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London 29/6/02

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Latest News from Greater Manchester

Last Updated: 14 August 2002

Stagecoach Manchester  is just about to lose 3 new Tridents to Cheltenham and 6 B10M s to East Midland. These are to be replaced by reserve 1985 Olympians. Hyde Road will see 7 old Olympians replacing the 3 Tridents and 6 87-seater Volvo Olympians. Five of the latter are going to Stockport, where capacity is not required that much. It is believed the southbound Tridents will be MK02 EGD/X/Y (ex 1622/8/9).

Over at First Manchester; 3371 (J158 YRM) has arrived. Apparently, its in a bit of a state, so will not enter service in the near future; 3375 isn't ready yet. Meanwhile, 715/9/20/3/41 were noted eastbound on Hyde Road this morning, at least one of which had a Sheffield trade plate fitted. Many are still parked up in Manchester.

Amongst transfers from Lancashire United to Blue Bus are F107/10/1 XCW, renumbered 107/10/1 and in yellow. It is understood these are only on loan, so presumably the yellow livery is connected with their role after loan (Blazefield Schools fleet?). It is also reported that S45 SNB has been renumbered 145 in the native fleet.

I have noted an unidentified vehicle in possibly Blue Bus livery parked on the A56 near Ramsbottom this morning, on trade plates '778 JX'. This could have been one of the East Lancs bodied MANs due.

update: 25 July 2002

Mayne, Clayton have a new Scania/Irizar is in service YS02 XDW. Noted this evening in Reddish.

The Old Trafford Park and Ride is being operated by a wide range of operators including Holmeswood, Blackburn Transport, Finglands, Bullock, Arriva Merseyside and Arrive Northwest.

update: 24 July 2002

Commonwealth Games News

Yesterday was a trial run for the Opening Ceremony, and (transport wise) the rest of the Games, with a full operation of Shuttle Buses and P&R services.
All these special services operate from around 1530 (probably a bit earlier for the P&R s) until 0100 on Thursday, and then a full days operation from Friday through to Sunday August 4th inclusive.

There are two City Centre Shuttles run by Stagecoach Manchester with Tridents 1601-30; Approximately 20 buses are needed for the one that starts at Piccadilly (jct of Portland Street), and also serves Chorlton Street and Fairfield Street, with the other ten running from Victoria Station via Cannon Street. As well as the dedicated fleet of new Tridents, 644 was scheduled at the peak of operation, whilst congestion led to MagicBus 3035 and an unidentified B10M being commandeered from frequent services, for single journeys to the Stadium.

The P&R service from Old Trafford provides a variety of vehicles and operations; The biggest single contributor seems to be Arriva, with a number of Merseyside based buses noted yesterday. These included at least four Olympians (3322/4/30/7); and B10BLEs 2701/2/5/7/9/12/4/9-21. Also in use were Finglands with at least two of the recent ex-LU Olympians (1769/72 thus confirming all five are in service) and other recent 'deckers; Warrington (Darts 4,6 & 29 and one of the F-STB Dominators); and UK North with at least one of the DAF deckers. It is believed Rossendale may also contribute during the lifetime of the contract.

A number of Stagecoach Manchester Tridents were employed on a separate VIP operation before the Stadium Shuttle began. at least three parked on Piccadilly Approach well loaded with passengers. Also with them was Stagecoach East Midlands Dennis Dart SPD 801 - one of
the Stagecoach/Virgin liveried buses, suggesting this may have been in connection with the launching of new trains on the Birmingham-Manchester stretch of the WCML.
Stagecoach Bluebird MB709, 349 (P349ASO) was noted turning into Fairfield Street.

Credit - Phil Longdon

Stagecoach Manchester evening journeys on 236/237 to Glossop should be decker hauled throughout the Commonwealth Games, rather than using the branded B10s.

Credit - John Ashton

First Mainline B7 900 (Y661 UKU) was due to go to First Manchester yesterday for use on Commonwealth Games services.

Credit - Ian (Yorkshire Bus Info)

Full details of Public Transport for the games can be found at the Commonwealth Games site

First Manchester News

First Leeds Leyland Olympians 5176,5177 (G176,177 JYG) have both been withdrawn from service and are expected to be passed on to First Manchester, 5178 is also expected to transfer.

Credit - 'First Leeds Man'

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