Home -> News List -> Multimillion pound renaissance for First buses in Doncaster

Multimillion pound renaissance for First buses in Doncaster

FIRST, Doncaster’s biggest bus operator, is introducing a multi million pound renaissance for its services in Doncaster.

From 1 August 2010, all First services in Doncaster will offer customers a new, high standard across the network, including every bus providing low-floor easy access and being fitted with CCTV cameras to improve safety. Delivering this standard has been made possible with a £10m investment to help grow passenger numbers.

The latest investment to meet this standard is the introduction of thirty-four modern buses including twenty-two double deck buses and twelve single deck buses costing £3.5M.

This commitment to improving service quality and vehicle investment in Doncaster will also mean that all bus engines will have lower emission levels meeting either EuroII or EuroIII standards making them more environmentally-friendly.

An official unveiling of the new bus fleet will take place at Doncaster Racecourse on Monday 19 July with Peter Davies, the Mayor of Doncaster together with other local guests and stakeholders being present, including representatives from Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

First is also planning a range of further commitments which will benefit its bus customers in Doncaster. This includes ensuring its drivers are trained to the highest standards and offering a refund if a bus does not arrive within 20 minutes of a scheduled timetable (owing to factors within First’s control).

Bob Hamilton, Managing Director for First in South Yorkshire, said: “First is carrying out a renaissance or ‘fresh start’ of how it operates its buses in Doncaster.

“A big part of this will be incorporating 34 modern low-floor buses into our Doncaster fleet. Each of these new buses will have a range of features including low floor access, CCTV cameras and being more environmentally friendly.

“We will also be ensuring all our drivers are trained to at least NVQ Level 2 in Customer Care and are offering to refund passengers if our buses are twenty minutes behind the timetabled schedule owing to factors we have some control over.

“This is all good news for First customers in Doncaster and follows on from our recent partnership work with the Mayor to test new routes and promotions in Doncaster.”

Doncaster Mayor Peter Davies said: “I am delighted with the news that First is to unveil a new fleet of buses.  This shows their commitment to transport in Doncaster, and is proof of the success of the talks held with Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup, earlier this year."

First


Pictured are Bob Hamilton (right), MD of First in South Yorkshire and Doncaster Mayor Peter Davies.