Bristol, Bath and the West

Bus Passengers Encouraged to Volunteer to Join First Customer Panel

Bus operator First is inviting its customers in Bristol to help shape the future of its business by joining an independent Customer Panel. It is being trialled in the city for a six-month period.

First is seeking volunteers to apply for one of the positions. These people will ideally have an interest in bus travel and will want to act as a link between customers and First. Completed application forms need to be in by June 25th.

First is looking for customers to join its panel in Bristol and the positions are open to all commuters, business or leisure customers. Volunteers will need to be enthusiastic, dedicated and committed to making a difference. The role will require people to attend several meetings and address customer correspondence to help identify best practice and where improvements can be made.

The Customer Panel will formally meet with First Directors and Senior Managers four times a year to help implement constructive changes and give input into strategic issues and the development of future initiatives.

Tony Anthistle, Managing Director said, " I am really excited about this initiative. The customer panel will provide us with a crucial link to our customers and we welcome the fact that members will now be a part of Firsts local planning. This really does signal a new era for us and states clearly how committed we are to improving our services and listening to our customers. For the people that get involved in this I am sure it will be a worthwhile experience and one that they will be pleased to be a part of.

The Customer Panel Members are not employed by First but are volunteer members of the public who have an interest in Transport for the public and in particular for buses. Any views or opinions expressed by Customer Panel Members are not necessarily shared by First. They are not in any way a replacement for The National Federation of Bus Users UK or the Bus Appeal Body or Transport 2000.

David Redgewell, Regional Director Transport 2000, ‘I welcome the initiative on behalf of customers and local stakeholders who will become fully involved in the strategic planning of the bus services in partnership with First and the local authorities. The best way of getting passengers fully engaged and using public transport is by involving customers. It will also help improve integration between bus and rail and local ferry services. ‘

Customers can pick up an application form at any First travel shop or Bristol bus station, alternatively apply on-line at www.firstgroup.com