(04/03/2015 09:33)motormayhem1 Wrote: [ -> ]Not sure about rotala myself but what they have done with preston bus as impressed me as personally i don't think having a young fleet matters so long as the maintenance is at a good standard and is dda compliant when it needs to be then all passengers want is a warm , safe bus that turns up on time or doesn't break down .
I agree with this 100 Percent, I dont see the big deal about the age of the Bus, it should be down to its Performance and meeting the DDA rules
(04/03/2015 09:58)Dentonian Wrote: [ -> ]Remember, First and Stagecoach are successors to the "incumbant" GMN/GMS in Greater Manchester, with Arriva only appearing by acquisition (Bee Line, Blue Bus etc). This SLT deal has come out of the blue, but as regards the others:
Finglands: Nothing was broadcast at the time, but my information was that it was Arriva NOT Stagecoach, who were behind the objections to the MMC forcing the inquiry into First's acquisition.
Bluebird: As with Maynes, the Operator wanted to quit the business and approached Stagecoach. ie. These were far from "hostile" take overs.
Jpt: It was literally who was best placed at very short notice to save the services when it became clear Jpt were to cease trading.
I would doubt Rotala would make serious commercial inroads "eastwards" as First have Operational rights to the Leigh Guided Busway, and Reregulation is (supposedly) around the corner.
Let's not forget though that with regards to the Mayne's takeover Transdev were very keen to but out the bus operations and I was told at the time had some brilliant ideas on taking the business further but the face that would have to operate straight away from a new depot proved to costly and they backed out.
It's interesting to know that these larger operators who operate on the fringes of GM are still keen to buy into what often seems like a stagnant market.
(04/03/2015 09:03)Mayneway Wrote: [ -> ]I only really follow what's going on buses wise in the North West, but do Rotala compete much with Travel West Midlands or do they operate along side each other similar to how First and Stagecoach used to be in Manchester.
I've always been impressed with what Rotala have done with Preston Bus, but it's obvious they don't have the funds to invest in a younger fleet straight away but the fleet looks very modern.
There is some competition from Rotala with National Express in the West Midlands, e.g. route 50 in South Birmingham.
Their general approach seems to be to pick certain corridors, charge lower fares than the incumbent, and use strong branding where possible (check out their former 'black diamond' branding).
They do also seem to pick up a few tenders on the side.
I would not be surprised if they look for some work in Manchester, as they currently operate routes in Coventry out of a depot quite far away in Birmingham.
I wonder whether Rotala will drop some of the SLT vehicle registrations in favour of conventional registrations?
It seems that D&G have sold SLT to Rotala within 8 weeks of buying BakerBus.
Rotala could mop up other tendered work and independents in Greater Manchester, such as Wigan Buses, MCT, M Travel or Stotts.
I have read the claim that Arriva are playing down their Bolton operation, but that the upgrade of route 575 to Sapphire disproves this. What is notable is that route 575 starts from Wigan which is already served by plenty of other Arriva interurban routes.
Whats been loaned in i can only find mention for 3 of them for my fleetlist i put up yesterday on my site
(07/03/2015 10:12)Metroline1511 Wrote: [ -> ]I have read the claim that Arriva are playing down their Bolton operation, but that the upgrade of route 575 to Sapphire disproves this. What is notable is that route 575 starts from Wigan which is already served by plenty of other Arriva interurban routes.
As I've posted in the Bolton thread if Arriva stick with few core routes in Bolton/Salford I reckon they could be run out of St Helens/Wythenshawe and Bolton closed down. It's just my view that the network now is smaller and less profitable than what Huyton ran for Arriva and was still closed down in 2006.
Routes EL1 and 319 are currently diverting via St Helens road Scarth Hill lane and Ruff lane in Ormskirk possibly due to congestion in the area.
And what you have to remember is bolton depot is leased and is still owned by roger jarvis who owns wigan coachways and look at what happened to skem when the 362 got took and put into bolton that got shut down not long after.
How many discs does Arriva at Bolton have , if Bolton was to close would those discs be able to be used elsewhere ?