First Manchester

[gilesbus1]

RE: First Manchester

(08/07/2019 20:18)Mrboo Wrote:  With MCT moving out of Rosso I could see Transdev doing a deal for Rochdale routes from First maybe as they have the base. and as I would think Stagecoach / MCT going for rest of First Oldham routes as I cant see a Buyer for Mumps

There is also another thing in the equation with Rochdale, that being that the former Mellor Street depot is/was for sale, so an operator might buy that separately with a view to routes there.

Diamond also could do such routes as the Kirkholt and attach it on the end of a 471 for example.

Of course the issue with Oldham is what does an operator actually get, as the depot tenancy isn't secure as the site has been reserved for development. So therefore if you paid money for it and Andy Burnham's plan came off you having nothing to show for it and no secure base and an elderly none suitable fleet, therefore you've bought nothing secure. So suspect Transdev and Rotala take the northern routes in Rochdale and Middleton with Stagecaoch and MCT taking Oldham routes and services into Manchester. Also First may keep some routes itself and operate them from Huddersfield or Todmorden, (Cross Boundary Routes and those on the Pennine's itself).