In 1994 Blackpool Transport took delivery of six Volvo Olympian YN2RC15Z4 buses, carrying Northern Counties Palatine II, 72 seat bodies. These were to be the last step entrance vehicles bought new for the fleet although further second hand Olympians were obtained in the late 1990s. Throughout their time with the operator they carried various liveries and served many routes around the town, being relegated to school services as the end of their operational days neared. On Saturday 23rd of July 2016 the buses were withdrawn marking an end to step entrance buses in Blackpool and making the Transport, DDA (Disability Discrimination Act 2005), compliant.
After receiving its first repaint for seven years of turquoise and yellow, M374 SCK entered service on route Line 11 on 23rd January 2002, and was the first vehicle of the six to receive Metro Coastlines livery. It was painted in its current livery in October 2012, prior to which it had received the black and yellow livery in 2005. After withdrawal the bus was bought for preservation in November 2016 to safeguard its future.
The final day of operations for the buses were served by vehicles M374 SCK,(374)- M375 SCK, (375) & M377 SCK (377) on service 1 as part of a standard service from Starr Gate to Fleetwood operating on normal fares and timetables.
Current owner Mark Whitehead will maintain its appearance as withdrawn but hope to revert to the Metro Coastlines 11 livery in the future.
