First Bus London launches as landmark acquisition completes
FirstGroup plc has today announced the completion of its acquisition of RATP Dev Transit London, which will now operate as First Bus London, marking the Group’s entrance into bus operations in London. The strategic move, first announced on 10 December 2024, will see First Bus London join First Bus, which will strengthen the latter’s position as a leading provider of sustainable bus operations in the UK and Ireland.
The completion brings together two organisations with shared values, a focus on colleagues and a proven track record of operational excellence. The combined operation now manages a fleet of over 5,750 buses across the UK, with First Bus London contributing circa 1,000 buses across 83 routes in west and central London from ten garages, serving 180 million passengers annually.
Colin Brown, Chief Financial Officer at First Bus, who will be leading the team at First Bus London said: “The successful integration of First Bus London marks a pivotal moment in our strategy to expand our operations and strengthen our contribution to sustainable travel across the UK and Ireland.
"We are entering the London bus market in a strong position and this will also bolster our credentials to participate as a partner of choice in future franchising opportunities across the UK.”
“We’re exceptionally well-positioned to accelerate innovation in fleet electrification, enhancing service quality for the millions of passengers who rely on us daily.”
Bill Cahill, who transfers as Managing Director of First Bus London added: “Becoming part of First Bus opens an exciting new chapter for our operation. Our shared commitment to our people, operational excellence and sustainability provides a strong foundation for growth. With First Bus’s support, we are well-positioned to enhance our service delivery while accelerating our journey toward a zero-emission future.”
This integration brings together a workforce of over 17,200 dedicated colleagues, including First Bus London’s 3,700 employees who will continue their crucial roles, delivering excellent service to Londoners. The business’ close working relationship with Transport for London will continue seamlessly, ensuring consistency for passengers while building on its impressive track record of consistently ranking at the top of TfL’s league tables for punctuality and reliability.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The combined expertise in electric vehicle operations – including First Bus London’s 19 electric routes from six converted garages and First Bus' existing fleet of more than 650 zero-emission buses nationwide – creates a powerful platform for advancing sustainable transport.
- Plans to convert three existing London routes to electric vehicles and begin the operation of a new electric route in 2025 remain firmly on track, supporting First Bus' commitment to achieving a zero-emission fleet by 2035.
- Existing supplier relationships and points of contact will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in daily operations.
About First Bus
At First Bus, we’re on a mission to grow bus usage – so we’ll get behind initiatives that move people out of cars and onto the bus.
We’re one of the UK’s largest bus operators, transporting more than 1.5 million passengers a day. Our local bus services serve more than 25% of the population of Great Britain and over half of the UK’s top 15 most populated urban areas.
We are a leading operator in the majority of our local areas, including major urban centres such as Glasgow, Bristol and Leeds.
We have proudly launched our First Bus London operation and now operate 83 routes in west and central London from 10 garages serving 180 million passengers annually.
The combined operation now manages a fleet of over 5,750 buses across the UK.
Transforming our business for the better, we’re putting our people and customers at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re the UK’s largest national bus operator to achieve real Living Wage employer status, cementing our position as an employer of choice in the sector.
First Bus is committed to operating a zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. We will have over 1000 zero-emission buses in operation across our UK fleet by the end of 2025.
We’re passionate about giving back to the communities we serve, which is why we’re helping local businesses to progress their decarbonisation journeys – giving them access to our charging hubs while our buses are on the road.
We also operate, Specialist Passenger Solutions, First Travel Solutions, York Pullman Bus Company, Lakeside, Ensignbus, Anderson Travel - and the Aircoach network and Matthews in Ireland.
First Bus is a division of FirstGroup.
Find more information on our website here: https://news.firstbus.co.uk/