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Edwards Coaches Marks 100 Years with National Express Collaboration

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When your business turns 100, you want to mark the occasion with more than cake and a commemorative mug. For Edwards Coaches , the largest operator in the National Express network, the centenary year has kicked off in style with the delivery of a dual-branded Caetano Levante 3A bodi ed Scania K410EB6, complete with the bespoke registration NX25 BUS . Edwards Coaches It’s a coach, yes, but also a case study in clever brand alignment, long-term partnership and how visual identity can reinforce strategic messaging. Coming from a marketing background, I can’t help but appreciate the detail behind the design and what it signals for the next chapter of a company that’s been on the road since 1925 . A moving celebration of a century in service The new vehicle is more than a fleet addition; it’s a symbol of how Edwards Coaches has evolved from a family-run service in the Welsh Valleys to a national player operating 116 daily services on behalf of National Express. The Levante 3A , now one...

Anybus Smartcard En Route to the Fylde Coast

From the 11th of November, getting around the Fylde Coast will be a breeze. The AnyBus smartcard is launching, giving you one ticket to use across most bus services in the area. Whether you’re hopping between Blackpool and Fleetwood or cruising down to Lytham St Annes, you’re covered. No more juggling different tickets or fretting about which bus company you’re with—just tap and go.

A man sitting in a bus drivers seat while two men in suits stand nearby, pointing at a Ticketer ticket machine. The scene is inside modern Alexander Dennis Enviro200 bus with large windows, and its cloudy outside.
Lancashire County Council

Need to switch buses mid-journey? No problem. With AnyBus, your ticket works for the whole trip, even if you’re swapping operators. Planning a day out? Take one bus there and another back, all on the same card. It’s that simple.

For younger passengers, there’s even more to shout about. The Under-19s AnyBus card offers discounted fares, making it cheaper for students to get to school or college—or just to meet mates at the weekend. It’s a win for the wallet and gives more freedom to explore.

What the leaders say

Cllr Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
"Your AnyBus smartcard is your ticket to easy travel in your local area.

"The great advantage of AnyBus is that, once you’ve registered and received your card, you only need to buy one ticket to start to enjoy flexible travel options across multiple operators.

"There is also an Under-19s Anybus Smartcard which allows the card holder to buy cheaper Under 19s Anybus tickets, making travel more affordable for young people.

"This complements the first AnyBus scheme launched in Preston and shows our commitment to rolling out multi-operator bus ticketing to areas across Lancashire."
Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council cabinet member for economy and built environment, said:
"The Anybus smartcard provides a new way of travelling across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast.

"Having a multi-operator ticket allows customers greater flexibility by choosing to travel with different operators, making travel easier and more convenient."

How to get your card

It’s really easy to get started. You can apply online or pop into the Blackpool Transport Customer Centre or the Archway Travel Depot in Fleetwood to pick one up. Once you’ve got your card, load it up online, then just tap it on the bus. You can buy tickets for a day, a week, or even 28 days, depending on your travel habits.

This scheme is part of a broader effort to make public transport more attractive. Backed by £41.9 million in government funding, AnyBus is designed to simplify travel and encourage more people to leave the car at home. It’s already been a hit in Preston, and there are plans to expand it further, including to Blackpool’s tram network.

Three smiling men in business attire energetically pose while holding cards in front of a lineup of buses in various colors. The background includes a car park and Blackpool Tower in the distance.
Lancashire County Council

Why it matters

Let’s face it—bus travel can sometimes feel a bit complicated, especially when different bus operators are involved. AnyBus aims to take the stress out of the equation, making it as easy as possible to get around.

Lancashire has already seen a boost in bus use, thanks to initiatives like £1 evening fares and the £2 journey cap. The AnyBus smartcard builds on that momentum, offering passengers more flexibility and value for money.

If you’re a regular on the buses—or even if you’re not—the AnyBus card could make your life a lot easier. One ticket, multiple operators, zero hassle.

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