First Manchester

[Mayneway]

RE: First Manchester

(06/04/2016 20:01)Dentonian Wrote:  I don't know about loadings, but operationally - along with other cross-city services - it sems to be running better in the peak than off-peak. I was crossing the city yesterday lunchtime (on a 37) and traffic was a lot worse than I've seen in recent months. Indeed, I saw two V1s an two V2s all within a few minutes heading out of town. The current route into Manchester sees them serving Piccadilly (under Victoria's Statue) to/from Stevenson Square, but presumably, when they continue down Oxford Road, they won't come anywhere near Piccadilly.

I must admit I have completly skipped the Vantage service and I'm not a big follower of First these days but who actually owns the Vantage buses? Is it First or TFGM in a similar way to the Metroshuttle Solos and Versa's.
Also presumably First are running it under contract. How long will the contract last before it's up for grabs again?

I also notice that the MEN had thier usual anti bus negativity when reporting on it opening last week. As well as comments from Councillor Fender and someone from First the MEN stated that the majority of residents who lived on the route of the guided busway were against it and felt it was a complete waste of money - did they knock on every door