(25 Jan 2019, 9:30 pm)Tamesider wrote Are new buses still based on putting bids into HQ to re-invest in the highest performing/loading routes in the North East? Its certainly not the case in Gtr. Manchester.  Or if it is, then HQ are being hoodwinked.

More generally, whilst Manchester has historically reasonable investment, its current fleet size of almost exactly 750 means a required investment of 50 buses per year. However, they had only 27 in 2017/8 and none at all this year. Indeed, only once in the lat 5 financial years have they reached 50 - albeit its still far better than the other large companies (First 25 in 4 years, Arriva NONE in 6). Mind you, it seems Stagecoach have put a stop to investment unless get they can Franchising ditched and they have made it clear that future investment will be based on where they can appease politicians and lobbyist and NOT where they're biggest money-spinners are. So, more of the same.

In saying all that and assuming no "local" interest, are we closer to knowing what the 2019/20 orders will be and for where, apart from the 31 for Hull?

It is still all based on regional bids yes, with each presenting cases to UK Bus with budgets and cascade plans. A sort of business plan of why its justified.

The 2019/20 order has not been publicly announced as most bids are still being finalised, so information can't be posted in the public domain unless like the Hull ones it makes it to press or it reaches depot level for instance.