Diamond Bus North West

[Valandil]

RE: South Lancs Travel

(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.