Blackpool Transport signs Michelin Effitires contract

Blackpool Transport has agreed a five-year renewal of its Effitires by Michelin solutions comprehensive tyre management programme. The pence-per-mile deal covers Blackpool Transport’s 38 midibuses, 24 full-size single-deck buses and 73 double-deckers, all of which operate from the company’s central depot in Rigby Road. A 10-vehicle ‘reserve fleet’ is also covered under the Effitires contract, as are the Leyland Olympian open-topped and Leyland Atlantean AN68 buses maintained as part of Blackpool Transport’s “heritage fleet”.

Bob Mason, Blackpool Transport’s director of delivery, said the company appreciates “the value for money the premium fitments provide,” while the company works closely with Michelin solutions to increase longevity, safety and durability – and therefore reduce tyre-related downtime. Effitires provides Blackpool Transport with a dedicated team of business support personnel, auditors and technicians to achieve this. Mason adds that “Michelin solutions handles everything from a tyre perspective, so the Effitires programme promotes peace of mind, as well as cutting down on bureaucratic red tape.”

In addition to administrative assistance, Michelin solutions will also carry out fleet-wide tyre safety inspections and ensure a productive and responsive supply chain, so Blackpool Transport can continue to fit its Michelin tyres in-house. The operator’s fleet sports a variety of Michelin urban bus tyres,, which feature reinforced sidewalls to protect against kerbing and cut down on wheel interventions and downtime.

Blackpool Transport will also fit Michelin Remix tyres under the contract – retreaded fitments designed to provide “almost the same performance as new Michelin tyres,” with obvious ecological benefits.