Bristol, Bath and the West

Brand new state-of-the-art vehicles

Customers are set to benefit as First unveils brand new state "of- the- art new vehicles.

‘Get Bristol moving-discover the bus the slogan for new First buses being officially unveiled today in partnership with Bristol City Council. 42 brand new double deck low-floor vehicles are being introduced to drive up standards and improve reliability.

Showcase 2, which is due for completion later this year, is a joint project between First and Bristol City Council and involves services 41,43, 44 and 45 operating between Bristol City Centre along the A420 and A431 to the city boundary.


Most of the new vehicles will be out and about on Bristols latest Showcase 2 bus route, and on the excellent X1 route between Weston " Super " Mare and Bristol. The company has invested almost £7 million in the vehicles and which means over half of Firsts entire fleet is now low-floor, at 54 %. With support from the City Council all the new vehicles are fitted with the latest tracking technology to improve the communication between drivers and our central control room to provide up to date real time passenger information for passengers and ensure we can provide a more reliable service for our customers.

The vehicles are the very latest in Euro 4 Volvo engines tuned and designed to reduce emissions and cut down on pollution. The buses are more user- friendly with easy access for all passengers. The low-floors will particularly make it easier for Mums with pushchairs, wheelchair users and the elderly to get on and off the bus.



Simon Cursio, Commercial Director ‘ These state of the art vehicles will not only look a lot smarter on the streets of Bristol and Weston-super-Mare but also represent a step change in quality service provision for our customers. These buses are brighter, more accessible and in conjunction with the road improvements made by Bristol City Council will improve the ‘experience of travelling by bus for everyone.

Councillor Mark Bradshaw, The Executive Member for Access and Environment at Bristol City Council said ‘ The new vehicles funded by First will provide easier access and vastly improved passenger experience, while helping to meet air quality targets. The brand new buses complement the City Councils commitment to upgrading roads and nearby streets to improve the reliability of Showcase 2 route and to enhance safety for road users and pedestrians. This is all part of a package of measures to transform travel in our city and to begin to offer real choices in how we make everyday journeys.