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.
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| 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.
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| 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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