Blue Bus of Penwortham
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2009) |
 A Mercedes-Benz Vario/Plaxton Beaver of Blue Bus. | |
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Penwortham, Preston |
| Service area | Preston |
| Service type | Bus |
| Routes | 6 |
| Fleet | Around 15 |
- For other companies known as "Blue Bus", see Blue Bus
Blue Bus is a bus operator based in Penwortham area of Preston in the borough of South Ribble, Lancashire. It operates many routes, including services to Preston City Centre. The company is one of a diminishing number of independent bus companies running in England, many now part of larger groups.
History
Blue Bus of Penwortham was started up in early 2006 by Roger Jarvis. It occurred nine months after he sold Blue Bus of Bolton to Arriva North West and Wales in September 2005.[1][2]
In a joint deal, Roger Jarvis bought Whittaker's Coach Travel from the original owner Richard Whittaker. Roger Jarvis revived the "Blue Bus" name from his original Blue Bus of Bolton.[2]
As a result, Richard Whittaker set up his own bus rental company. This has expanded significantly, offering a range of modern vehicles, and both companies are now closely linked.[2]
In June 2009, with Stagecoach taking over Preston Bus bus usage of Stagecoach in Preston since the takeover in January had increased with better efficiency and a larger network. Blue Bus however suffered losses, forcing it to stop routes to Frenchwood and Broadgate. From 22 June 2009, it will now be operated by Stagecoach in Preston with half contract at first to Lancashire County Council with easy access buses. The service to Broadgate was originally Preston Bus and to Frenchwood was originally Stagecoach in Lancashire.
Routes
Blue Bus of Penwortham operates numerous bus services. As well as standard local and inter-urban bus services, the company operates various school contracts and four Lancashire County Council financially supported services.
Standard services
- 110 Leyland - Seven Stars - Moss Side - Croston - Bretherton - Tarleton - Mere Brow - Crossens - Churchtown - Southport
- 111 Preston - Leyland
- 112 Preston - Lostock Hall - Leyland - Croston - Bretherton
School buses
To cater for the hundreds of students travelling to school in the area every day, Blue Bus operate seven contracted services to various schools. Routes 312, 709, 776 and 787 connect to schools in towns and villages including Lower Adlington, Bamber Bridge, Brindle, Charnock Richard, Chorley, Farington, Higher Walton, Hoghton, Hutton, Riley Green and Tardy Gate as well as in the base town of Penwortham.[3]
Fleet
Blue Bus runs around 15 vehicles on the various routes and contracts shown above. The fleet mainly comprises smaller mini- or midibuses. Mercedes-Benz Varios with Plaxton Beaver bodywork are partially prevalent, with various examples of the type. Both the Plaxton Beaver 1 and Beaver 2 models are operated. Some buses have the older Mercedes-Benz 709D chassis. Vehicles are run in a cream livery with a blue and red skirt, with some others in a livery similar to the Blue Bus of Bolton livery, (as illustrated above) which are painted in pale blue.[4]
Blue Bus was recently reported in the local papers in the area. Most of their fleet are not low floor, wheelchair accessible vehicles. Along with some other operators, the company was criticised by a disabled and paralysed woman, claiming a Blue Bus vehicle arrived but the driver said the ramp didn't work.[5] Some low floor buses were introduced in 2009, bringing back the 'Blue Buggy Bus' slogan from the old Bolton operation.
Districts of operation
See also
References
- ^ English Wikipedia - Blue Bus of Bolton Accessed 15 July 2008.
- ^ a b c Buses Magazine September 2005, Issue 606, ISSN 0007-6392.
- ^ Traveline North West - School services Accessed 15 July 2008, (enter service number for details).
- ^ imr-transport pictures - "Blue Bus (Lancashire), Penwortham" Accessed 15 July 2008.
- ^ Lancashire Evening Post - "Buses 'deny access to disabled people'" Accessed July 15, 2008.
- ^ Carlberry Bus operator details, "Whittakers" Accessed 15 July.
External links
- Traveline North West Details of all public transport services in the region.
- Carlberry Information of services.
- imr-transport pictures Images of fleet.
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