(23 Sep 2023, 5:07 pm)citaro5284 wrote But gained:
Stagecoach Wigan
Diamond Bolton
Arriva Bolton which also housed First Vantage
As with Tranche 1, it would appear tfgm are liking the idea of one operator dominating each tranche, so Queens Road was most probably going to go when GNW won Tranche 1.
It will be interesting what happens with Tranche 3, as I have said before includes Stockport and Tameside (areas like Aston under Lyne, Denton and Hyde) which is pretty much Stagecoach territory with them winning Tranche 2. I cannot see tfgm wanting 1 single operator to run both Tranche 2 and 3.
Anyway, back to pay deal at GNE.......
Not really relevant to the thread, must admit, but surely it's just lowest bid wins rather than picking people based on merit. No reason why Stagecoach can't have two areas, if they're the best bidder. That would just make a mockery of the bidding process in the first place.