Lancashire United Transport Company Overview and Facts

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Lancashire United Transport was a bus company that operated in Lancashire, England.

The company was formed in 1924 and was acquired by Ribble Motor Services in 1928.

The company's fleet consisted of over 100 buses, including single-deckers and double-deckers.

These buses were used to transport passengers across the region.

Lancashire United Transport was known for its efficient services, with many routes connecting major towns and cities in Lancashire.

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History of Lancashire United Transport

Lancashire United Transport has a rich history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1905 as Lancashire United Tramways Ltd to operate the South Lancashire Tramway system.

The tram system was initially centred on the towns of Leigh and Atherton in South Lancashire, with lines running towards St Helens, Wigan, Bolton, and Salford. Trams continued to run under the "South Lancashire Tramways" fleetname.

After World War I, LUT took the opportunity to operate motorbus services using the "Lancashire United" fleetname. By 1926, the bus fleet had reached a total of 100 operating over 21 routes.

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The company changed its name in 1926 to Lancashire United Transport and Power Company Ltd to reflect the widened range of business activities. LUT continued to operate routes in South Lancashire until it was purchased by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive in 1976.

Here's a brief timeline of key events in the history of Lancashire United Transport:

In 2001, Stagecoach sold its East Lancashire operations to Blazefield Travel, which was later split into Lancashire United and Burnley & Pendle. The company invested in new vehicles, including 30 new Wright Renown bodied Volvo B10BLEs.

Lancashire United continued to operate routes in the area, including the 152, 225, and Hyndburn Circulars. The company also took over the Accrington local bus network from Accrington Transport in 2008.

The fleet history of Lancashire United is marked by the introduction of new vehicles, including Leyland Olympians and Volvo B10BLEs. The company also inherited a couple of Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts and Mercedes-Benz Vario minibuses at the Clitheroe depot.

The company's fleet has undergone significant changes over the years, with many models being bought and sold. However, the Leyland Olympians and Volvo B10BLEs remained with the company for years.

Bus Fleet Information

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Lancashire United Transport had a mix of old and new buses in its fleet when it took over Stagecoach Ribble in 2001. The fleet was largely made up of aging buses, including double-decker models like Bristol VRs and Leyland Atlanteans.

Many of these older buses were eventually replaced by more modern models, such as Leyland Olympians and Wright Renown bodied Volvo B10BLEs. By September 2001, most of the older buses had been phased out.

The company also inherited a few newer buses, including Plaxton Pointer bodied Dennis Darts and Mercedes-Benz Vario minibuses. These were mainly based at the Clitheroe depot.

In 2007, Lancashire United took delivery of 25 new buses, Wright Eclipse bodied Volvo B7RLEs, which were originally destined for Burnley & Pendle. These buses were painted in a distinctive white and sandy gold livery with purple branding.

Company Information

Lancashire United Transport is a bus company based in Lancashire, England. It operates a fleet of buses across the region.

The company was established in 1995 and has since grown to become one of the largest bus operators in Lancashire.

Lancashire United Transport is known for its reliable and efficient services, which connect towns and cities across the county.

Operations

Credit: youtube.com, Lancashire United 100 event

Lancashire United Transport's operations are a testament to their commitment to efficient service.

The company operates a fleet of over 200 vehicles, ranging from small vans to large articulated lorries.

Their network spans across the UK, with a strong presence in the North West region, where they are well-established.

Lancashire United Transport has a dedicated team of drivers and staff who work tirelessly to ensure timely deliveries.

Their logistics operations are supported by a state-of-the-art computer system that helps streamline processes.

The company has a reputation for reliability, with many customers trusting them to handle their cargo.

Their experienced drivers and modern vehicles enable them to transport a wide range of goods.

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Visual Identity

Lancashire United Transport has a rich history of visual identity, with various liveries and branding schemes over the years.

The original livery of Lancashire United was cream with blue and red stripes, but it's been largely replaced by new liveries. As of September 2010, most buses received a new livery of blue and yellow with a distinctive red rose swooping up along the curve.

Credit: youtube.com, walk around Lancashire United 27

The new Lancashire United livery is being standardized across the fleet, replacing both the Spot On and The Lancashire Way liveries. This livery features a yellow and blue color scheme with a red rose design.

Some buses still carry older liveries, such as the two-tone green and cream livery inherited from Blackburn Transport. This livery is gradually disappearing as the new Lancashire United livery takes over.

Lancashire United also had a livery called Spot On, which was predominantly white with sandy brown skirts and featured lifestyle pictures of passengers on the back of the buses. However, this livery is being replaced by the new Lancashire United livery.

Here's a summary of the different liveries used by Lancashire United:

  • Lancashire United: Yellow and blue with a red rose design
  • School buses: All-yellow livery scheme
  • Eclipse Driver Training: White with blue and yellow stripes
  • Spot On: Predominantly white with sandy brown skirts and lifestyle pictures of passengers
  • The Lancashire Way: White with a distinctive red Lancashire rose and white stripes

Helen Stokes

Assigning Editor

Helen Stokes is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in researching and assigning articles on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of numismatics, with a particular focus on commemorative coins and Canadian currency.

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