In 1993 the Government decided that it was necessary to split GM Buses into two separate companies in order to
discourage a monopoly in the area and therefore to increase competition.GM Buses was split into GM Buses North and GM Buses South. These two companies were made up of depots in the north
of Manchester for GM Buses North and the south of Manchester for GM Buses South.
GM Buses North was composed of:
Atherton (AN), Bolton (BN), Bury (BY), Oldham (OM),
Queens Road (QS) and Wigan (WN).
GM Buses South was composed of:
Glossop, Hyde Road (HE), Princess Road (PS) and Stockport (ST).
The two companies became
operational towards the end of 1993 and were sold soon after to their employees after buyout compaigns.
GM Buses North was bought out in March 1994 by its management and employees.
After the buyout, GM Buses North was one of the largest independent bus companies in the UK, operating over 1000 buses.
Both companies have subsequently been purchased by Stagecoach
(GMBS) and FirstBus (now FirstGroup) (GMBN), but remain united by the remaining GM Buses pre-paid ticket system and travel club - SuperGem Saver Cards / Tickets.
GMT 8151 in GM Buses North livery (1)
