Stagecoach has been awarded all three of the large local service contracts that form part of the second tranche of bus franchising in Greater Manchester, which covers the north-east of the conurbation.
The group will take up those contracts from 24 March 2024 for five years, with two optional extensions of one year each. Small franchise contracts under the latest awards have gone to Rotala-owned Diamond Bus North West (DBNW), and First Manchester.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) describes the three large contracts as capturing depots in Middleton, Oldham, and Queen’s Road to the north of Manchester city centre. Stagecoach already has an operating centre in Middleton, but at Oldham and Queen’s Road it will displace First Manchester and Go North West, respectively.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham confirmed the awards on 23 June. Success for Stagecoach will see it run 87 routes with 349 buses under the three large service contracts.
947 employees will transfer from First Manchester and Go North West, while those already with Stagecoach at Middleton will remain with the business.
Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director Lee Wasnidge says that the operator is “extremely proud” to have been chosen for the three large contracts. It follows the award to Stagecoach of 17 home-to-school franchise contracts under the first phase of reregulation, in the Bolton and Wigan areas.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the Mayor, GMCA and Transport for Greater Manchester to implement planned improvements for customers on the Bee Network,” adds Mr Wasnidge.
“Our shared goal is to deliver outstanding service, create a more sustainable future, develop stronger communities and build a brighter future for our region.” 50 BYD ADL Enviro400EV battery-electric double-deckers are already on order for the second franchising tranche, in addition to 50 ordered previously for the first round.
Of the small franchise contracts, DBNW has won the single award for Oldham. It involves two routes and six vehicles. The business will operate it from a site in Eccles that is to primarily deliver franchised services in the first tranche via multiple small contracts.
DBNW Executive Director Bob Dunn has welcomed the award in Oldham. “This franchise contract will operate alongside the previous seven awarded in tranche one, and we look forward to further success in tranche three,” he says.
In Rochdale, First Manchester has been awarded both small franchises. They will utilise up to 40 buses, the group has confirmed.
Naming of the winners in the second tranche of franchising in Greater Manchester follows the award of first round contracts in December 2022, which saw Go-Ahead Group as the major beneficiary. It will take up that work on 24 September.
The final tranche, covering the southern part of the conurbation, requires bid submissions on 10 November. Those contracts will be awarded on 22 March 2024 to commence operation on 5 January 2025. Early 2025 will also see the introduction of capped contactless payments across bus and tram services.
