Press Releases

Basildon has become home to Essex’s first fully electric bus depot following the completion of a £30.6 million project delivered by First Bus in partnership with Essex County Council and backed by the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA2) scheme.

First Bus has scooped several top prizes at one of the country’s leading transport awards.

• £465,000 funding brings seamless travel payment to the region
• Tap On Tap Off (TOTO) technology fitted to all buses
• New card readers operating from Sunday 23 November

• X43 Express to begin on Saturday 22 November
• Hourly service operating throughout weekends
• Strong demand anticipated in build up to festive season

• City fleet carries banners during Living Wage Week (10-16 November)

• Special bus trip on Saturday 8 November for Plymouth Argyle fixture
• Children from Dewsbury area get chance to see a game for the first time

• Additional services to run from 9 November to 21 December
• Increased frequency at all six sites on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• 5,700 buses across the country providing free journeys
• Wear military uniform, badges or show driver Service ID card when boarding
• First Bus has a strong affiliation with the Armed Forces, with many veterans working for the business  

This week the Government’s Bus Services Bill received royal assent, paving the way for a major overhaul of local bus services in England. Janette Bell, Managing Director for First Bus, which serves 1.5 million passengers every day, shares her views on what the new powers for local authorities mean for local bus services, and how renewed collaboration between councils and bus operators is key to making this new future a success. 

Below are our latest statements on industrial action in south and west Wales. Statements will be time-stamped as and when they are released.