought back. |
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To comply with the [[Transport Act 1985]], the Borough of Blackburn's bus operations were transferred to a separate company.<ref name=company2003022/> The livery underwent yet another change, with the predominantly green scheme being split by white stripes around the windows. Also in this year, the company began operating holiday trips under the Blackburn Coachlines brand. |
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In 1990, an all cream coloured, with dark green bands livery was introduced. At this time, the fleet was beginning to show its age, with the major part of the company's vehicles still being made up of [[Leyland Atlantean]]s, although some of the older buses had been replaced by 26 new [[MCW Metrorider]]s in the end of the 1980s. |
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Second hand buses and some new models were bought consistently from 1999, although intake slowed again after 2005, due to falling profits. |
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In 2002, the 'MetroNetwork' was introduced. This offered passengers a simpler view of the services network, known as 'tracks', and the fare structure was also amended, with the introduction of many fare-saving schemes. Some buses were given overall advertising to promote these features. |
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In 2002, the ''MetroNetwork'' was introduced. This offered passengers a simpler view of the services network, known as 'tracks', and the fare structure was also amended, with the introduction of many fare-saving schemes. Some buses were given overall advertising to promote these features. |
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2003 saw many changes within the company. 'Blackburn Coachlines' was abandoned following a slump in passenger travel on the service following the [[9/11 terrorist attacks]]. Also, the new 'Schools +' services were introduced. These buses, mainly ECW [[Leyland Olympian]]s were given a predominantly yellow livery, but with green relief. They were in full operation by August 2004. |
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In 2003, the Blackburn Coachlines operation ceased. Also, the new ''Schools +'' services were introduced. These buses, mainly [[Eastern Coach Works]] bodied [[Leyland Olympian]]s were given a predominantly yellow livery, but with green relief. They were in full operation by August 2004. |
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In 2005, the company's [[website]] was launched (see external links below) which offered customers up-to-date information on [[Public transport timetable|timetables]], [[fare]]s and news and a section was also included for [[enthusiast]]s. |
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The first introduction of route |
The first introduction of route branded vehicles came in 2006, with the renaming of the old outer circle service the 'OC'. Two double decker buses were given a new orange, purple and yellow livery, and in a similar fashion to what [[Blackburn Bus Company|Lancashire United]] have done, created a new, separate website for the service. |
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===Takeover=== |
===Takeover=== |
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On 16 August 2006, |
On 16 August 2006, [[Blackburn with Darwen]] Council announced that after 125 years of municipal ownership, Blackburn Transport had been sold to [[Transdev Blazefield]] which, following a number of delays, took place on 22 January 2007, with Blackburn Transport integrated into [[Blackburn Bus Company|Lancashire United]].<ref name=LancashireTelegraph16Aug06>[http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/881010.burnley_buys_up_blackburn_buses/ Burnley buys up Blackburn buses] ''Lancashire Telegraph'' 16 August 2006</ref><ref>[http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=939&categoryid=0 Chester for sale and Blackburn for Blazefield] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812175010/http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage.aspx?id=939&categoryid=0 |date=12 August 2014 }} ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 21 August 2006</ref><ref name=OfT24Apr07>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927204025/http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/361227/Lancashire.pdf Completed acquisition by Lancashire United Limited of the business and assets of Blackburn Borough Transport Limited] Office of Fair Trading 24 April 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.olivegreenandivory.co.uk/bus_chapter4.htm Blackburn Transport - The End] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185649/http://www.olivegreenandivory.co.uk/bus_chapter4.htm |date=29 October 2013 }} Olive Green & Ivory</ref> |
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On 30 April 2007 the Office of Fair Trading approved the take-over of Blackburn Transport by Lancashire United. The details of the merger had been asked to be looked into by an unnamed competitor, but the OFT have ruled that the merger is to their satisfaction and that it will not be referred to the Competition Commission (the old Monopolies & Mergers Commission). |
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==Routes== |
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===Local/Metro Network=== |
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Routes listed here before the takeover are now operated by [[Lancashire United]]. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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| '''Track 1 ''' || Darwen Cemetery - Darwen - [[Blackburn]] - Accrington |
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| '''Track 2''' || [[Blackburn]] - Wilpshire Warrenside Close |
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| '''Track 4''' || [[Blackburn]] - Higher Croft circular |
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| '''Track 5a''' || Blackburn Outer Circle Anti-Clockwise |
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| '''Track 5c''' || Blackburn Outer Circle Clockwise |
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| '''Track 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d''' || [[Blackburn]] - Shadsworth circulars |
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| '''Track 10''' || [[Blackburn]] - Witton Wensley Fold |
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|- |
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| '''Track 10a''' || [[Blackburn]] - Lammack - Beardwood - Revidge - Wensley Fold circular (evenings and Sundays) |
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|- |
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| '''Track 10C''' || [[Blackburn]] - Wensley Fold - Revidge - Beardwood - Lammack circular (evenings and Sundays) |
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| '''Track 11''' || [[Blackburn]] - Witton Gorse Road |
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| '''Track 12''' || [[Blackburn]] - Lammack - Revidge |
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| '''Track 13''' || [[Blackburn]] - Revidge - Mellor - Mellor Brook/Osbaldeston |
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| '''Track 14''' || [[Blackburn]] - Little Harwood - Sunnybower |
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| '''Track 15''' || [[Blackburn]] - [[Royal Blackburn Hospital]] - Chapels - [[Darwen]], 15A and 15C to Hoddlesden/Spring Vale (evenings) |
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| '''Track 16''' || [[Blackburn]] - Royal Blackburn Hospital - [[Darwen]] - Hoddlesden or Spring Vale |
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| '''Track 18''' || [[Blackburn]] - Mill Hill - Green Lane - Feniscowles |
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| '''Track 19''' || [[Blackburn]] - Ewood - Leyburn Road - Feniscowles |
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| '''Track 21''' || Openshaw Drive - Blackburn - Mill Hill |
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| '''Track 22A''' || [[Blackburn]] - Mill Hill - Green Lane - Leybun Road circular |
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| '''Track 22C''' || [[Blackburn]] - Mill Hill - Leyburn Road - Green Lane circular |
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| '''Track 22''' || [[Blackburn]] - Mill Hill - Green Lane circular |
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|} |
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===Contract services=== |
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Blackburn Transport operated several council and school contracts around Blackburn, Darwen and surrounding areas. The company also operated school contracts in the Blackpool and Fylde area. |
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{| |
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| '''39 ''' || || [[Blackburn]] - Buncer Lane - Pleasington cemetery |
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|- |
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| '''314 ''' || || Darwen - [[Blackburn]] - [[East Lancashire Coachbuilders]] |
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|} |
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===Football bus=== |
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On match days when the [[Blackburn Rovers]] football team were playing a special bus service was provided for those visiting the match at [[Ewood Park]]. |
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*'''A''' Accrington - Blackburn - Ewood Park |
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*'''C''' Darwen Cemetery - Darwen - Ewood Park |
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==Fleet== |
==Fleet== |
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As at August 2006, the fleet comprised 124 buses.<ref name=LancashireTelegraph16Aug06/> |
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Blackburn Transport owned a mixed fleet of over 95 low-floor and step-entrance single and double deck buses with four of them stationed at Blackpool for school contract work, this fleet is now inherited and operated by [[Lancashire United]]. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- style="background:#f9f9f9;" |
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|'''Type''' |
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|'''Body''' |
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|'''Number''' |
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|- |
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! colspan="5" style="background:#99c; color:white;"| Single deck vehicles |
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|- |
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|[[Dennis Dart]] |
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|Plaxton/Transbus MPD |
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|16 |
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|- |
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|[[Optare MetroRider]] |
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|Optare |
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|14 |
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|- |
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|[[Volvo B6]]R |
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|[[East Lancs EL2000]] |
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|4 |
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|- |
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|[[Volvo B10BLE]] |
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|[[Wright Renown]] |
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|12 |
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|- |
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! colspan="5" style="background:#99c; color:white;"| Double deck vehicles |
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|- |
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|[[Leyland Olympian]] |
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|[[Leyland Bus|Leyland]] |
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|5 |
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|- |
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|Leyland Olympian |
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|ROE |
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|1 |
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|- |
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|[[Leyland Olympian]] |
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|E.C.W |
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|25 |
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|- |
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|[[Volvo Olympian]] |
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|[[Northern Counties Motor and Engineering Company|Northern Counties]] |
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|3 |
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|- |
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|[[Dennis Trident 2]] |
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|[[East Lancs Myllennium Lolyne]] |
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|5 |
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|} |
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== |
==Garage== |
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Blackburn Transport operated out of a garage in Intack, Blackburn, with six buses out stationed on the [[Fylde Coast]].<ref name=OfT24Apr07/> |
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*[[List of bus operators of the United Kingdom]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category |
*{{commons category-inline}} |
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*[https://www.flickr.com/groups/2022367@N20/ Flickr gallery] |
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*[http://www.olivegreenandivory.co.uk Olive Green & Ivory] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130509213804/http://olivegreenandivory.co.uk/ Olive Green & Ivory - history of Blackburn Transport] |
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{{Bus companies in North West England}} |
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{{Defunct British Bus Companies}} |
{{Defunct British Bus Companies}} |
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{{Blackburn with Darwen culture}} |
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{{Transdev UK bus divisions}} |
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[[Category:Former bus operators in England]] |
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[[Category:Transport in Blackburn]] |
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[[Category:Transport in Lancashire]] |
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[[Category:Companies based in Blackburn]] |
[[Category:Companies based in Blackburn]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Former bus operators in Lancashire]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Transport in Blackburn with Darwen]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1881 establishments in England]] |
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[[Category:2007 disestablishments in England]] |
Latest revision as of 11:11, 4 March 2024
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2007) |
Parent | Blackburn with Darwen Council |
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Founded | 1881 |
Ceased operation | 22 January 2007 |
Headquarters | Blackburn |
Service area | Lancashire |
Service type | Bus operator |
Depots | 1 |
Fleet | 124 (August 2006) |
Blackburn Transport[1] was a municipal bus company based in Blackburn from 1881 until 2007.
History
[edit]Blackburn Transport's history can be traced back to 1881, when the Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Company commenced operating steam trams.[2] From 1898, the routes were operated by Blackburn and Darwen councils. From 1899, work began on converting the network to electric trams. The last route to be electrified was completed on 4 December 1903.
Blackburn's fleet consisted of 48 double deck and 13 single deck trams. Buses started being introduced in 1929, when six routes were put into operation. Twelve vehicles (6 Leyland Tigers and 6 Leyland Titans) were put into service on these routes. Trams and buses operated together for the next 20 years.
The first tramway route was abandoned in favour of buses in 1935, although further plans to put more tramway routes out of action were put on hold due to the interruption of World War II, during which time, tramway maintenance deteriorated markedly. The tram system closed in September 1949.
Blackburn Corporation purchased 83 new buses to replace the defunct trams, and, as a result, it was a further seven years before any more new buses were required. From 1974, due to a re organisation within the local government, the company became known as Borough of Blackburn Transport.
The livery changed from being predominantly green to green at the bottom, then white and also a red roof, recalling the predominant colour of neighbouring Darwen Transport, which Blackburn had absorbed. As a result, they were given the nickname of 'Italian flag'. Twelve Leyland Atlanteans were the first vehicles to receive this new livery, a model of bus that would become a predominant feature of the fleet.
In 1983, the livery changed again. The 'traditional all green livery' style was brought back.
To comply with the Transport Act 1985, the Borough of Blackburn's bus operations were transferred to a separate company.[1] The livery underwent yet another change, with the predominantly green scheme being split by white stripes around the windows. Also in this year, the company began operating holiday trips under the Blackburn Coachlines brand.
In 1990, an all cream coloured, with dark green bands livery was introduced. At this time, the fleet was beginning to show its age, with the major part of the company's vehicles still being made up of Leyland Atlanteans, although some of the older buses had been replaced by 26 new MCW Metroriders in the end of the 1980s.
Second hand buses and some new models were bought consistently from 1999, although intake slowed again after 2005, due to falling profits.
In 2002, the MetroNetwork was introduced. This offered passengers a simpler view of the services network, known as 'tracks', and the fare structure was also amended, with the introduction of many fare-saving schemes. Some buses were given overall advertising to promote these features.
In 2003, the Blackburn Coachlines operation ceased. Also, the new Schools + services were introduced. These buses, mainly Eastern Coach Works bodied Leyland Olympians were given a predominantly yellow livery, but with green relief. They were in full operation by August 2004.
The first introduction of route branded vehicles came in 2006, with the renaming of the old outer circle service the 'OC'. Two double decker buses were given a new orange, purple and yellow livery, and in a similar fashion to what Lancashire United have done, created a new, separate website for the service.
Takeover
[edit]On 16 August 2006, Blackburn with Darwen Council announced that after 125 years of municipal ownership, Blackburn Transport had been sold to Transdev Blazefield which, following a number of delays, took place on 22 January 2007, with Blackburn Transport integrated into Lancashire United.[3][4][5][6]
Fleet
[edit]As at August 2006, the fleet comprised 124 buses.[3]
Garage
[edit]Blackburn Transport operated out of a garage in Intack, Blackburn, with six buses out stationed on the Fylde Coast.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Companies House extract company no 2003022 Intack Services Limited formerly Blackburn Borough Transport Limited
- ^ "Blackburn and Over Darwen Tramways Co. Ltd. 1881-1899". Peter Gould. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
- ^ a b Burnley buys up Blackburn buses Lancashire Telegraph 16 August 2006
- ^ Chester for sale and Blackburn for Blazefield Archived 12 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 21 August 2006
- ^ a b Completed acquisition by Lancashire United Limited of the business and assets of Blackburn Borough Transport Limited Office of Fair Trading 24 April 2007
- ^ Blackburn Transport - The End Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Olive Green & Ivory
External links
[edit]- Media related to Blackburn Transport at Wikimedia Commons
- Flickr gallery
- Olive Green & Ivory - history of Blackburn Transport