UK Bus Profile
The map indicates areas within the UK where First buses operate. The main areas of operation are urban areas such as London, Aberdeen; Glasgow; Manchester; Bristol, Bath & the West; York; Leeds; Calderedale and Huddersfield; Eastern Counties and Devon and Cornwall. First also has operations in Northern Ireland and Eire, in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.
Further details on UK Bus operations can be found on our UK Bus section.
First is the UK's largest bus operator, with approximately 9,000 buses operating in 40 towns and cities across the UK, carrying 3 million passengers every day.
First works closely with Government and local authorities to develop buses as an integral part of a sustainable transport policy. We are at the forefront of developments to create a new vision for bus transport across the UK.
Key facts
New Buses
In the last three years, First has invested over £220 million in new buses. These include articulated buses, double deck buses, single deck buses and guided buses which offer a comfortable, spacious, relaxing, and smooth journey. New low floor buses also offer easier access for parents with pushchairs, wheelchairs and the elderly. It is one of the youngest fleets in the country with an average age of under 8 years. The entire fleet has been converted to run on ultra low sulphur diesel fuel to reduce emission levels and improve the environment. We are committed to converting the entire UK Bus fleet to sulphur-free 5% biodiesel where supply is available while closely following the development of hybrid technology.
Technology
- Technology offers real opportunities for bus operators and passengers. There is an increasing convergence between travel, information and telecommunications.
- Real Time Passenger information schemes are being set up all over the country. First is fitting more and more buses with GPS tracker units, which use satellite technology to communicate with land-based computers. The information is then sent to displays at bus stops and shelters, which enable bus users to see what time the next bus will be arriving.
Quality Partnerships
- The aim for First is to deliver modern, high quality vehicles supported by bus priority measures and other infrastructure improvements in partnership with local authorities.
- These partnerships provide a range of traffic management schemes from bus lanes to priority at junctions, park and ride schemes and bus activated traffic lights to give buses priority over car traffic. One of these partnerships is the guided busway.