It was back in February 1996 when Stagecoach purchased the Greater Manchester Buses South business after a period of intense competition on GMBS' prime route, service 192 between Manchester Piccadilly and Hazel Grove via Stockport. GMBS had inherited a large fleet of elderly double deckers of Atlanteans, Fleetlines and MCW Metrobuses at the break up of the former Greater Manchester Transport and investment in new vehicles was at an all time low. Stagecoach's first priority was the replacement of the old stock and 90 Volvo B10Ms (895-984) arrived between August and December 1997, amongst the last step entrance single decks purchased by the group.
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| 898 when new in Manchester Piccadilly with a GMBS liveried MCW Metrobus behind |
Two of these, 898 & 899, are now in our operating fleet and this picture shows 898 when new in the once familiar Stagecoach corporate livery.
