First Manchester

[gilesbus1]

RE: First Manchester
Well the vehicle transfer rumours to appear to have something in them as a Volvo B7RLE has gone in the opposite direction to Oldham from Queens Road, but I am unsure why this has happened as I've said before any body with half a bit of sense would simply move stuff onto Queens Road and not all over the place. Unless of course its to do with Andy Burnham's plan that was released slightly later to charge buses older than 62 reg £100 for entering Greater Manchester and therefore Go Ahead threaten to pull out of the deal so its some sort of softener to keep them as buyer, rather than go back to the market place.

As for other depots I think that is some time off so possibly time to sort something out in regards to that, like transferring stock in from elsewhere if a buyer demands it, or a low purchase price.

I also understand that Vantage will not go to any buyer and FirstGroup will retain this, however it is less clear with the 582, as the staff are interlinked between both routes and also the Green bus fund recently announced for electric vehicles that was won was dependable on electric buses for Vantage (also due) and electric buses for the 582 sharing the same charging points, so rather difficult if owned by two separate owners, therefore possibly likely that service will also remain with FirstGroup, unless the bid money is to be turned down or deferred in the case of the 582. Also if owned by a different operator there would be difficulty carrying Vantage staff on other operators buses and another issue is that the spare vehicles for Vantage operate on and off on service 582 especially the three 63 plate Volvo B7RLE's acquired from First Hampshire 69537-69539, and also at times 36279/80 . Presume these will be operated by First West Yorkshire on a small Manchester licence, perhaps a reactivated Pennine License.