First Bus has announced a £750,000 investment in a Rochdale bus depot and the creation of up to 50 jobs as it prepares to take on responsibility for running Bee Network services in the area from March.
The former Transdev site on Corporation Street will have enhanced engineering facilities, including a new double-height workshop bay, as well as an improved yard area.
Meanwhile, the operator has begun a campaign to recruit more than 30 drivers and 12 engineers to supplement employees who will transfer from Transdev.
Paul Townley, General Manager at Rochdale, says: “We’re delighted to have agreed the lease of the site and are keen to get started on major improvements. The investment we are making will create an excellent working environment and we are already seeing strong interest in the vacancies available.
“This new depot supports high-skilled jobs locally and regionally. As we continue to invest in the Rochdale area First Bus is determined to help build the economy and link key communities as we support the latest phase of the Bee Network.”
A fleet of 60 buses from the depot will serve more than 30 routes in the Rochdale and Bury area, plus six school services, and this could increase to 90 vehicles, says the operator.
Meanwhile, First Bus’s existing depot in Oldham will be transferred to Stagecoach, who will take over services there under the second tranche of bus franchising in Greater Manchester this spring.
