Diamond Bus North West

[Winston]

RE: Diamond Bus North West

(01/07/2019 22:14)gilesbus1 Wrote:  Presumably Rotala could re-bid for those if they so wish?

Vantage as I understand it is only until March 2021 then its due to be re-tendered anyway, presume then it will transfer back to someone with a base at this end (Stagecoach, Rotala, Arriva) and Rusholme will close permanently.

Guess future expansion could come from finding holes in the network that need filling, and there are probably quite a few, one example could be extending the 695 Leigh - Bolton Hospital onward to Bolton, thus re-establishing a direct link between Bolton and Tyldesley and Astley and introducing another service between Bolton and Bolton General Hospital.

Yes, when they're up for renewal. But not gaining those two tenders with the Bolton op is no great shakes.

Not sure on date for Vantage, but it will be re-tendered, again Rotala may well bid as it's a decent chunk of work assuming the money is right.

Rotala will have some decent commercial services, plus the 571, 572 & 575 re-join under common ownership. There may also be opportunities to take on routes from First Oldham, should that depot ever be scaled back if no buyer is forthcoming. I also wondered at some point whether Jim Stones Leigh might sell out / retire. There seems plenty of scope to improve & integrate their various services from 11th Aug.