(24/02/2019 21:21)gilesbus1 Wrote:  I think the issue with Oldham is a lot more complicated from what I understand much of the losses are here, because Metrolink flows right through and duplicates a number of routes therefore any buyer would face an uphill struggle also the bus depot property won't be available for long as its part of a town centre redevelopment scheme.

So someone would need to completely restructure it. It maybe that someone literally looks at profitable routes and de-registers the rest and lets TfGM pick up the pieces and then moves to much smaller premises or if an existing operator moves to another depot within their territory.

Also FirstGroup might try to restructure Oldham so it gets a better price before selling it onward.

(24/02/2019 22:07)johnluke Wrote:  Rosso needs to move from it's rochdale depot...if I can call it that..It's next to a scrap yard horrible place a mate of mine used to work for rossendale transport when they had Ellen Smith coaches ..It's a s××× hole

(24/02/2019 22:14)gilesbus1 Wrote:  So presumably a possible move to re-open Bury would help, should they buy Bolton?

I guess 50 or so vehicles could move in from Bolton then the entire allocation of Rochdale. That would give 100 or so vehicles there and then another 130-140 or so at Bolton with adequate space to expand both operations.

I presume should Transdev buy Bolton then it will become Bolton Bus Company?

(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.

(24/02/2019 22:22)gilesbus1 Wrote:  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.

(24/02/2019 22:35)acocker96 Wrote:  First abandoned some estates like Limeside years ago, slowly withdrawing from routes like the 404, 405, 406 and the original 183. We’re a stagecoach dominated area we’re ripe for some competition and we have no links to the Metrolink without a 35 min walk.

Going back into the estates is a good way forward potentially I see.

(24/02/2019 22:22)gilesbus1 Wrote:  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.

(24/02/2019 22:22)gilesbus1 Wrote:  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.