Blue Bus of Penwortham


 * For other companies known as "Blue Bus", see Blue Bus'''

Blue Bus is a bus operator based in Penwortham, Lancashire. It operates many routes, including services to Preston City Centre.

History
Blue Bus of Penwortham was formed in early 2006 by Roger Jarvis. It occurred nine months after Jarvis sold Blue Bus of Bolton to Arriva North West and Wales in July 2005.

Roger Jarvis also purchased Whittaker's Coach Travel and revived the Blue Bus name from his former Blue Bus of Bolton operation.

In June 2009, with Stagecoach having purchased 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 incurred losses, forcing it to cease operating routes to Frenchwood and Broadgate.

Services
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.

Route 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 services
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.

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, which are painted in pale blue.