Stagecoach Greater Manchester’s Quality Partnership Gamble

Could £142m ten-year partnership proposal be a last gasp attempt to derail bus franchising in Greater Manchester?

With only weeks to go till Andy Burnham makes his decision on the future of Greater Manchester’s bus network, Stagecoach Greater Manchester have come up with proposals for a £142 million partnership scheme. Published today, the City Region’s biggest bus operator has suggested a plan where Stagecoach Greater Manchester’s profits could be shared with Transport for Greater Manchester.

Two-Year Fundraising Drive Raises £31,139 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

Stagecoach Greater Manchester’s two-year fundraising campaign pays off for RMCHC

Stagecoach Manchester has rounded off a successful two years supporting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity (RMCHC) by announcing it has raised a massive £31,139 for the cause.

Have Your Say on Bus Franchising in Greater Manchester

Bus franchising consultation to begin in October

Next month, the people of Greater Manchester will be involved in a far-reaching consultation to transform the city region’s bus routes.

FirstGroup Restructuring Update: New Bolton Depot Location

Residual Bolton operations to move to Blue Bus garage

Though there are eleven days to go till Diamond Bus North West takes over First Greater Manchester’s Bolton depot, some of Bolton’s First routes will be operated by First after the 11 August 2019. These concern evening journeys on the 2 and 68 routes and the Vantage family of bus routes.

FirstGroup Restructuring: Sale of Bolton Depot to Rotala

Reorganisation of First Greater Manchester to leave Oldham as its only depot

In the continuing saga of First Greater Manchester’s contraction, FirstGroup have announced the sale of their Bolton depot to Rotala plc. The transfer of its Weston Street garage, over 500 staff and 18 bus routes is expected to be completed within months.

FirstGroup to Quit Greater Manchester Bus Operations

Got a spare £20m? First Greater Manchester are selling its bus operations to rival operators in the conurbation

First Greater Manchester is set to quit Greater Manchester, as the transport conglomerate reviews its operations across the UK. The fourth largest part of the FirstGroup bus empire has recorded sharp losses in the last year. Its Greater Manchester bus operations made a £5.7 million loss making it their worst performing constituent of the Aberdeen-based company.

First Greater Manchester Goes Contactless

New Ticketer machines ushers in start of contactless travel on First Greater Manchester routes

In line with other FirstGroup subsidiaries across the UK, contactless payments will be available on First Greater Manchester bus routes. From the first weekend in September, all First buses will be able to accept contactless credit and debit cards as a payment option.

First Greater Manchester’s Digital Fare Freeze

Fares held for smartphone users but on-bus prices rise

First, the bad news. Bus fares are going up again on First Greater Manchester’s routes. To soften the blow, passengers from the 02 January 2017 can pay last year’s fares if they download a smartphone app. Which is good if you have a Windows Phone, iOS, or Android device.

The X34 Factor: Simon Cowell and Olly Murs Lookalikes Launch Leigh Limited Stop Route

A “yes” from Stagecoach Manchester for new express service

This week, Stagecoach Manchester surprised passengers as it launched its new combined 34 and X34 services from Leigh to Manchester, with an impromptu ‘X34 Factor’ show adding excitement to the regular morning commute.

Wigan Depot Defects to Stagecoach Manchester

New era for Wigan and Leigh passengers as Stagecoach Manchester takes over First Greater Manchester’s Wigan operations

This time next year, FirstGroup’s Barbie livery may be no more on the 540, replaced by the orange, red and blue swirls of Stagecoach. Part of the acquisition may see a reduction in non-standard vehicles, such as this Optare Excel, acquired via First Manchester’s purchase of Timeline.

Some of you may remember that FirstGroup are in the midst of selling less lucrative operations to rival companies. The depots which FirstGroup are selling off have been chosen carefully. Each area up for sale, or sold, have enough potential as going concerns, though no longer reach FirstGroup’s targets.