First’s ECO Stars first

First in York has become the first national bus company in the UK to be given an initial four star rating as part of the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme. The Europe wide scheme encourages fleet operators of all sizes to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. City of York Council has welcomed the award, claiming it is making a great contribution to the council’s Air Quality Action Plans, part of the Local Transport Plan, which aims to improve the air quality in the city. First is responsible for 101 buses in York, which are operated from its depot in James Street. The news follows the operator and the Council’s successful application to the government to fund eight electric buses for the city, which are planned to be in place within the next 12 months.

Service Delivery Director for First in York, Ben Gilligan, said, ‘To be the first national UK bus company to be given an initial four star rating by ECO Stars is a great honour for First and its staff. We are now working with ECO Stars and City of York Council to improve our green credentials even further and we are aiming to get the top mark five star rating as soon as possible.’

Pic: First’s Service Delivery Director for York, Ben Gilligan and Cllr Dave Merrett of City of York Council.