Blackburn Bus Company launches 16 new vehicles following £4m investment

The Blackburn Bus Company has received some new low-carbon emission vehicles, which are now starting to be introduced on the popular 464 route between Accrington, Rawtenstall and Rochdale.

Following a multi-million-pound investment from Transdev, parent company of The Blackburn Bus Company, customers in Lancashire will soon be travelling on board brand-new Alexander Dennis Enviro200 vehicles.

These modern single-decker buses are highly fuel-efficient, cost-effective to run, and include the latest accessibility features as standard – two wheelchair spaces, free Wi-Fi, USB Charging, audio next-stop announcements, and hearing loops.

16 low-carbon emission vehicles have now been delivered to The Blackburn Bus Company and will soon be carrying passengers on the popular 464 service between Accrington, Rawtenstall, and Rochdale. These state-of-the-art vehicles are now being introduced into the fleet.

The 464-bus service is an integral part of Lancashire’s public transport network, carrying more than 1.5 million passengers annually between Accrington Bus Station and Rochdale Interchange, via Rawtenstall and Bacup.

As part of its investment strategy, The Blackburn Bus Company are introducing 16 new single-decker vehicles – worth approximately £4 million and built by the renowned Scottish manufacturing company Alexander Dennis – into the fleet.

These low-carbon emission buses (Euro 6 Vehicle Standard) will not only help to improve the air quality in this charming part of Lancashire, but their lightweight design makes them both highly fuel-efficient and cost-effective to run.

According to the manufacturer, the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 model has approximately 15% better fuel consumption compared to other single-decker vehicles. The new buses will also run on high-blend biodiesel, which will further reduce emissions compared to vehicles using regular diesel.

Passenger comfort is a major advantage of the Alexander Dennis Enviro200. Each bus features free Wi-Fi, USB Charging, skylights, back-to-back stop displays, and comfortable moquette-trimmed high-back seats.

Accessibility is also a key focus of these vehicles, with two wheelchair spaces, a built-in wheelchair ramp, wheelchair-facing stop announcement screens, hearing loops for customers who require hearing aids, and audio next-stop announcements.

Buses are presented in The Blackburn Bus Company’s signature light blue colour scheme, with custom-designed livery and rear messaging that promote local attractions and opportunities served on the 464.

For Transdev colleagues, the new vehicles are also a significant upgrade. Drivers gain a state-of-the-art digital dashboard to make operating easier, and a custom-made driver screen to make interactions safer.

General Manager at The Blackburn Bus Company, Frank Stanisauskis, celebrated: “These new buses will have an exceptionally positive impact on our local transport network, the local community who are dependent on the 464 for everyday life, and our amazing colleagues here at The Blackburn Bus Company. We look forward to welcoming customers on board these stylish, modern, and comfortable new vehicles.”

Transdev Blazefield Managing Director Henri Rohard added: “The new 464 delivery, an investment of almost £4 million, demonstrates both our commitment to enhancing our fleets across the North of England – and our dedication to reducing the environmental impact of our buses.”

The 464 serves local communities in Accrington, Rising Bridge, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot, Bacup, and Rochdale. Timetables and routes will not change with the introduction of these new buses, which will continue to run every 15 minutes Monday-Saturday, and half-hourly frequency during the evening and on Sunday.

Transdev’s introduction of 16 new buses for The Blackburn Bus Company follows the rollout of 15 eCitaro vehicles for The Keighley Bus Company, and 15 Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid buses to the FLYER-branded network in 2025.

Timetables for the 464 service can be found on The Blackburn Bus Company website.