D&G Buses

[markymark2000]

It may not be funded by Cheshire East - it could be funded by Manchester Airport Group, as part of their expansion they have to ensure a certain amount of passengers use public transport so could be funded that way. Guess we will have to wait and see

If Manchester Airport need to hit targets to get more people to use public transport, even they will know VERY well that throwing money away on this 130 extension will not even boost their numbers by 0.01%.

The single additional vehicle could have been significantly better used by instead running a separate route from the Airport, down the link way to Handforth then do something between there and Wilmslow. 25 minutes run each way, 5 minutes off each end. Jobs a gooden.

This proposal is currently under evaluation with a decision expected in early 2026. - according to Cheshire East FOI dated 27 November 2025 - https://cheshireeastportal.icasework.com/resource?id=D24674165&db=+g9uoIEeYLHej/hWC32qMw==

What a wonderful FOI. Showing that Cheshire East are also throwing money away on the 150 despite Alderley Park literally funding their own dedicated bus to do the same thing. Why is anyone going to pay £3 on the normal bus, when they can instead get on the private, electric coach, for £2.

Has anyone at Cheshire East got a clue or are they just throwing money down the drain before the government come asking for unspent funds back? This level of mismanagement of public funds is worthy of the government sending in the inspectors to the council.

 

[Martin1988]

Would a Sunday service on the 37 likely be the full route from Crewe or be a shortened version that is truncated in Sandbach?

Is there any need for any more buses between Crewe and Sandbach on a Sunday or does the current 38 do the job?

 

[SeanM1997]

Would a Sunday service on the 37 likely be the full route from Crewe or be a shortened version that is truncated in Sandbach?

Is there any need for any more buses between Crewe and Sandbach on a Sunday or does the current 38 do the job?

I think it will be a modified 37/42 service as the aim is to connect Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich to Leighton Hospital on Sundays

 

[Simon75]

Until the first attempt to extend the 130 to the Airport, I believe it first time ever Macclesfield had a direct to bus the Airport, which you would expect a good demand.

Im surprised also aswell that since taking over from what was left since Arriva left in Macclesfield, not much has changed in improving services in the town

 

[Martin1988]

That makes sense. If such a service is introduced it would make sense to give it a different number to make clear its different to the main Sunday service.

Have the 37 and 42 ever had Sunday provision before out of interest?

 

[323235]

Until the first attempt to extend the 130 to the Airport, I believe it first time ever Macclesfield had a direct to bus the Airport, which you would expect a good demand.

Im surprised also aswell that since taking over from what was left since Arriva left in Macclesfield, not much has changed in improving services in the town

The problem is it takes too long to get from Macclesfield to the Airport by bus. The train takes roughly 45 minutes subject to connections and stopping patterns. With all that padding that will arise in January , it’s just not attractive enough and the lack of buses outside 8-5 too.

 

[sonic2009]

Have the 37 and 42 ever had Sunday provision before out of interest?

There was a Sunday service to be introduced around late 2019/2020 it was service number 30. Shavington - Northwich via Crewe, Leighton, Middlewich, Winsford.

It wasn't started because of COVID.

It will be interesting to see what happens come April 2026.

 

[Martin1988]

I remember that service. Was a real shame that it never got to launch.

Is there any realistic possibility that Shavington will ever get a Sunday service back? Know its been said before that extending the current service to Shavington would neccesiate an extra bus so am guessing the current opportunity cost of extending the service there is too great?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2025 ==

On a separate note I was up in Crewe a few weeks ago (for a job interview with Cheshire East Council's Home To School Travel Team)! and visited Haslington both evenings of my stay to meet up with friends.

Something that always annoys me each time I visit is the way D&G and First don't have a joint ticketing arrangement on this route. Instead, I always seem to end up having to buy a single out to Haslington with First and then another single later in the evening to return with D&G.

Has there ever been an integrated ticketing arrangement on this route?

 

[semppec]

Has anyone got any idea what the plan is for the 340 when that comes in? Just wondered if anyone knew what was going to be put on it. Thanks

 

[Simon75]

I remember that service. Was a real shame that it never got to launch.

Is there any realistic possibility that Shavington will ever get a Sunday service back? Know its been said before that extending the current service to Shavington would neccesiate an extra bus so am guessing the current opportunity cost of extending the service there is too great?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2025 ==

On a separate note I was up in Crewe a few weeks ago (for a job interview with Cheshire East Council's Home To School Travel Team)! and visited Haslington both evenings of my stay to meet up with friends.

Something that always annoys me each time I visit is the way D&G and First don't have a joint ticketing arrangement on this route. Instead, I always seem to end up having to buy a single out to Haslington with First and then another single later in the evening to return with D&G.

Has there ever been an integrated ticketing arrangement on this route?

Only the plusbus ticket. Crewe has never had a multi operator ticket

 

[SeanM1997]

https://www.dgbus.co.uk/service-updates/​

We are making some changes to service 130 from 26th January 2026.

Buses will be reintroduced to Manchester Airport.

D&G Bus has worked closely with Cheshire East Council to deliver improvements to service 130 with increased resources introduced to ensure a punctual and reliable service was achieved and which remains consistent and dependable between Macclesfield and Wythenshawe.

Following a further review of service 130 by Cheshire East Council, we are pleased to announce the route between Wythenshawe and Manchester Airport is scheduled to resume on Monday 26th January 2026.

Existing times between Macclesfield and Wythenshawe will remain unchanged.

https://www.dgbus.co.uk/media/5503/130-150_2026-01-25.pdf

We are making some changes to services 9 and 9A from 2nd February 2026.

This is to improve reliability during the afternoon peak period.

Some journeys in the afternoon peak period are retimed on weekdays. Saturday times are unchanged, and there is no change to the route.

https://www.dgbus.co.uk/media/5468/9-9a_2026-02-01.pdf

 

[semppec]

Hi all, 5201 seems to be tracking back at Crewe again with it being transferred to Macclesfield a few weeks ago. Anyone know if it's moved back?

 

[Shauny]

Hi all, 5201 seems to be tracking back at Crewe again with it being transferred to Macclesfield a few weeks ago. Anyone know if it's moved back?

No it’s still with us at Macc

 

[davehsug]

The ex-Blackpool buses are still in the Stoke area. There were at least 2 today running on the 16 & 32X routes.

 

[BusLink61]

The ex-Blackpool buses are still in the Stoke area. There were at least 2 today running on the 16 & 32X routes.

My understanding is that so far only 815 left for High Peak and has now been repainted for the Transpeak service. I’d imagine the others won’t be too far behind though!

I’ve not heard anything yet with Citaro 812, has it left Blackpool?

 

[Simon75]

The ex-Blackpool buses are still in the Stoke area. There were at least 2 today running on the 16 & 32X routes.

What are the seating like on them. Haven't had chance to try one yet ? I guess they are suitable for the Trans Peak, as its long distance ?

 

[davehsug]

What are the seating like on them. Haven't had chance to try one yet ? I guess they are suitable for the Trans Peak, as its long distance ?

Presumably still as in Blackpool, which is black (rather slippy) leather.

 

[semppec]

What are the seating like on them. Haven't had chance to try one yet ? I guess they are suitable for the Trans Peak, as its long distance ?

When I had 813 on the 85, the seats were quite uncomfortable if I'm being honest. Very little padding on them

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jan 2026 ==

Hi all, hope everyone is well. Heard some news about 525 possibly coming over to D&G Bus, would anyone have any idea as to what depot these are going to?

 

[BusLink61]

Hi all, hope everyone is well. Heard some news about 525 possibly coming over to D&G Bus, would anyone have any idea as to what depot these are going to?

525 is currently showing as being at Centrebus north, whether it’s on loan there I’m not quite sure. I thought plans were to have the four Ex Transpeak Enviros at Chaserider for the Euro 6 work and they would fill in for MMC’s 5217/18 and maybe others which are for Centrebus.

So I thought plans for 525 weren’t destined for D&G…

 

[ACBest]

525 is currently showing as being at Centrebus north, whether it’s on loan there I’m not quite sure. I thought plans were to have the four Ex Transpeak Enviros at Chaserider for the Euro 6 work and they would fill in for MMC’s 5217/18 and maybe others which are for Centrebus.

So I thought plans for 525 weren’t destined for D&G…

Yes, 525 is currently on loan at Leicester depot.

 

[Dwarfer1979]

525 is currently showing as being at Centrebus north, whether it’s on loan there I’m not quite sure. I thought plans were to have the four Ex Transpeak Enviros at Chaserider for the Euro 6 work and they would fill in for MMC’s 5217/18 and maybe others which are for Centrebus.

So I thought plans for 525 weren’t destined for D&G…

It may only be waiting collection, I think Leicester loaned a staff member to move a 2nd Citaro up to High Peak and that driver may have bought 525 down to Leicester as a way of both getting that driver home and a more convenient location for a move to Cannock to be arranged as there are more managers moving to/from Leicester from that side of the business to provide transport than would be the case heading to Dove Holes. That doesn't, of course, prevent Leicester 'nicking' it and putting it into service if it is left too long in their yard.

 

[SSmith2009]

It may only be waiting collection, I think Leicester loaned a staff member to move a 2nd Citaro up to High Peak and that driver may have bought 525 down to Leicester as a way of both getting that driver home and a more convenient location for a move to Cannock to be arranged as there are more managers moving to/from Leicester from that side of the business to provide transport than would be the case heading to Dove Holes. That doesn't, of course, prevent Leicester 'nicking' it and putting it into service if it is left too long in their yard.

A photo I've seen on facebook shows it fitted with Centrebus vynils on the front so may see use here as three of the deckers (909/913/925) are VOR at the minute.

 

[semppec]

It may only be waiting collection, I think Leicester loaned a staff member to move a 2nd Citaro up to High Peak and that driver may have bought 525 down to Leicester as a way of both getting that driver home and a more convenient location for a move to Cannock to be arranged as there are more managers moving to/from Leicester from that side of the business to provide transport than would be the case heading to Dove Holes. That doesn't, of course, prevent Leicester 'nicking' it and putting it into service if it is left too long in their yard.

So it will most likely be going to Chaserider and not D&G. Got it. Confuses me how some people refer to Chaserider as D&G which is true but still confusing

 

[CN12 AWU]

Can't remember where I was reading it but I believe they won a grant for new buses I presume these be for Stoke or Crewe?

 

[semppec]

Can't remember where I was reading it but I believe they won a grant for new buses I presume these be for Stoke or Crewe?

I've heard 5 new Volvo's for Crewe but could be wrong as Stoke believe they also have 5 so no one really knows at the moment.

 

[sonic2009]

Should be Crewe, as in dire need to replace some of the older fleet.

 

[CN12 AWU]

I've heard 5 new Volvo's for Crewe but could be wrong as Stoke believe they also have 5 so no one really knows at the moment.

I heard there was more E200MMCs due aswell I do wonder if Stoke may get some to replace the older E200's

 

[capitalpotter]

It's about time as strangely stoke haven't got any E200mmcs

 

[CN12 AWU]

I have wondered recently why Crewe get the newer buses over Stoke, considering Stoke is head office aswell

 

[Dwarfer1979]

I have wondered recently why Crewe get the newer buses over Stoke, considering Stoke is head office aswell

Head Office is Leicester now though a lot of the investment has been into ChaseRider/D&G over the last 18 months as they had more older buses when Centrebus & D&G merged. That differential has probably closed so I would hope Centrebus would start to see some more new buses for fleet replacement, there have been a few for new work so the numbers don't look as differential.

Longton have had 12 new EvoRas in the last two years (as well as a number of nearly new MetroCities & Solos) whilst Crewe have 4 EvoRas & 8 MMCs so numbers are fairly similar between the two.

In general you should treat any suggestions of new buses being ordered for any specific depot until they are delivered. Pretty much every batch of buses bought has seen a change to the planned allocation between original order & delivery.

It's about time as strangely stoke haven't got any E200mmcs

Standardisation, Longton got all the MetroCities and have received a load of Volvos so they haven't needed to be allocated any MMCs. They probably will get some at some point just because they are now a standard purchase.