With the franchising of the bus network in Greater Manchester fast approaching us, I thought I’d start a page where I could keep track of goings on, and share my thoughts – not that anyone would want to know my thoughts but you’re here now!

Depot Tracker

Only listing awards of ‘big depot’ franchises.

DepotIncumbent Operator
(pre-franchising)		Incoming OperatorMisc.
Tranche 1
24 Sept ’23		Tranche 2
24 March ’24		Tranche 3
5 Jan ’25
Tranche 1
WiganStagecoach
Aquired 2012 ex-First		GNW  PVR: 74
 Talks on-going regarding sale of land and depot.
A ‘plan B’ is a brand-new purpose built depot in Martland Park – planning permission pending.
Bolton
Weston St		Diamond
Aquired 2019 ex-First who built the depot		GNW  PVR: 192
 Vantage moving from Arriva Bolton currently operated by First.
SLSC T1 8&9 included after Diamond hit the 7 contract SLSC limit in T1.
Tranche 2
Queens RdGNW
Aquired 2019 ex-First/ex-GM		 Stagecoach Incl. FreeBus
Middleton
Greengate		Stagecoach
Aquired 2012 ex-Bluebird		 Stagecoach  
OldhamFirst
Aquired 1996 after buying GM Buses North		 Stagecoach  
Tranche 3
StockportStagecoach  Stagecoach Retained
Hyde RdStagecoach  Metroline 
SharstonStagecoach  Metroline 
AshtonStagecoach  Metroline 
WythenshaweArriva  Metroline 

Small Franchise/SLSC Tracker

Depots used to run services under the ‘Small Local Service Contract’ scheme are owned by the operators (as normal), who are free to choose where to operate from. When a contract moves operator, the depot can stay with the incumbent. Due to the slightly haphazard nature of small operator’s depots I’m bound to have missed some off – please let me know.

DepotOperatorFranchises
Bolton
Goodwin St		Diamond
Ex-Arriva		Unknown
Heywood
Queens Rd Outstation		GNW
  • T3: Tameside Small A
  • Schools
RochdaleFirst
  • T2: Rochdale A&B
Eccles
Old Wellington Rd &
Old Wellington Rd 2		Diamond
Site 1 acquired 2017 after buying Little Gem (2016-2017) from Goodwins.
  • T3: Tameside Small B
  • T3: Stockport small
  • T3: Trafford small
  • T2: Oldham Small
  • Tranche 1: Small 1
  • Tranche 1: Small 2
  • Tranche 1: Small 3
  • Tranche 1: Small 4
  • Tranche 1: Small 5
  • Tranche 1: Small 6
  • Tranche 1: Small 7