Blackpool Corporation
Blackpool Corporation Transport began in 1885 with an electric tramway by a private company. The Corporation took over in 1892 and expanded with the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad in 1920. Trams ran on several routes, including the Promenade and Fleetwood. The first bus service started in 1921, connecting Cleveleys and Thornton Railway Station. By 1933-1940, 115 new trams and 154 buses were introduced. From 1961-1963, trams were replaced by buses, and the fleet grew to 180 Leyland Titans. In 1974, Blackpool Corporation became Blackpool Borough Council, and the transport department was renamed 'Blackpool Transport.'
Blackpool 246
Blackpool standardised on unique centre entrance double deck buses from 1933, a design so iconic that it also featured on the art-deco extension of Blackpool's town hall.
Post war, two batches of 50 double deckers were delivered between 1949 and 1951, of which 246 was one of the first batch arriving in December 1949 and is one of only two survivors.
Blackpool 346
Purchases of new buses during the 1950s retained the full-front design but moved to the traditional rear platform and 50 Leyland PD2s joined the fleet with the last arriving in 1959.
346 survived to the end of regular PD2 operation in March 1975 and then saw use for the Illuminations Department. Active use ceased in spring 1982.
It awaits completion of restoration work.
Blackpool 516
Blackpool’s half cab buses gained classic bus status towards the end of their lives, but in fact it was not until 1965 that Blackpool adopted this conventional double deck bus design. Prior to this the town’s buses were unique full fronted models such as No.246 and 346.
Blackpool 529
No.529 is another example of the half-cab design of buses 501-540 but it was actually one of the first to be withdrawn but was quickly purchased for preservation.
It is restored in the typically Blackpool all-cream livery, so characteristic of the 1970s.
Blackpool 554
Economics of bus operation led to One Man Operation of bus services starting in the late 1960s as staff costs increased but bus passenger numbers declined.
55 AEC Swifts joined the fleet between 1969 & 1975 and no.554 is restored to original all-cream livery.
Blackpool 570
The second batch of AEC Swifts had different body styles with a curved windscreen and higher driving position and no.570 is restored to the 1980s livery of darker green and off-white.
Blackpool 334
Although rear engined double deckers were introduced in the late 1950s, it wasn't until 1977 that the breed were introduced to Blackpool, replacing conductor operated buses from the 1960s.
334 was one of 64 Leyland Atlanteans purchased.
Blackpool 362
Despite being a late comer to the Atlantean, Blackpool purchased batches with East Lancs bodies until the type was no longer available.
No.362 was delivered in 1982 and is restored in the 1990s post-deregulation livery style.
In 2026, it featured on ITV's Britains Got Talent.
