First 2016/17 order

[Metroline1511]

RE: First 2016/17 order

(30/04/2016 19:43)Dentonian Wrote:  Actually, Stagecoach's investment in Greater Manchester (53 'deckers) is somewhat higher than in recent years, and as mentioned before First never reveal their plans for GM in advance, so we don't know. As for other operators in GM and surrounding areas, it is believed Rotala specifically bought South Lancs with an eye on franchising. Not sure about the others; Arriva have retrenched recently; High Peak probably aren't geared to urban ops; Transdev might want to charge even higher fares than already exist here. Go-Ahead have never shown an interest in the North West, and again I suspect are more used to high fares, high quality, high(er) speeds, like Transdev. As for NatEx, I think GM will be a culture shock, as they are used to hogging 70+% of any market they are in.

Thank you for your thoughtful analysis. I agree with most of your views about the respective companies. Admittedly High Peak may bid for isolated routes on the eastern fringes.

Go-Ahead is interesting here. They were preferred bidders for Arriva MTL Gillmoss in 2000 but then pulled out to expand in the south. They did look at Stagecoach PrestonBus in 2011 but were not prepared to outbid Rotala. Maybe if First lose interest in north Manchester upon franchising, Go-Ahead will buy out the operation? Go-Ahead love running tendered bus routes in London.