Press Releases

FirstGroup, parent company of First Bus, has confirmed the acquisition of Leeds-based coach operator J&B Travel Limited, in a move that further strengthens its position in the UK coach market and signals continued interest in strategic sector growth.

• Special bus trip on Saturday 13 December for Wigan Athletic fixture
• Partnership with Soothill Community Association in Batley
• Families watching a live sporting event for the first time

First Bus has donated £10,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity to fund free bus tickets for patients and their families travelling to cancer treatment.

• FirstGroup acquires RATP Dev’s sightseeing operations in London and Bath
• The operations include a freehold depot in south west London and a leased depot in Bath
• Bath to Bristol Airport Airdecker service also part of the deal
• Acquisition part of FirstGroup’s growth and diversification strategy and chance to “expand its footprint in two key markets”

• New collaboration with HMP Wealstun in West Yorkshire
• Employability skills sessions to help offenders find work after release

By Gary Hitchmough, Managing Director of Government and Business Development at First Bus

Leading UK-wide operator First Bus and global travel tech company FlixBus are announcing the expansion of their partnership, with 11 new vehicles set to join the FlixBus network from spring 2026.

Colchester-based Jonathon Hunt has been named ‘Manager of the Year’ at the 2025 UK Bus Awards, one of the highest honours in the UK bus industry.

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.

• Proposal to withdraw all First Bus services in Cornwall in 2026 

• Above inflation costs, falling passenger numbers and an increasingly competitive market have led to difficult decision 

• Focus is on supporting colleagues and a smooth transition 

• £42,000 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