Forum | Merseyside Dennis Dart Website

2918 has arrived here on loan

So brand new E200MMCs are due for the 1 with the E400Cities going to Milton Keynes, are Wales getting any more new vehicles or just these?

(02/07/2026 17:57)Y458 KNF Wrote: [ -> ]So brand new E200MMCs are due for the 1 with the E400Cities going to Milton Keynes, are Wales getting any more new vehicles or just these?

I thought the Citys are going to Southport?

(02/07/2026 18:18)efanmthomas Wrote: [ -> ]I thought the Citys are going to Southport?

I thought the same but according to another forum they are for Milton Keynes in September.

The plan has changed.
I'm speculating here but maybe Arriva will add a batch of E400MMCs on their order for next year when they continue operating the 375/385 when Southport is franchised.

(03/07/2026 17:19)B10B6514 Wrote: [ -> ]The plan has changed.
I'm speculating here but maybe Arriva will add a batch of E400MMCs on their order for next year when they continue operating the 375/385 when Southport is franchised.

Arriva may not win the Sefton Franchise, which includes Southport.
Besides, any vehicles at Southport will be those bought by the LCRCA.

Exactly

Too much beating around the bush and attempted secrecy. Arriva are looking for land around Skelmersdale to continue running the services that aren’t going with the franchising…. To name 2 routes… 375/385.

(04/07/2026 20:18)PO59 MXJ Wrote: [ -> ]Too much beating around the bush and attempted secrecy. Arriva are looking for land around Skelmersdale to continue running the services that aren’t going with the franchising…. To name 2 routes… 375/385.

What beating around the bush and attempted secrecy?
As the 375 & 385 are Southport depot routes they will be included in the Sefton Franchise, whenever the bidding commences and the successful company is announced.
Are you implying Arriva intend to compete with whoever wins the Franchise on those routes?
Also, shouldn't this discussion be on the Arriva Southport thread?

If you read what I posted, you should understand that Arriva will not be competing with anyone as Arriva will continue to operate them services. Why? Because they are not included in the franchise as the majority of the operated mileage is outside of the LCRCA area. The same with other cross boundary routes in the local area. Arriva will continue to operate these routes under a service permit. This has been agreed with the LCRCA, TfGM and Lancashire County Council. This is why Arriva are looking for land to open a depot for these routes to operate from.