Go-Ahead Group says that it is making “final preparations” for bus franchising in Greater Manchester as its Go North West subsidiary readies to begin operating the first two large local service contracts in the conurbation on 24 September.
That will see it take on depots in Bolton and Wigan, along with staff from six “incumbent bus brands” and vehicles, and drivers who are new to the industry. The two contracts capture 50 routes and over 320 buses, of which 50 of the latter are BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers ordered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
Efforts are well underway already to remove legacy brands from incoming vehicles in favour of the yellow Bee Network livery and identity. Go North West says that mobilisation efforts for the two large franchises have been in hand for 10 months since the awards were made in December 2022.
Speaking about the impending change, Managing Director Nigel Featham says: “It is all change for Manchester’s buses, and we have a team of over 1,000 people ready to go this weekend. We have been working around the clock for months on a mammoth operation – every vehicle, every depot and every driver needs to be ready.
“We are determined to deliver world-class public transport for a world-class city. Go-Ahead is proud to be working with the Mayor and with TfGM over this exciting changeover weekend.”
Rotala will also take over a number of small local service franchise contracts from the 24 September changeover date.
The second tranche of reregulation in Greater Manchester, covering the conurbation’s north-east from 24 March 2024, will see Stagecoach take up all three large contracts and First (two) and Rotala (one) operate the small contracts. Winners of the third tranche have not yet been announced by TfGM.
