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The aim was to install a passing loop to allow a half-hourly service to Blackpool South via Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Given that the line was double track then it technically is restoring the railway.

Arriva strike has been called off. https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2024-04-24/bus-workers-agree-pay-deal-to-end-threat-of-strike-action

Thanks for doing this very useful. I think Mods should pin it to the top of the page to avoid people starting new threads about rolling stock changes when one already exists.

Do we need to speculate?

There is a thread here if you wish to learn more https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/chiltern-tender-for-20-70-units.252837/

The answer to everything is basically TfGM as with TfL in London. The only thing that operators are responsible for is the actual running of the bus services and associated activity (employing drivers, vehicle maintenance etc )

I'd have expected them to add the X1 Holmfirth to Wakefield via Denby Dale and D1 Huddersfield to Denby Dale

But presumably that will be at the cost of two paths so would make most railtours too expensive to run.

TfGM set out a timetable of sorts within the ITT, this set out desired frequency and should also have covered running time between timing points and PVR. The operator is responsible for rotas themselves.

Interesting as on Friday when it past through Preston hauled by Tangmere there was a diesel on the rear.

National Rail report points failure near Clapham junction https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/clapham-high-street-20240420/

There have been two 323s parked at Preston for a while, one West Midlands orange, the other Northern livery

Remember if it is like Greater Manchester, operators will be able to sell vehicles to WYCA so it makes sense to keep investing.

Basically it is a rehash of previous announcements. Making it easier for non-mayoral authorities to franchise, making the franchise process quicker and removing the current ban on new municipal bus companies.

Good point about the Stagecoach CDL relationship

It does take a while to rebrand a fleet - look at Bee Network services in Manchester. Even the sainted Lothian didn't change to the new livery overnight.

Not for a while yet, only just gone out to tender

They will be to the Bee Network spec, new buses will likely have two wheelchair spaces.

At least a year yet. Funding only confirmed a few weeks ago, will be busy agreeing all the legal stuff with the council before they can place the order for the buses.

But the point is, if they weren't adding vehicles to the pool (as with Wigan) then everyone bidding for the franchises would know during the bidding process and therefore needed to have a plan to deal with the lack of vehicles being inherited. If Stagecoach decide to not honour their commitment...