(08 May 2026, 9:02 pm)TransitObserver wrote Stagecoach are unlikely to invest in the fleet in the Slatyford and Walkergate depots until they have a clear understanding from the NECA which way the franchising will be going and they’re guaranteed to be keeping both depots. If that’s before 2029 great if not then the old run down buses will stay in service unless the NECA want to invest in the fleet themselves.
It’s the same with the ticket machines, Stagecoach won’t buy new machines until the NECA tell every operator what machines they want the buses to use.
surely though if they invest now it will look better on them, and if franchising doesn't go the way that suits them they could do a swap with cumbria just like what was happening with the manchester vehicles