From the 2nd July, the Altrincham Line of the Manchester Metrolink was closed, with Arriva holding the contract for the replacement service X4 (Altrincham - Manchester Limited Stop).
In regular use are Speke's VDL SB220 / Wright Commanders, although these are complemented with Volvo B10BLE's and Marshall bodied Dennis Dart SLF's, worked from both Manchester and Wythenshawe depot's.

From 1st August until 1st September, Arriva have the contract to operate Metrolink Replacement services X5 (Altrincham - Manchester Victoria) and X6 (Brooklands - Manchester Victoria) during track works on the Altrincham line of Manchester's Metrolink system. Both services are worked by VDL SB200's with Wright Pulsar bodywork, which are on loan at Wythenshawe. Also for this period, Manchester depot have upgraded service 263 to Alexander Dennis Enviro400's, providing additional capacity between Altrincham and Manchester. The Enviro400's are due for Bootle, the VDL / Pulsar's for St Helens from September.

From the 29th May the Bury Line of the Manchester Metrolink was closed, with Arriva holding the contract for replacement services X3 and 400.
In regular use are Speke's Volvo B7TL / Alexander Dennis ALX400's complemented by brand new '07 plate VDL's, both Cadets and Commanders, worked out of both Bolton and Manchester depot's.

An anual event in Liverpool is the 'Tall Ships' gathering in the docks surrounding the city. 2008's event was of considerable importance due to the city's Capital of Culture status, and Arriva provided the Park and Ride facility for this popular event. Arriva North West used hired VDL's and Volvo B7RLE's, both with Wright bodywork, that were en-route from delivery by Wrightbus to the Southern Counties and Yorkshire respectively.