THE COMPANY which runs many of Bolton's buses has denied claims that it is looking to sell the division following heavy losses.

Reports in The Telegraph this week suggested First Group would look to jettison its operations across Greater Manchester, which include nearly 150 different services around the region.

The international transport firm has been dealing with massive financial issues and has been under pressure since former CEO Tim O'Toole resigned in May 2018 after announcing full year losses of £327m.

First Group is also responsible for the TransPennine Express rail franchise which accounted for a £110m hit in 2017/18.

Cllr David Chadwick, Bolton Council's executive member for transport, said a decision by First Group to sell its Greater Manchester operations could be positive for bus passengers.

"If you look at Wigan, the depot that used to belong to First was sold to Stagecoach and I think they have provided a better option in the area," he said.

"I think a lot of the fares that they currently offer are very expensive for what they are getting. Every year we get a situation where the bus fares get increased."

He added: "You are penalising the people who can least afford it."

Responding to the rumours of a sale, a FirstGroup spokesman said: "We don’t comment on market rumours or speculation. We keep all bus services, depots and the business portfolio under constant review so we can be responsive to changes in market conditions.”

The news of a potential sale comes a week after Greater Manchester's 18 bus operators announced a £100m overhaul.

READ MORE: OneBus' £100 million plan to overhaul the bus networks

The OneBus Partnership aims to ease the cost of travel and integrate bus services under a single brand, with greater links to tram and rail services. It includes a commitment to introduce 450 new low-emission buses over the next three years, with the first 150 delivered by 2020.

However, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could be set to announce proposals to re-regulate bus services - creating a system similar to that which operates in London - in accordance with promises he made during his election campaign.

READ MORE: Andy Burnham's bus improvement plans will cost residents an extra £7

He is due to reveal his plans for such a network by the end of 2019 and is expected to either enter into an arrangement similar to what is being offered by the OneBus Partnership or to create a completely new integrated system which would likely include simplified fares, with strict rules about how and where buses operate.