(06 Feb 2019, 8:58 pm)Tamesider wrote I note Stagecoach's successful bid is 32 buses. Last August they submitted a bid for 105 (2019/20). Does this mean 73 have been rejected or was that a seperate bid?

Note: First Manchester have also secured 12 e-buses. Despite recurring rumours that First want to sell all Greater Manchester ops - and quickly - they have publicly stated these buses will run on service 582 (Bolton-Leigh). Yet, Stagecoach won't (yet) say where theirs will go.

Yes the end bid was only successful for 32 vehicles. 

When the bid was submitted for 105 vehicles, Stagecoach revealed that the investment would be for four key routes serving "Manchester city centre, Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly railway station, six hospitals and two universities". On the back of only 32 vehicles being won, Stagecoach have revised that to be for only two routes serving "Manchester city centre, Manchester Airport, five hospitals and two universities".

As for First, as you say they are just rumours with the press saying they are 'considering' selling, this all did the rounds last year. First haven't commented on the sale publically apart from reiterating their business portfolio is under constant review. Manchester's Managing Director has however issued a statement to staff saying that it's a 'temporary distraction', and due to stock share rules can't comment on any sale. It'll be business as usual until someone signs on the dotted line anyway...