As we know, fulll details of the 2016/7 order have yet to be released. However, I have heard three comments about Manchester - two from reliable sources, and all three are very similar to each other. Suffice to say, that further substantial investment is expected over the Summer. This would fit in with aspirations to have only Euro4 or better buses running on or near to the various Quality Bus Corridors by the time the Oxford Road corridor down to Manchester Royal Infirmary is completed towards the end of the year. This is a voluntary scheme (broadly similar to London's LEZ) which will take in the full Guided Busway route from Leigh/Atherton through Salford, Manchester city centre and along Oxford Road. Based on long established routes the latter will effectively extend beyond MRI through Fallowfield to Withington and into Didsbury. It will also incorporate the Rochdale Road corridor from Middleton through North Manchester, into Piccadilly and along Portland Street.
For those that don't know, this scheme is the reason for MagicBus operations receiving early Euro4 E400s (as against Euro3s), as well as 6 re-engined ex LOndon Tridents from Gillmoss