First’s record bus running Boxing Day

FirstBus is running a record number of services this Boxing Day. Responding directly to people’s changing habits and the increased demand for travel on 26 December, around 1,000 buses and some 1,600 staff will operate local services across Britain on the Bank Holiday. The operator expects to carry in the region of 250,000 passengers.

MD of FirstBus, Giles Fearnley, said, ‘With every passing year we operate more and more services on Boxing Day. Whilst historically we have operated services on 26 December principally with support from Local Authorities, this year we will see a record 55% of Boxing Day services being run entirely at our commercial risk. We are responding to the needs of our passengers. Customers are telling us that they want to get out and about on Boxing Day to take advantage of the sales, take in a sporting event or visit friends and family. Retailers and Local Authority partners are telling us that running buses on Boxing Day helps support local economies. I’m delighted to confirm therefore that we’ll be running services in the majority of the major towns and cities that we operate in, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Leicester, Bristol, Portsmouth, Southampton and Swansea.’

‘Of course it’s not just our drivers who will sacrifice their Boxing Day, they will be supported by engineers, mechanics, controllers and other support staff. In total around 1,600 First Bus staff will be transporting an estimated 250,000 customers on Boxing Day. I’m very fortunate to lead a company that has such a fantastic and committed workforce.’