Jack
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Post by Jack on Nov 7, 2012 10:33:33 GMT 1
Stagecoach has bought out Bluebird bus of Middleton. The deal though is subject to clearance from the OfT.
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Nov 7, 2012 15:04:10 GMT 1
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Post by sconehead85 on Nov 7, 2012 18:23:59 GMT 1
THIS is how Stagecoach should expand in Greater Manchester, not through competition. The OFT should just p**s off. BTW Stagecoach has a "Bluebird" division in Scotland, as does First.
I was unable to find a fleet list and Bluebird's website has vanished. I know they have a modern all LF fleet, but does anybody know roughly what vehicles they run and in what quantity? I d be most gratifuddled to know.
sconehead85
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Post by clifton on Nov 7, 2012 19:25:01 GMT 1
THIS is how Stagecoach should expand in Greater Manchester, not through competition. The OFT should just p**s off. BTW Stagecoach has a "Bluebird" division in Scotland, as does First. I was unable to find a fleet list and Bluebird's website has vanished. I know they have a modern all LF fleet, but does anybody know roughly what vehicles they run and in what quantity? I d be most gratifuddled to know. sconehead85 Hi sconehead85. You can download one here. It's under Manchester Independents, on the Larger Operators tab. www.freewebs.com/nwbus/fleetlists.htm |
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kendall17
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Post by kendall17 on Nov 7, 2012 19:45:43 GMT 1
THIS is how Stagecoach should expand in Greater Manchester, not through competition. The OFT should just p**s off. BTW Stagecoach has a "Bluebird" division in Scotland, as does First. Just go round buying companies, monopolising the local industry. Yep, thats what we want, I mean with next to no competition, Stagecoach could effectively charge what they want. |
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Post by sconehead85 on Nov 7, 2012 21:05:20 GMT 1
kendall17-Dont forget Stagecoach and First will be rubbing up against each other. The only danger is that Stagecoach could grow TOO big as First did although Stagecoach are modernising their fleet.
clifton- Thanks for telling me but Bluebird are not listed.
Perhaps Arriva could buy JPT, Wigan Bus or Jim Stones?
sconehead85
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Post by deerfold on Nov 7, 2012 21:16:27 GMT 1
THIS is how Stagecoach should expand in Greater Manchester, not through competition. The OFT should just p**s off. BTW Stagecoach has a "Bluebird" division in Scotland, as does First. But if Stagecoach did want to compete with First a bit more, owning Bluebird would be a good step so they've a depot and drivers in the middle of First territory. You could argue it may increase local competition. |
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Post by sharksmith on Nov 7, 2012 22:01:54 GMT 1
Bluebird certainly are on the website Clifton linked, they're right at the top of the Large Independents tab under Manchester Independents. I've just checked myself and it's still there.
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Post by sconehead85 on Nov 7, 2012 22:26:03 GMT 1
clifton and sharksmith- FOUND IT!
This what is likely to pass to Stagecoach
23 Dennis Dart LF (33xxx)
8 ADL Darts (36xxx ?)
4 Optare Solos (478xx)
3 ADL Enviro300 (27xxx)
2 VDL SB120 (359xx)
1 MAN (22xxx)
4 Volvo B6LE (31xxx- may be sold)
1 Volvo B7 dd (16960)
This totals 46 vehicles, but the oddments such as the MAN and the B7 dd may be sold or moved to Wigan along with the 10 ex First buses. Having removed other B6LEs I dont think SC will take them.
Thanks clifton , I overlooked the tab on the website
sconehead85
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Nov 8, 2012 21:13:11 GMT 1
Omnibus blog has an article on the Stagecoach/Bluebird takeover and raises an interesting question, which is 'would First have sold Wigan depot to Stagecoach if they knew that Stagecoach were trying to buy Bluebird and move into north Manchester (First territory)'? omnibuses.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/first-wigan-now-middleton.html |
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Nov 10, 2012 20:34:59 GMT 1
kendall17-Dont forget Stagecoach and First will be rubbing up against each other. The only danger is that Stagecoach could grow TOO big as First did although Stagecoach are modernising their fleet. clifton- Thanks for telling me but Bluebird are not listed. Perhaps Arriva could buy JPT, Wigan Bus or Jim Stones? sconehead85 I think JPT would sell out to Arriva, as First or Stagecoach bids could be subjected to OFT/MMC scrutiny. I hope Bluebird's MCVs and Solo SRs stay at Bluebird for a while as they are classy and distinctive. |
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Nov 10, 2012 22:00:12 GMT 1
There's no guarantee that JPT will sell up, although it'll be interesting to see how they'll react to having Stagecoach competing on the 112. If they did, then I think First and Stagecoach will be ruled out by the OFT.
Not sure on Arriva being the choice, as I'm not sure if JPT would appeal to them. There would have to be some money spent on modernising the fleet, as JPT have a few step-entrance double deckers at the moment. I wouldn't be surprised at someone like D&G Bus (who took over SLT/Strawberry recently) possibly making a move.
As for Bluebird, I imagine that some of the vehicles will stay in place, while they may shuffle some others around and bring in some of their own into Greengate, possibly some Solos and Enviro200s. Can certainly see the MCVs and Solo SRs still be used post-Stagecoach takeover
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Nov 18, 2012 0:31:33 GMT 1
I think this deal may well already have been cleared. Today I saw Stagecoach Darts 33091 on route 112 in Manchester and 33174 on route 183 in Oldham.
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mic
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Post by mic on Nov 18, 2012 20:50:25 GMT 1
I think this deal may well already have been cleared. Today I saw Stagecoach Darts 33091 on route 112 in Manchester and 33174 on route 183 in Oldham. 183 is run from AZ and took over after FGM pulled of the route |
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Matty
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Post by Matty on Nov 18, 2012 20:51:53 GMT 1
They are on loan to Bluebird to "P1-ss First off"
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mic
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Post by mic on Nov 18, 2012 21:31:05 GMT 1
They are on loan to Bluebird to "P1-ss First off" good to hear we had proper buses before the days of lastbus |
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SF07
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Post by SF07 on Nov 19, 2012 22:09:25 GMT 1
Saw a Stagecoach Dart on the 80 this evening. Not sure if it was 33091 though, only caught a quick glimpse of it on Oldham Road when heading the other way.
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