BUS giant First has sold off its operations in Bolton in a deal thought to be worth £5.3m.

The struggling transport firm announced yesterday that it would be transferring 500 staff over to West Midlands-based company Rotala, along with its Weston Street depot.

First Bus will hand over operations of 18 services across Bolton in August once the deal is complete, but says passengers will not see a change to their daily journeys during this period.

It comes after the firm announced a deal in February to sell off its Manchester operation for £11.2m.

However, Vantage services will remain under the control of First as the company focuses its attention on its remaining Oldham depot.

Giles Fearnley, managing director of First Bus, said: “I’d like to thank our employees for their continued hard work to deliver the best experience possible for our customers in Greater Manchester.

“Today’s announcement does not reflect on the effort, commitment or individual performance of our Bolton employees and we will be supporting them fully as they transfer to their new employer.”

Rotala says it will lease 125 vehicles from First initially to service the new routes, with the buses being replaced progressively over the next two years.

Speaking after the deal was finalised, John Gunn, chairman of Rotala, said: “This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to expand significantly Rotala’s presence in the Greater Manchester bus market.

“The deal is an indicator of how the UK bus landscape is beginning to change. We can expect more divestment by the big bus groups in future years. Rotala aims to be a major player in these market developments in years to come.”

Currently, Bolton passengers will know Rotala as the operator which runs Diamond Buses but once the deal is complete the company will take over a number of key routes, including the 471 service, which takes passengers into Bury, and the 8 service, stopping in Moses Gate, Farnworth and Kearsley as it travels to Manchester.

The news comes in the same week that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham announced his intention to take bus services in the city back into public control.

Mr Burnham’s Our Network plans would see franchising come into play across the borough, giving the Greater Manchester Combine Authority (GMCA) more control over routes and pricing.

In addition, it could involve integrating the region’s other public transport services, including the Metrolink and the rail network.