First continues Bristol ‘green’ drive

As Bristol comes to the end of its year as the European Green Capital, FirstGroup will has pledged to continue to help the city ensure it continues the drive to make public transport cleaner and greener. The operator was a principal partner in the city’s year as the Green Capital. Over the last 12 months, it has worked closely with Bristol 2015 and the Mayor of Bristol on a number of projects, including showcasing the ‘poo bus’, a Scania single decker powered by human waste. First West of England introduced 59 new double deckers into service during the year, 34 of which were innovative micro-hybrid vehicles which harness power from the braking systems to power lighting and ticket machines. Powered by Euro6 engines, they were said to be 14 times cleaner than those they replaced.

First played a key role in the Good Transport Plan for Bristol, tackling congestion with smarter, more integrated travel options. The operator recycled and ‘upcycled’ lost property, giving uncollected lost property to local recycling schemes. The company has worked as a leading partner in the Bristol 2015 schools programme. It has also been raising awareness of Bristol 2015 across the city, with all of First West of England’s 317 buses in Bristol carrying the Green Capital logo for the entire year. In partnership with Exterion Media, it wrapped six double deckers in Bristol 2015 branding.