First Group: General Discussion

[TheGrandWazoo]

The UK is not such a planning nightmare as it is made out to be. Environmentalists moan that the UK towns should be compact like in mainland Europe, but analysis in the book "Transport for Suburbia" shows that in actual fact UK towns are very compact by international standards. It is certainly not like America with small towns sprawling for miles.

It is logical when you look at history. Before the 80s planning was very strictly controlled and most houses were terraced or semi-detached with modest gardens. This was only partially undone by the laissez-faire planning regulations under Thatcher. In the 90s, we were back to strict planning under PPG13. Car parking is still generally rationed for new housing, leading to problems with parking overspilling onto the road instead of on people's drives. There is a also a growing trend in the UK for urban living with lots of apartment blocks in inner cities.

Fully appreciate what you say and yes, population density in the UK is obviously much higher, considering you have the population of France clinging onto a rock about a quarter of the size.

There are a number of issues that provide obstacles to true modal shift, and you have touched on a number of those. Firstly, where people live. Now it is true that we have the smallest houses in Europe and we do live on top of one another. However, it's often the design of housing estates that make them difficult to serve and this has now be exacerbated by inconsiderate parking.

However, the biggest change is perhaps the other end, and the workplace. Now, you do still have some large employers who employ sufficient staff to justify bus services, but now we tend to have a much more fragmented workforce both in terms not only of geography but also flexibility of working hours.

Once again, I can tell you that I'm currently working on two projects with the same developer on business parks in the UK and Germany. However, the UK sites have 10 times the number of car parking spaces allocated. Also, there is the cultural thing (much magnified under the Thatcher regime) that cars are aspirational and public transport is the place for the underclass. It shouldn't be that way but our politicians have sadly let us down; there is an excellent book (can't remember the title) on Ernest Marples and the Beeching Axe that details the vested interests in the roads lobby and government.

I agree with much of what you say but I was responding to what is the current situation. This is a world for bus operators of budget cuts in LAs, a poorly funded ENCTS scheme, and a disproportionate bias in terms of cars. Just one simple example of this springs to mind. Pennine Motor Services used to run a works service for staff at a factory (think Johnson and Johnson) somewhere like Skipton or Settle. However, the HMRC decided that they would tax the staff as this was a benefit in kind....the service doesn't run any more!

 

[overthewater]

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/glasgow/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=14421&conf=0

From Sunday 17 November 2013, FirstDay and FirstWeek tickets for travel on non-First Glasgow/Lanarkshire services will no longer be available for sale on First Glasgow/Lanarkshire services.

However, FirstDay and FirstWeek tickets purchased on First Scotland East services and will continue to be accepted on First Glasgow/Lanarkshire services.

This change does not affect the majority of our customers.

For further details please contact our customer services department on 0141 423 6600.

I remember years ago trying to get a 2 zone ticket out of Glasgow, least just say non of the First Glasgow driver had no clue! ended up traveling for free with out a ticket until I was able to broad a First Scotland East service. Its rather poor its seem to never been resolved.

 

[david16]

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/glasgow/travel_news/news_initiatives/?item=14421&conf=0



I remember years ago trying to get a 2 zone ticket out of Glasgow, least just say non of the First Glasgow driver had no clue! ended up traveling for free with out a ticket until I was able to broad a First Scotland East service. Its rather poor its seem to never been resolved.

It's a very confusing picture indeed. Many passengers travel on a First corporte painted bus and think it's all the same company. So they rightly assume that they can purchase the specific ticket on any First painted bus to where they need to go. It seems ridiculous that a driver can say a ticket is invalid becaue you happen to board a First Glasgow bus with a ticket purchased on a First Edinburgh bus even though it covers the journey.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
First Edinburgh are the ones that provide Scottish Nationwide tickets that could be used on any bus which has the First logo.

Around here you c
A

 

[overthewater]

Now some Good news for First Border

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/latest_news/?id=010221

Local bus operator, First Borders, confirmed today that it has launched a major recruitment campaign as it looks to improve services for its customers. The company has created 20 positions which are available immediately and hopes to recruit additional drivers in the New Year.


The recruitment campaign complements service improvements that First plans to implement in the Borders in the New Year.


The news from First, a major employer in the area with 120 staff based at its Galashiels headquarters, was welcomed today by local politician, Councillor John Mitchell. He said: “It’s very encouraging to see First strengthen its driver establishment – it’s good news for the local economy. I’m also pleased to see that First has plans to put in place some service improvements in the New Year – that is promising news for bus customers in the area.”


Operations Director of First, John Gorman, said: “Building on our £1.5m investment in ten new buses in the Borders earlier this year, we have ambitious plans to improve our network in the New Year, which we’ll confirm in the next few weeks.


“The positive service changes will require more drivers and therefore I am very pleased to be recruiting 20 new driving positions to operate from our Galashiels depot. These are immediate vacancies and we are likely to recruit even more drivers over the course of the next 12 months.”


“We are providing our passengers in the Borders with a reliable, punctual and consistent bus service. We want to encourage more people on to our buses and we recognise that continuing to provide good quality drivers is just as important as delivering a good service. We’re looking forward to seeing potential candidates at our recruitment week.”


First Borders has organised a recruitment week at Galashiels Bus Station where staff and drivers will be on hand to answer any questions that potential candidates may have. Each successful applicant will undergo an industry leading training programme before driving buses for First.


Successful candidates will have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and will enjoy access to First’s award winning employees share save and pension schemes.


The recruitment week started Wednesday 20 November and runs to Tuesday 26 November inclusive. Mon - Fri times 1200 - 2000 hours, Sat/Sun 1000 - 1800 hours.

 

[Polo Mint]

Its not often a FirstGroup company expands, good to see progress being made.

Have they registered any new services or increased frequencies yet?

 

[overthewater]

Its not often a FirstGroup company expands, good to see progress being made.

Have they registered any new services or increased frequencies yet?

Tell a lie, yes:

PM0000003/145 - MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD, CARMUIRS HOUSE, 300 STIRLING ROAD, LARBERT, FK5 3NJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Galashiels Bus Station and Melrose, Market Square given service number 8/8a/9/9a effective from 20-Jan-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PM0000003/181 - MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD, CARMUIRS HOUSE, 300 STIRLING ROAD, LARBERT, FK5 3NJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Galashiels, Bus Station and Galashiels, Bus Station given service number 7 effective from 20-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Its not often a FirstGroup company expands, good to see progress being made.

Have they registered any new services or increased frequencies yet?

Not as bad as you think. In the last year or so.....

First Hampshire and Dorset competed in Southampton (out to Hythe) after winning on tender.

First Devon and Cornwall - won services around Helston last year on tender from Western Greyhound, won Truro P&R, and have then partially replaced the Penzance routes from Western Greyhound's withdrawal.

First Somerset and Avon - commercial extension of Bath to Warminster service to Salisbury, commercial extension of east Bristol services to Keynsham, introduction of night services in Bristol and a 24 hour cross Bristol route

Lots of areas have also had some really good recasts as well with some welcome enhancements though there is still a lot to do

 

[DunsBus]

Although Borders did lose one route, the 60 linking Galashiels, Duns and Berwick, to Perryman's as a result of retendering.

On the plus side they were also able to cover some of the Munro's of Jedburgh services on temporary contracts after Munro's collapsed.

 

[Volvodart]

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/latest_news/?id=010241

First Bus Sees 8% Growth In Manchester Customer Numbers

Monday 25 November 2013

Extra 150,000 customer journeys per week across Greater Manchester

Customer satisfaction increasing with service improvements & lower fares

NEW figures show that the number of people using First buses in Greater Manchester is on the rise. Compared to the same period last year First is now welcoming on board an extra 150,000 customers a week.

Over the last 12 months First has introduced a range of service improvements that have driven up satisfaction levels and attracted more customers onto the bus. The improvements include lower fares, more journeys on time, and investment in new buses delivering the latest in customer comfort.

In April 2013, First reduced bus fares by up to 28%. The cheaper Day, Week and Month tickets have been a big hit with customers looking for value for money offers in economically difficult times.

Service reliability has improved by closely managing services and introducing timetable improvements – leading to around 93%* of journeys starting on time.

Customers have also welcomed the introduction of over 150 buses in the last 12 months. This £30m investment has delivered the latest standards of service quality for customers including routes in Manchester City Centre, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Salford and Bolton.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, has praised First for encouraging more people to use its buses – saying: “This is great news and testament to First’s committed approach to service improvements.

“For some time this Committee has been working to have more consistent fare levels across bus operators in Greater Manchester, and it’s no accident that since First reduced fares, their passenger numbers have risen considerably.”

First is now planning to build on this success into 2014 with a continued focus on service reliability and further investment in services. This includes over £1m in the roll-out of wifi across Manchester and the introduction of GPS vehicle tracking technology to provide customers with real time bus running information, and improve the punctuality of bus timetables. These initiatives are part of First’s plans to attract more people onto buses by working closely with local councils & TfGM.

Dave Alexander, regional managing director for First in Greater Manchester said: “I am delighted that we have seen this impressive 8% customer growth on our buses in Greater Manchester.

“Over the last 12 months we have invested heavily in improving our service delivery standards with new vehicles and the transformation of our business across the region. We have more to do but the feedback from customers confirms that we are making good progress.

“This has given us the confidence to introduce fares reductions to address local affordability issues and further improve value for money.

“All these improvements and our further investment plans are delivering better services for our customers and help us to attract new customers from other modes of transport such as the car.”

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/latest_news/?id=010251

First Bus Announces 5% Growth In West Yorkshire Customer Numbers

Monday 25 November 2013

Extra 100,000 customer journeys per week across West Yorkshire

Customer satisfaction increasing with service improvements & lower fares

NEW figures show that the number of people using First buses in West Yorkshire is on the rise. Compared to the same period last year First is now welcoming on board an extra 100,000 customers a week.

Over the last 12 months First has introduced a range of service improvements that have driven up customer satisfaction levels and attracted more people onto the bus. The improvements include more journeys on time, lower fares and investment in new buses delivering the latest in customer comfort.

Metro Chairman James Lewis has praised First for encouraging more people to use its buses.

Service reliability has improved by closely managing services using the latest GPS vehicle tracking technology and introducing timetable improvements – leading to over 94%* of journeys starting on time.

First has also introduced new lower prices including a maximum single fare on the Headingley-Leeds bus corridor and reduced week tickets in Huddersfield and Halifax. The introduction of these weekly tickets followed the successful launch of a new, cheaper weekly ticket in Bradford and have proved very successful giving customers a reduction of over 40% on the alternative week tickets.

Customers have also welcomed the introduction of over 100 buses in the last 12 months. This £25m investment has delivered the latest standards of service quality for customers on corridors such as Leeds A65 and the Bradley-Huddersfield 328 service including wifi.

First is now planning to build on this success into 2014 with a continued focus on service reliability, introducing new value for money offers and further vehicle investment. These initiatives are part of First’s plans to attract more people onto buses by working closely with local councils & Metro.

Dave Alexander, regional managing director for First in West Yorkshire said: “I am delighted that we have seen this impressive 5% customer growth on our buses in West Yorkshire.

“Over the last 18 months we have invested heavily in improving our service delivery standards with new vehicles and the transformation of our business across the region. We have more to do but the feedback from customers confirms that we are making good progress.

“This has given us the confidence to introduce fares reductions to address local affordability issues and further improve value for money.

“All these improvements and our further investment plans are delivering better services for our customers and helps us to attract new customers from other modes of transport such as the car.”

Metro Chairman James Lewis said: “Feedback from public transport users regularly tells us that in addition to reliability and punctuality, passengers rate value for money, customer service and comfort highly. “It is good to see that by accepting the importance of these issues, First is carrying more passengers and that local people are benefitting from their initiatives and I look forward to working with bus operators to extend these types of benefits to all West Yorkshire bus users.”

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/latest_news/?id=010241



http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/latest_news/?id=010251

I'd be having a word with the PR agency! Looks like the same press release with a bit of cut and paste being done!

However, good to see some positive news from First

 

[DunsBus]

Tell a lie, yes:

PM0000003/145 - MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD, CARMUIRS HOUSE, 300 STIRLING ROAD, LARBERT, FK5 3NJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Galashiels Bus Station and Melrose, Market Square given service number 8/8a/9/9a effective from 20-Jan-2014. To amend Route, Stopping Places and Timetable.

PM0000003/181 - MIDLAND BLUEBIRD LTD, CARMUIRS HOUSE, 300 STIRLING ROAD, LARBERT, FK5 3NJ
Variation Accepted: Operating between Galashiels, Bus Station and Galashiels, Bus Station given service number 7 effective from 20-Jan-2014. To amend Timetable.

Scratching my head about this one, can't see how First Borders can expand unless it's by improving existing services. Expanding its operating area would mean either setting up in competition with the contract services run by Perryman's, or taking some of them back.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Scratching my head about this one, can't see how First Borders can expand unless it's by improving existing services. Expanding its operating area would mean either setting up in competition with the contract services run by Perryman's, or taking some of them back.

We will find out though OTW is clearly thinking the registrations listed are part of the developments (based on start date, I guess).

Based on a very rough estimate, 6 day operation usually means a rough ratio of 2.5 drivers per vehicle (incl. ASH) so would point to an extra 8 vehicles on the PVR if the extra 20 drivers is for new service developments entirely?

We did see First take on the Hawick to Kelso so are they thinking of a return to some other former haunts? Could be interesting to see how this pans out

 

[DunsBus]

We will find out though OTW is clearly thinking the registrations listed are part of the developments (based on start date, I guess).

Based on a very rough estimate, 6 day operation usually means a rough ratio of 2.5 drivers per vehicle (incl. ASH) so would point to an extra 8 vehicles on the PVR if the extra 20 drivers is for new service developments entirely?

We did see First take on the Hawick to Kelso so are they thinking of a return to some other former haunts? Could be interesting to see how this pans out

The 20 was a contract route which was handed back by its previous operator (MacEwan's) as they couldn't make it pay. Before that it had been run by Munro's who had exactly the same problem. First took a gamble to run it commercially, which has mostly worked although the evening service, run by Peter Hogg, and the Sunday service run by Perryman's are both under contract to the council.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

The 20 was a contract route which was handed back by its previous operator (MacEwan's) as they couldn't make it pay. Before that it had been run by Munro's who had exactly the same problem. First took a gamble to run it commercially, which has mostly worked although the evening service, run by Peter Hogg, and the Sunday service run by Perryman's are both under contract to the council.

Yeah, I was aware they'd taken on the route commercially though thought it was from Munros but I know you have a better handle on these things.

It's good to see First investing and expanding in the Borders. So depressing when I remember the days of Eastern and Lowland (I'm that old) and the depots at Peebles, Hawick and especially Kelso. Remember travelling down the A68 and always stopping at Jedburgh where you'd usually find 2 or 3 dark green Seddons.

Let's see what happens

 

[overthewater]

FirstGroup appoints Aviva boss John McFarlane as chairman
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-25258404

Bus and rail operator FirstGroup has named the boss of insurance group Aviva as its new chairman.

The appointment of Aviva chairman John McFarlane ends a six-month search for a replacement for Martin Gilbert.

Mr Gilbert said in May that he planned to step down after the transport group tapped investors for £615m and cancelled its shareholder dividend.

Mr McFarlane will join the board of FirstGroup immediately and will take on the post of chairman on 1 January.

The appointment comes as Aberdeen-based FirstGroup recovers from a turbulent year.

Its growth plans were derailed when it lost out on a lucrative West Coast Main Line rail franchise in 2012 after the Department for Transport made mistakes in the bidding process.

It reported half-year pre-tax losses of £8m last month, although this was a marked improvement on the £20.6m loss seen a year earlier.

The group, which operates First Great Western, First Capital Connect and First ScotRail, said recently it was getting back on track and hoped to start repaying dividends from the close of its financial year.

The group is pouring £1.6bn into a four-year investment programme and tackling debts of nearly £2bn.

John Sievwright, senior independent non-executive director at FirstGroup, said Mr McFarlane's experience would be "invaluable" to the firm.

He also paid tribute to Mr Gilbert, who has chaired FirstGroup and its predecessor companies for 27 years.

'Short-term challenges'
Mr McFarlane became chairman of Aviva in July 2012, promising to turn it into a "leaner, more agile beast".

He has served as a non-executive director at Royal Bank of Scotland and previously headed Australian and New Zealand banking giant ANZ as chief executive for 10 years.

Mr McFarlane, who was born in Dumfries, said he was pleased to be joining FirstGroup at "an important stage of its evolution".

He added: "The group has short-term challenges which we will naturally need to overcome, but I am convinced it has significant opportunity to benefit from its market-leading positions and to deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

"I look forward to playing a pivotal role in its future."

Analysts at Shore Capital Stockbrokers said Mr McFarlane's appointment at FirstGroup was "very encouraging".

They added: "The swift action and turnaround at Aviva under his executive stewardship is a welcome read across to FirstGroup as it continues to grapple with the previous regime's legacy of underinvestment."

 

[F Great Eastern]

The First of 10 Plaxton Panther 3 coaches for First Aircoach in Dublin has appeared in Plaxton Scarborough

http://wallys-wanderings.smugmug.co...ckers/22335812_VPXhCT#!i=2955630851&k=XRRQGVf

 

[Volvodart]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/10509828/FirstGroup-investor-Sandell-pushes-for-US-business-split.html

FirstGroup investor Sandell pushes for US business split

Sandell Asset Management has called on the transport group to boost shareholder value


ben martin
By Ben Martin

9:18PM GMT 10 Dec 2013

An activist investor with a stake in FirstGroup has called on the bus and rail operator to boost shareholder value by more than 50pc through a split from its US businesses.

New York-based Sandell Asset Management, a hedge fund that was set up by Swedish billionaire investor Thomas Sandell, said it had written to FirstGroup’s board proposing a spin-off and flotation of its US school buses and transit businesses, and a sale of Greyhound, its intercity bus provider.

The British company could then use the proceeds to bolster the balance sheet of FirstGroup's UK business, by paying off debt, investing in its domestic bus division, and preparing for bids for rail franchises, Sandell claimed. A spokesman for the FTSE 250 company could not be reached for comment.

A source close to FirstGroup said that the company has started a turnaround plan that is beginning to show results, and Sandell's plan contains "structural flaws and innaccuracies". The source said that FirstGroup had met with Sandell but its proposals, which FirstGroup explored during a capital raising earlier this year, would not lead to shareholder value.

Sandell declared a 3.1pc stake in FirstGroup in November, less than five months after the company angered investors with a deeply discounted £615m rights issue. Last week, Aviva chairman John McFarlane was appointed to the same role at the British group, a move Sandell welcomed. FirstGroup shares climbed 5pc on the day the new chairman was announced.

Mr McFarlane replaced Martin Gilbert, who agreed to step down from FirstGroup in the wake of the fund-raising, which was carried out by the debt-laden group to alleviate the pressure on its balance sheet.

Tim O’Toole, FirstGroup’s chief executive, was also understood to have considered quitting the company to take the fall for the rights issue.

Analysts at Shore Capital said: “The swift action and turnaround at Aviva under [Mr McFarlane's] executive stewardship is a welcome read across to FirstGroup as it continues to grapple with the previous regimes legacy of underinvestment

http://hsprod.investis.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=1655765727182848&ir_client_id=2899&transform=newsitem

FIRSTGROUP PLC
(`FirstGroup' or `the Group')

Statement re: PROPOSAL FROM SANDELL ASSET MANAGEMENT



The Board of FirstGroup plc ("FirstGroup" or "the Group") notes the recent
press speculation and confirms that it has received a proposal from Sandell
Asset Management ("Sandell") outlining its rationale for seeking strategic
changes to the Group, namely a separation of the Group and asset disposals.

The Board is open to all means of enhancing long-term value and welcomes the
views of the Group's shareholders. The Group has engaged with Sandell several
times, reviewed their proposal in detail and believes that it is not compelling
and contains a number of structural flaws and inaccuracies.

The Board believes that the current multi-year programme that was set out in
May, with clear objectives to improve growth and restore a profile of
consistent returns and cash generation, will deliver superior value for
shareholders compared to alternatives that were considered in detail earlier
this year, and which remain under review. Consequently, we remain focused on
the vigorous execution of our strategy.

As previously indicated FirstGroup will be holding a Capital Markets Day on 23
January 2014 where we will be joined by John McFarlane, our new Chairman, as we
review our programme in further detail.

 

[overthewater]

This is interesting: First Scotland East has uploaded a selection of fare for some routes:

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/tickets/single_fare/falkirk.php
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/tickets/single_fare/east_lothian.php

 

[oldman]

This is interesting: First Scotland East has uploaded a selection of fare for some routes:

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/tickets/single_fare/falkirk.php
http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east/tickets/single_fare/east_lothian.php

The journey planner on Traveline Scotland also has fares for all FSE as well as some other operators.

 

[overthewater]

The journey planner on Traveline Scotland also has fares for all FSE as well as some other operators.

That must have come in recently.

 

[winston270twm]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/10509828/FirstGroup-investor-Sandell-pushes-for-US-business-split.html



http://hsprod.investis.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=1655765727182848&ir_client_id=2899&transform=newsitem

Gives a breakdown of the values of First Student & Greyhound
http://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/activist-targets-firstgroup#.Uqj1DeKa97V
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Gives a breakdown of the values of First Student & Greyhound
http://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/activist-targets-firstgroup#.Uqj1DeKa97V

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/...for-FirstGroup-is-missing-a-wheel-or-two.html

 

[overthewater]

On the 10th December Mr John Paul Mc Gowan was appointed Director of First Scotland East, replacing Paul Thomas.

 

[winston270twm]

On the 10th December Mr John Paul Mc Gowan was appointed Director of First Scotland East, replacing Paul Thomas.

He was formerly MD of NX owned Travel London and moved with the sale of the business over to Abellio

 

[overthewater]

It just seems like a strange appointed.

 

[Volvodart]

He has been part of the Scottish regional management team for nearly 2 years.

 

[winston270twm]

He has been part of the Scottish regional management team for nearly 2 years.

I had realised he had left Abellio so long ago.

He certainly did a good job at growing Travel London for NX and subsequently Abellio after the NX disposal

 

[F Great Eastern]

First new Plaxton Panther 3 for Aircoach seen out in the wild and with livery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23137045@N00/11422234115/

 

[mbonwick]

Not a fan of the new light clusters it must be said...

 

[GaryMcEwan]

First Glasgow are bringing back the Braehead Bullet, which will operate 7 days a week until 2300 between Patrick Bus and Rail Interchange, Braehead and Xscape.

A special £3 FirstDay is valid an all routes including the Braehead Bullet. However there's a catch...

For a surcharge of £1, passengers who have a normal FirstWeek, FirstCard or normal FirstDay tickets can travel on the Braehead Bullet.

 

[Eng274]

Deleted