First Group: General Discussion

[Goldfish62]

Purple polos have been rolled out over the past year - it's new uniform standard

Interesting.

Cornwall drivers have had a summer uniform of torquoise polo shirt with "Adventures by Bus" branding and blue shorts for the past couple of years.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Purple polos have been rolled out over the past year - it's new uniform standard

It's only taken them a decade (if not longer) to listen to drivers requests....

 

[GBM]

Shirt, tie and trousers always look smart.
Polo shirts and shorts are very casual - delivery driver uniform!

 

[dodecahedron67]

Shirt, tie and trousers always look smart.
Polo shirts and shorts are very casual - delivery driver uniform!

To this I would say does a bus driver really need to look “smart” nowadays - or is something actually comfortable to wear better?

*Probably important to add I don’t get to wear the polos as part of my role, so can’t comment on the comfort, but they seem to be well-liked

 

[Delenn]

To this I would say does a bus driver really need to look “smart” nowadays - or is something actually comfortable to wear better?

*Probably important to add I don’t get to wear the polos as part of my role, so can’t comment on the comfort, but they seem to be well-liked

Shirt tie and jumper is perfectly comfortable for me to drive a bus, and I refuse to wear our polo shirts as they look hideous. (Please note I don't drive for First)

 

[Bungle965]

Polite reminder that discussions over driver uniforms can be made by creating a new thread (although there may be open ones already on the forum)

 

[baza585]

Share price up 8%today. Am I dreaming??

Anyone know what is driving this?

 

[YorkRailFan]

First Group has reported their financials for both First Bus and First Rail for Financial Year 2023 (April 2023-March 2024) with an increasing profit despite a pre-tax loss.

First profits rise - Bus & Coach Buyer

First Group reports increasing profits in its financial results for the 53 weeks to 30 March 2024. The positive profits news comes despite a statutory loss before tax of £24.4m, which results predominantly from charges of £146.9m relating to the Group’s termination of its participation in two...

www.busandcoachbuyer.com

First Group reports increasing profits in its financial results for the 53 weeks to 30 March 2024.

The positive profits news comes despite a statutory loss before tax of £24.4m, which results predominantly from charges of £146.9m relating to the Group’s termination of its participation in two Local Government Pension Schemes during the year. This comes with an offsetting £161m gain in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

First says the increase in Group profit is driven by continued progress in both First Bus and First Rail. Group adjusted operating profit rose to £204.3m (FY 2023: £161m).

First Bus reported an adjusted operating profit margin increase to 9.4% in the second half of 2024 and 8.3% for the full year (FY 2023: 6.5%) with increased passenger volumes, improved driver availability and data-led operational and commercial improvements more than offsetting ongoing inflationary pressures and lower funding. The company says the division is on track to achieve a 10% adjusted operating profit margin.

It reports the business division makes 1.14m passenger journeys a day (FY 2023: 1.07m) with 167m service miles operated (FY 2023: 168m). Passenger volumes over the period increased 7% compared to 2023’s figures, which the company acknowledges is supported by the £2 fare cap in England and free travel for under-22s in Scotland. It achieved total revenue of £1,012.2m (FY 2023: £902.5m), with total passenger revenue increasing 16.5% to £769.1m (FY 2023: £660.0m).

It acquired York Pullman during the period. Adjacent Services revenue increased to £219.8m (FY 2023: £175.1m) driven by First Travel Solutions, new contract wins and the contribution of Airporter and Ensignbus acquired last year.

First Bus had around 300 electric buses delivered during the period, with over 300 charger outlets installed.

“This is testament to the resilience and capability of our people across the Group” – Chief Executive Officer, Graham Sutherland

Chief Executive Officer, Graham Sutherland, said: “We have made considerable progress in our financial and operational performance in FY 2024 as we continue to transform and grow our leading First Bus and First Rail businesses. This is testament to the resilience and capability of our people across the Group and leaves us well positioned to grow and create further value for all our stakeholders.

“Our focus remains on working with government and all our stakeholders to deliver for our customers and drive modal shift. We will continue to lead in environmental and social sustainability, including building out our adjacent electrification opportunities in First Bus, and investing to grow and diversify our portfolio to ensure our business remains profitable and resilient in the long-term.”

 

[noddingdonkey]

I would suggest that

167m service miles operated (FY 2023: 168m)

and

deliver for our customers and drive modal shift

Are mutually incompatible. Network and frequency need to increase dramatically before the bus is a viable alternative to the car for most people.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I would suggest that

and


Are mutually incompatible. Network and frequency need to increase dramatically before the bus is a viable alternative to the car for most people.

Perhaps the greater evidence of modal shift is…

Passenger volumes over the period increased 7% compared to 2023’s figures, which the company acknowledges is supported by the £2 fare cap in England and free travel for under-22s in Scotland.

 

[Volvodart]

Of note in today's results presentation, the Leicester Citybus Limited minority interest has been bought out.

 

[Goldfish62]

Perhaps the greater evidence of modal shift is…

That certainly stuck out for me.

As a bus user I love the simplicity (and cheapness!) of the £2 fare. I am definitely using the bus more (often in lieu of the increasingly hopeless railways). Long may it continue.

 

[noddingdonkey]

I would suggest that that is more likely to be a continued return towards pre-pandemic use (566m passenger journeys per year according to the 2019 report, which I make to be 1.55m per day compared to 1.14m in the present report) rather than significant modal shift from private cars.

Without wanting to labour the point, the convenience factor of having a private car available and being able to make a journey at the drop of a hat is one of the biggest barriers to modal shift. Whilst the bus timetables are so infrequent (and on the evidence in that report, it's getting worse) that you have to plan your life around them, it's just not going to happen.

 

[richw]

I would suggest that

and


Are mutually incompatible. Network and frequency need to increase dramatically before the bus is a viable alternative to the car for most people.

They’ve withdrawn from several depots in that period, Southampton being the main headliner.

Enhanced partnership in Cornwall has seen duplicate mileage amongst partners withdrawn making a more efficient service.

 

[Trainman40083]

Of note in today's results presentation, the Leicester Citybus Limited minority interest has been bought out.

I take it you mean, the minority interest that was held by the Wellglade Group at Langley Mill

 

[NorthernSpirit]

They’ve withdrawn from several depots in that period, Southampton being the main headliner.

Chester and Northampton being two others.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Chester and Northampton being two others.

Not during that financial year

 

[Goldfish62]

Which OpCos have yet to do any repaints in the new corporate livery? The only ones I can think of (excluding Manchester and Leicester of course) are:

South Wales
Aberdeen
The whole of First South (South West, Hants & Dorset, Berkshire).

 

[aswilliamsuk]

Which OpCos have yet to do any repaints in the new corporate livery? The only ones I can think of (excluding Manchester and Leicester of course) are:

South Wales
Aberdeen
The whole of First South (South West, Hants & Dorset, Berkshire).

Potteries haven't yet either - they've been busy repainting for others at their Adderley Green paintshop.

The Hampshire part of South West is retaining the two-tone blue Solent identity (as part of the local enhanced partnership, and the ZEBRA funding), it seems, and I do wonder if Berkshire may keep the Beeline identity (as part of the Heathrow work that dominates the requirement there).

Aberdeen - aside from a few StreetLites - have all but completed repaints into the local green-based scheme. I wonder if we may not see the new scheme there until the next batch of new buses arrive, whenever that is...

 

[Goldfish62]

Potteries haven't yet either - they've been busy repainting for others at their Adderley Green paintshop.

The Hampshire part of South West is retaining the two-tone blue Solent identity (as part of the local enhanced partnership, and the ZEBRA funding), it seems, and I do wonder if Berkshire may keep the Beeline identity (as part of the Heathrow work that dominates the requirement there).

Aberdeen - aside from a few StreetLites - have all but completed repaints into the local green-based scheme. I wonder if we may not see the new scheme there until the next batch of new buses arrive, whenever that is...

It's a good point about Heathrow. The airport is generous in terms of operator support and thus in return is able to dictate branding.

I'm sure that Cornwall Council would also want something bespoke under the Transport for Cornwall banner, notwithstanding that there have been no repaints for almost 18 months and it feels like every Kernow bus is in a different livery currently.

 

[richw]

I'm sure that Cornwall Council would also want something bespoke under the Transport for Cornwall banner, notwithstanding that there have been no repaints for almost 18 months and it feels like every Kernow bus is in a different livery currently.

If bustimes is accurate with its livery column there is at least 27 different liveries at present in Cornwall!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

If bustimes is accurate with its livery column there is at least 27 different liveries at present in Cornwall!

I'd not doubt it though I guess that some of those were due to be repainted but they observed some (self-imposed) moratorium on repaints as they arrived in legacy schemes (like the B9s in Bath or Bristol liveries) or they're due to be replaced soon (like the South Glos or Unique ones). Oh, does it include the four Mousehole ones? Of course, it all got a bit silly under Morgan-Huws who, despite a lot of good stuff, did seem to get a bit over spirited with the branding. If it were me, I'd have Tinner, corporate and an open topper livery. Could do with painting the Solos to get shot of the DayTripper brand (as the B7s will be off soon anyhow)

I might add that First West of England is a bit similar. Bath has a range of blue liveries (though they are different, the base shade is similar), plus ex green P&R/Essex and red ex Cymru vehicles. Bristol has a mix of colour coded urban schemes (of which some are in Weston) plus the citylines scheme of which the green 73 vehicles are now debranded, and then there's all sorts of other remnants and one offs. Think there's nearly 40 different varations!

 

[Goldfish62]

I'd not doubt it though I guess that some of those were due to be repainted but they observed some (self-imposed) moratorium on repaints as they arrived in legacy schemes (like the B9s in Bath or Bristol liveries) or they're due to be replaced soon (like the South Glos or Unique ones). Oh, does it include the four Mousehole ones? Of course, it all got a bit silly under Morgan-Huws who, despite a lot of good stuff, did seem to get a bit over spirited with the branding. If it were me, I'd have Tinner, corporate and an open topper livery. Could do with painting the Solos to get shot of the DayTripper brand (as the B7s will be off soon anyhow)

I might add that First West of England is a bit similar. Bath has a range of blue liveries (though they are different, the base shade is similar), plus ex green P&R/Essex and red ex Cymru vehicles. Bristol has a mix of colour coded urban schemes (of which some are in Weston) plus the citylines scheme of which the green 73 vehicles are now debranded, and then there's all sorts of other remnants and one offs. Think there's nearly 40 different varations!

The last repaints in Cornwall were a handful of B9s early last year into base Kernow and Lizard liveries. They never received full branding vinyls. Everything else imported since then has remained in whatever livery they turned up in.

As for Bath, I was in the area recently and couldn't make head or tail of what was going on with liveries. It was all over the place.

 

[stevenedin]

The last repaints in Cornwall were a handful of B9s early last year into base Kernow and Lizard liveries. They never received full branding vinyls. Everything else imported since then has remained in whatever livery they turned up in.

As for Bath, I was in the area recently and couldn't make head or tail of what was going on with liveries. It was all over the place.

It’ll be nice once the new standard livery starts to become the norm. It gives a strong corporate identity and also gives brand recognition.

 

[Goldfish62]

It’ll be nice once the new standard livery starts to become the norm. It gives a strong corporate identity and also gives brand recognition.

My one disappointment is that there's no place it seems for local brand names. Thus presumably the likes of Kernow, Buses of Somerset and Badgerline will disappear after so much effort to cultivate these local identities.

 

[WAB]

My one disappointment is that there's no place it seems for local brand names. Thus presumably the likes of Kernow, Buses of Somerset and Badgerline will disappear after so much effort to cultivate these local identities.

Don’t worry, once 75% of the fleet has been repainted it’ll be time to revert to local branding…

 

[Russel]

Not been keeping up with First, is the plan to put everything into the new purple livery, except Manchester obviously, or is there scope to keep some of the more recent branding like the Ipswich red livery?

 

[buslad1988]

Not been keeping up with First, is the plan to put everything into the new purple livery, except Manchester obviously, or is there scope to keep some of the more recent branding like the Ipswich red livery?

Seems to be everything is turning purple - thus also rendering many of the local names redundant also (Ipswich reds for example). One of the eclipse 2’s has already been repainted there.

Local publicity however seems to be slow at switching over - changes in Essex at the end of the July are still in Essex Bus/Shuttles style. Do we think they’ll eventually move over to a national timetable/marketing template? (like Stagecoach has).

 

[Goldfish62]

Don’t worry, once 75% of the fleet has been repainted it’ll be time to revert to local branding…

Yes!

 

[geoffk]

Not been keeping up with First, is the plan to put everything into the new purple livery, except Manchester obviously.........?

How quickly is the move to franchising likely to take off, given the new government's support for local decision making, and in which of the likely contenders is First a significant operator? South and West Yorkshire certainly but I'm a bit out of touch with recent changes.