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RE: First Manchester - P528LND - 24/04/2013 16:28
As far as I know Optare advertised the Optare Solo as being only serviceable for 12 years, maybe First are accepting this and thinking about replacements in the near future...
I can see Oldham Depot totally scrapping their local tenders (402, 403, 404, 406, 410 and 411) and them services passing to someone like MCT, however this is just my opinion. This would remove the need for Optare Solos in the Oldham fleet, and with rumour of those MPDs for Bury depot, Rochdale is practically covered by them, if not including some Citaros from both depots for locals in Rochdale.
This in my opinion is the most likely demise of the Solo in Greater Manchester, while I believe the Cummins powered M950s of Ashton may power on for a little while longer than the Mercedes engined examples.
RE: First Manchester - Polo Mint - 24/04/2013 17:22
Why don't the Solo's last very long?
I must admit I have seen some Y reg plates, so not worth painting those.
I don't see why First has to get rid of tenders, particularly when they have been going after them, seems a bit of a U-turn.
Maybe some Solo SR or Streetlites (small version) can be bought?
RE: First Manchester - Wright Eclipse - 24/04/2013 17:50
(24/04/2013 17:22)Polo Mint Wrote: Why don't the Solo's last very long?
I must admit I have seen some Y reg plates, so not worth painting those.
I don't see why First has to get rid of tenders, particularly when they have been going after them, seems a bit of a U-turn.
Maybe some Solo SR or Streetlites (small version) can be bought?
dont forgot theyve got aload of small ex-jersey Darts currently being referbished,they could send some here
seems odd firstbus withdrawing Y > 02reg solos when operators are referbishing R/S/Treg ones!
RE: First Manchester - jimbo - 24/04/2013 21:28
Btw, quite a lot of Rochdale minibus routes are based in Oldham;
438,451,452,455,458,462... so... these can be done on old darta but yeah...
It would be nice to see a bit of variety in who runs the tenders in Oldham, as first do have a monopoly, well the 183 is partly funded... but apart from the 159 it is purely First...
RE: First Manchester - Mayneway - 24/04/2013 23:08
(24/04/2013 21:28)jimbo Wrote: Btw, quite a lot of Rochdale minibus routes are based in Oldham;
438,451,452,455,458,462... so... these can be done on old darta but yeah...
It would be nice to see a bit of variety in who runs the tenders in Oldham, as first do have a monopoly, well the 183 is partly funded... but apart from the 159 it is purely First...
There is a bit of variety in Oldham though, Stott's have the 407, Checkmate have the 418 and MCT have the 400 town shuttle service as well as the 159.
Id like to think that Stott's would and could make a big return to oldham in the future, but the problem is many of these tenders are grouped together by the big boys which puts smaller operators off going for them.
RE: First Manchester - YSV-205 - 25/04/2013 10:12
(24/04/2013 17:22)Polo Mint Wrote: Why don't the Solo's last very long?
I must admit I have seen some Y reg plates, so not worth painting those.
I don't see why First has to get rid of tenders, particularly when they have been going after them, seems a bit of a U-turn.
Maybe some Solo SR or Streetlites (small version) can be bought?
One of their very old solo's X615-OBN (40312) so that will never get repainted, was operating the School service 816 in Cheadle / Cheadle Hulme on Tuesday this week and everyday since a newer solo. I wonder what tomorrow's will bring!
RE: First Manchester - jimbo - 25/04/2013 11:41
(24/04/2013 23:08)Mayneway Wrote:(24/04/2013 21:28)jimbo Wrote: Btw, quite a lot of Rochdale minibus routes are based in Oldham;
438,451,452,455,458,462... so... these can be done on old darta but yeah...
It would be nice to see a bit of variety in who runs the tenders in Oldham, as first do have a monopoly, well the 183 is partly funded... but apart from the 159 it is purely First...
There is a bit of variety in Oldham though, Stott's have the 407, Checkmate have the 418 and MCT have the 400 town shuttle service as well as the 159.
Id like to think that Stott's would and could make a big return to oldham in the future, but the problem is many of these tenders are grouped together by the big boys which puts smaller operators off going for them.
Not only that but first will run them at cost price or lose money just to pose dominance
RE: First Manchester - P528LND - 26/04/2013 01:44
(25/04/2013 11:41)jimbo Wrote:(24/04/2013 23:08)Mayneway Wrote:(24/04/2013 21:28)jimbo Wrote: Btw, quite a lot of Rochdale minibus routes are based in Oldham;
438,451,452,455,458,462... so... these can be done on old darta but yeah...
It would be nice to see a bit of variety in who runs the tenders in Oldham, as first do have a monopoly, well the 183 is partly funded... but apart from the 159 it is purely First...
There is a bit of variety in Oldham though, Stott's have the 407, Checkmate have the 418 and MCT have the 400 town shuttle service as well as the 159.
Id like to think that Stott's would and could make a big return to oldham in the future, but the problem is many of these tenders are grouped together by the big boys which puts smaller operators off going for them.
Not only that but first will run them at cost price or lose money just to pose dominance
Indeed that is true, however after what we've just seen with the 183 how long will they keep that up? The monopoly is a bit ridiculous to be honest here in Oldham, and makes me wonder how VOSA could possibly have had the audacity to investigate into the Wigan and Bluebird acquisitions...
In my opinion I don't see First replacing its minibus fleet any time soon. I imagine many others would agree on that subject :P
RE: First Manchester - Wright Eclipse - 26/04/2013 07:23
(26/04/2013 01:44)P528LND Wrote:unless Oldhams solos start doing what they like to do in bradford & set themselves alight,that way only choice is to get replacements unless they send out the current solos burnt out shells(25/04/2013 11:41)jimbo Wrote:(24/04/2013 23:08)Mayneway Wrote: There is a bit of variety in Oldham though, Stott's have the 407, Checkmate have the 418 and MCT have the 400 town shuttle service as well as the 159.
Id like to think that Stott's would and could make a big return to oldham in the future, but the problem is many of these tenders are grouped together by the big boys which puts smaller operators off going for them.
Not only that but first will run them at cost price or lose money just to pose dominance
Indeed that is true, however after what we've just seen with the 183 how long will they keep that up? The monopoly is a bit ridiculous to be honest here in Oldham, and makes me wonder how VOSA could possibly have had the audacity to investigate into the Wigan and Bluebird acquisitions...
In my opinion I don't see First replacing its minibus fleet any time soon. I imagine many others would agree on that subject :P
RE: First Manchester - SF07 - 26/04/2013 10:12
First are taking part in the Catch the Bus Week next week by donating money to Macmillan. For every extra bus journey registered on the website from Monday 29 April until Sunday 5 May, First will donate £1 to the charity. This will apply to all First bus companies.
First Manchester will also donate at least £250 to three local charities with the charity receiving the most votes gaining an extra £250. The three charities are Manchester Army Cadet Force, MedEquip4Kids and Ronald McDonald House (Manchester Children's Hospital)
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/greater_manchester/about_us/catch_the_bus_week/