FirstGroup in the Community

As the UK's largest provider of public transport services, we know that our operations touch all members of the community - customers, neighbours, employees, businesses, residents and others.

Our relationship with local communities is therefore very important to us and essential in supporting the growth of our business. Our primary contribution to the communities where we operate is the delivery of our services.

Through our core business we serve the community in a number of ways:

• In developing our services we engage with communities and promote socially inclusive policies.
• Working in partnerships with local authorities and local businesses, we promote sustainable travel (reducing congestion), consult regularly with community members on route development and changes, improve quality of life and play a major role in supporting local economic activity.
• As a major employer we do our best to offer employment opportunities to all sectors of the community through non-discriminatory policies. In partnership with Jobcentre Plus we also provide opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

However, our community engagement extends far beyond these activities and includes a wide range of community partnerships and charitable giving driven largely through our local operating companies. Please see the Community partnerships - Charitable Giving section for more details.

In North America we work with city and state authorities and school boards to ensure that our services meet the needs of the communities we serve. In particular we work with schools to help address broader community issues such as truancy and bullying.