First Manchester

[gilesbus1]

RE: First Manchester

(24/02/2019 22:05)Brickmill Wrote:  The reaction of First to Metrolink Phase 3 has been somewhat different to Arriva and Stagecoach, as in there hasn't really been a reaction. There is still something like 14 buses an hour along Oldham Road (Mon-Sat daytime) and the 81 has actually been increased at the Manchester end. They have cut services to Shaw and beyond to Rochdale, but these were already in decline. Most other OM services aren't in competition with Metrolink, but one of the arguments for franchising has been both First and Stagecoach cutting local services instead of often, less profitable services to/from Manchester. This suggests that other Operators could take on some First services commercially, especially as TFGM simply won't have the budget - at least not in 2019/20.
This might leave First (or a buyer) with a leaner operation that would help with options of an alternative OC, but would it surpress the overall value. Also, bear in mind Re-development plans have a habit of dragging on for many years and often being cancelled due to various financial or legal reasons.

Yep that is a fair point especially as what is proposed at Oldham is a town centre development and based on the decline of town centre's might have the likelihood of falling flat on its face. I understand already Marks & Spencer withdrew its interest.

I think, and not sure if you feel the same?, that operators need to start thinking about feeder services to Metrolink off nearby estates which might increase employment opportunities for local communities and also increase accessibility. The Bus and Tram should ideally work alongside one another not against each other. That said there does need to be a cheaper alternative also for those who don't have money for two sets of fares.