Greater Manchester bus route 203

203
Stagecoach Manchester Enviro 400 MMC in Stockport on route 203 in August 2024
Overview
Operator	Stagecoach Manchester
Garage	Hyde Road
Vehicle	Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 MMC
Route
Start	Stockport Interchange
Via	Reddish, Belle Vue, Gorton, Ardwick
End	Piccadilly Gardens
Service
Level	Daily
Frequency	every 10-60 minutes

Greater Manchester bus route 203 is a bus route operating between Stockport Interchange and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre. It is operated by Stagecoach Manchester.

History

The 203 dates back to the days of tramway services. There was a particular spur serving Reddish and Belle Vue before joining the Hazel Grove to Manchester tram route at High Street. When tramway service was withdrawn and replaced by buses, the terminus moved to Piccadilly Gardens.

Following deregulation on 26 October 1986, the route was taken over by GM Buses and other operators, such as Finglands Coachways and Wall's Coaches, who introduced rival 203 services. On 31 December 1993, GM Buses was split in two; GM Buses North and GM South Buses, the latter of which became the main operator of route 203.

In February 1996, GM South Buses was bought by Stagecoach and rebranded as Stagecoach Manchester.

Route

The route begins at Stockport Interchange, and operates via Reddish, Belle Vue, Gorton and Ardwick to Piccadilly Gardens. It provides a more circuitous route and less frequent operation comparing to the 192 since the 192 operates along the more straightforward Wellington Road North and Stockport Road, rather than Gorton Road, Reddish Lane and Hyde Road which takes longer distance to Piccadilly Gardens. Part services operate between Ardwick and Stockport at every dawn. On working days, additional part services are provided between North Reddish or Lancashire Hill and Piccadilly Gardens.