Stagecoach Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: Stagecoach Manchester

(05/02/2015 20:58)james Wrote:  the 700 isnt a tfgm spec contract its a private one like the 37 stotts operate with a h or j reg b10 citybus the spec afaik is for a min of 40 seats and the same bus at all times unless vor (like yellow buses supposed to) but has to fit broadbottom bridge. at the time stagey took over it sk depot had the most spare drivers so was given to them as az was struggling a lil bit at peak. when speedwell had it they were supposed to use a marshall dart or 2 varios but often at the end cut corners using 1 vario

The 36/37 that Stotts operate are for Oldham Hulme Grammer school not Bluecoat. For many years Stotts operated them commercially but they now run as private hires organised directly by the school. I'm told that pupils need to pre book to use the services each term and the only spec for the contracts is that every pupil must have a seat and I think more recently the school has insisted on seatbelts hence why the elderly G and J reg ex Cardiff Scania's are used as they have been fitted with seatbelts.

I think the Bluecoat services are slightly different. Stotts used to run most if the services commercially but I know Stagecoach took over the 127 from Mottram a few years ago at the same time they picked up the 700. Intestingly they often use a MAN on the 127 in the mornings and there's plenty of kids standing so I would think the only reason ST use the B10M is because of the bridge at Broadbottom.

As it's a 'private' contract obviously no age limits apply and I assume it's also not effected by the DDA rules coming into force, but it must be a juicy contract for Stagecoach to keep two elderly high floor vehicles, that soon won't be able to be used on anything else, roadworthy for a school contract.