First Bus

First Bus is a bus operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in various cities, including Bristol, Leeds, and Glasgow. The company is a subsidiary of FirstGroup, a leading transport operator in the UK and North America. First Bus operates in conjunction with other FirstGroup subsidiaries, such as First Rail and Greyhound Lines, to provide comprehensive transportation services. The company's services are also integrated with other modes of transport, including National Rail and London Underground.

● History

The history of First Bus dates back to 1995, when FirstGroup was formed through the merger of Badgerline and GRT Group. The company's early years were marked by significant expansion, with the acquisition of several bus operators, including Mainline and CentreWest. This period of growth was also characterized by the introduction of new services, such as the Airbus express service, which connected major cities like Manchester and Liverpool. The company's history is also closely tied to that of other FirstGroup subsidiaries, including First Capital Connect and First Great Western.

● Operations

First Bus operates a wide range of services, from local bus routes in cities like Sheffield and Nottingham to express coach services, such as the National Express network. The company's operations are supported by a network of bus stations and depots, including the Bristol Bus Station and the Leeds Bus Station. First Bus also works closely with other transport operators, such as Arriva and Stagecoach Group, to provide seamless travel experiences for passengers. The company's services are also integrated with other modes of transport, including Eurostar and Heathrow Airport.

● Services

First Bus provides a variety of services, including daytime and evening bus routes, express coach services, and night bus services. The company's services are designed to meet the needs of different passenger groups, including commuters, students, and tourists. For example, the company's First Day ticket allows passengers to travel on any First Bus service for a fixed period, while the First Week ticket provides unlimited travel for a week. First Bus also offers services in partnership with other operators, such as Megabus and Oxford Bus Company.

● Fleet

The First Bus fleet consists of a wide range of vehicles, including single-deck and double-deck buses, as well as coaches and minibuses. The company's fleet is maintained at a network of depots, including the Aberdeen Depot and the Bristol Depot. First Bus has also invested in new technologies, such as hybrid buses and electric buses, to reduce its environmental impact. The company's fleet is also equipped with Wi-Fi and other amenities, such as USB charging points and comfortable seating, to enhance the passenger experience.

● Criticisms_and_controversies

First Bus has faced criticism and controversy over the years, including concerns about fare increases and service reductions. The company has also been involved in disputes with trade unions, such as the RMT and Unite, over issues like pay and conditions and job security. Additionally, First Bus has faced criticism from passenger groups, such as the Campaign for Better Transport and the Passenger Transport Executive, over issues like punctuality and reliability. The company has also been affected by broader trends in the transport industry, including the impact of deregulation and privatization.

● Accidents_and_incidents

First Bus has been involved in several accidents and incidents over the years, including bus crashes and passenger injuries. The company has also faced criticism for its handling of incidents, such as the 2010 London bus bomb and the 2011 London riots. First Bus has worked to improve its safety record, including the introduction of new safety measures and training programs for drivers. The company has also cooperated with investigations and inquiries, such as the UK Transport Select Committee and the Health and Safety Executive, to identify causes and implement improvements. Category:Bus companies of the United Kingdom