Tameside and Glossop Bus Service Changes, 01 September 2019

Spoils of FirstGroup’s Tamexit sees sweeping changes

• Ashton local services rationalised;
• No more post-7pm buses from Stalybridge to Hyde;
• Sunday and Bank Holiday 236s axed.

Most of this September’s changes are affected by FirstGroup’s retreat from the Tameside area. Within the next month, Tameside’s biggest two bus operators will be Stagecoach Manchester and MCT Travel. As for the service changes, not particularly good reading.

First Greater Manchester Continues Retreat from Tameside

Only three First routes left in Tameside by September 2019

In the last 24 hours, we have heard that First Greater Manchester will continue their retreat from the Tameside area. On the 01 September 2019, there will only be three routes in the borough operated by the successors to GM Buses North.

Tameside and Glossop Bus Service Changes, 21 July 2019

First pulls out of 346 route but, other than that, usual summertime changes

Besides the usual raft of summer timetable changes, the only significant change affects one route that has been shared by two or more operators for nearly three decades.

In Pictures: The Last Days of Mercedes Citaro Operation in Tameside and Oldham

A fond farewell to First Greater Manchester’s longest serving single decker buses

Today [31 March 2018] marked the end of an era in First Greater Manchester’s 22-year history of bus operation. Their Mercedes Citaro single decker buses have been retired from revenue earning service. A popular sight in mainland Europe, the Mercedes Citaro bus has had a mixed reaction on these shores. They are seen as the bus equivalent of the ‘Burning Bush’ valve radio due to their combustibility.

Oldham and Saddleworth Bus Service Changes, January 2018

Retiming for FirstGroup routes and a Rosso retreat

Most of First Greater Manchester’s timing changes will be seen on their trunk routes from Oldham and Saddleworth to Manchester. No changes are planned for the 425 service – timetables or new vehicles.

Whereas only three of FirstGroup’s Tameside routes have seen subtle changes, less subtle changes will be made to Oldham’s routes. Particularly on Manchester bound routes including the 180 and 182. The 181/182 services to Manchester will be at the sharpest end of their changes.

2017, In the Company of Buses

East of the M60‘s review of the year from a public transport angle

One of the biggest bus related events in Greater Manchester was the closure of First Greater Manchester’s Bury and Dukinfield depots. With Tameside’s routes served by Oldham depot, Mercedes Citaros have returned to the scene.

If 2016 was eventful, 2017 was even more eventful to the power of five. Testing our city region’s bus operators, rail franchisees, and the Metrolink was the terror attack at Manchester Arena. Greater Manchester also gained a newly elected mayor, and powers to reregulate its own buses. Also a new stretch of railway line.

Oldham and Saddleworth Bus Service Changes, Autumn 2017

Trunk bus routes revert to schooldays timetable, whereas slimline Saddleworth Sunday route replaces two services

No change for the 409 service, loading at Ashton-under-Lyne bus station.

This autumn, Saddleworth passengers will be seeing the most fundamental service changes, thanks largely to departmental spending cuts affecting TfGM. In place of Sunday and Bank Holiday journeys on the 353 and 354 services, there will be a brand new route. On the plus side, another journey option for the people of Denshaw. On the minus side is a more modest frequency and some changes affecting the more southerly parts of Saddleworth.

Oldham and Saddleworth Bus Service Changes, Summer 2017

Summer bussing, slightest of changes 

Not in the Summer Timetable: the 409 service, loading at Ashton-under-Lyne bus station.

For once, a quiet set of service changes affecting Oldham and Saddleworth bus passengers. This time, just a few tweaks to the summer timetables. Some more First Greater Manchester routes will be seeing a few tweaks, including the 58 and 81A.

Oldham and Saddleworth Bus Service Changes, April 2017

FirstGroup reorganisation and tender changes behind latest updates 

Back on the Denshaw route: Stagecoach Manchester have regained the 407 service at the expense of Rosso – though with a reduced timetable. This image taken in 2015 shows one of their buses on a Bank Holiday Monday journey.

This month will see a few tender changes, albeit with some drastic cuts to their journeys. The already bricked-to-the-point-of-uselessness 408 service will take a battering for one. As for wanting a late night pint at The Fleece Inn in Mossley, you can forget that unless the 350 bus or County Cars forms part of your plans.

Oldham and Saddleworth Bus Service Changes, January 2017

FirstGroup retime journeys following consultation events 

The 409 to Rochdale: one of a few Oldham and Rochdale bound services covered by FirstGroup’s retiming exercise.

If you’ve ever tried catching the 409 in the evening peak, it can be quite a chore. At about half five, you would have had your fill of late buses, missing journeys, and packed vehicles. In this set month’s set of changes, could Oldham and Saddleworth passengers be benefiting from the results of FirstGroup’s consultation?