Rotala-owned Diamond Bus North West will commence operations formerly operated by First Manchester’s Bolton depot from Sunday, 11 August.
10 Wrightbus StreetDecks have joined the fleet in readiness for the start of operations at the depot
The acquisition will further strengthen Diamond North West’s presence, with 18 commercial bus routes operating in the Bolton, Bury and Manchester areas being included in the £5.3m deal. Vehicles will be operated from the Weston Street Depot by approximately 500 staff.
Tickets issued by First Manchester, including tickets purchased through its mobile app, will be accepted on all Diamond Bus North West services from 11 August until further notice.
Meanwhile Rotala has been quickly gathering a fleet of vehicles to start replacing some of the First Manchester fleet, which CBW understands will initially be operated on loan to Diamond North West.
Youthful acquisitions are 10 Euro VI Mercedes-Benz Citaros dating from November 2014, which have come from Yourbus, Heanor. Other additions are nine brand new Wrightbus StreetDecks from stock, and the former Wrightbus StreetDeck demonstrator SK17 HHC. Additionally, some vehicles are also transferring from the Diamond Bus fleet in the Midlands.
Bob Dunn, North West Managing Director for Diamond’s parent company Rotala spoke to The Bolton News about the takeover: “We are delighted to be expanding our business in the Greater Manchester area,” he said.
“This is the latest stage of Rotala’s growth plan and we look forward to providing the people of Bolton, Bury and surrounding areas with our commitment to deliver high quality bus network.”
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