First Bus has announced a £750,000 investment in its Rochdale bus depot as it prepares to take responsibility for running Bee Network services in the area from March.
The investment in the former Transdev site on Corporation Street will see a focus on enhanced engineering facilities, including a new double height workshop bay for vehicle repair and maintenance.
The yard area will also be improved to provide better space for operations.
First Bus has also launched a recruitment campaign for drivers and engineers, which is likely to mean more than 30 new drivers and 12 engineering roles alongside current employees of Transdev that will transfer to First Bus.
When the depot becomes part of the Bee Network, First Bus will operate more than 30 routes in the Rochdale and Bury area together with six school services using a fleet of over 60 buses and capacity to expand this to 90 vehicles.
Paul Townley, General Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have agreed the lease of the site and are keen to get started on major improvements. The investment we are making will create an excellent working environment and we are already seeing strong interest in the vacancies available.
“This new depot supports high-skilled jobs locally and regionally. As we continue to invest in the Rochdale area First Bus is determined to help build the economy and link key communities as we support the latest phase of the Bee Network.”
Work is also underway to transform the First Bus depot in Oldham, with the introduction of the next phase of electrification.
