First Bus hails 30th birthday alongside public transport enthusiast Francis Bourgeois

30th April 2025, London, UK - First Bus, one of the UK’s leading bus operators, today kicks off its celebrations for 30 years by partnering with famed trainspotter and content creator, Francis Bourgeois. Francis recently took a trip to the company’s birthplace in Aberdeen, where he was able to embrace his love and passion for public transport, diving into the world of buses. On his tour of Aberdeen, Francis learned how to drive a brand-new electric bus alongside taking a tour of a selection of heritage buses that contribute to the brand’s history.  

First Bus, first formed in 1995, has undergone significant expansion throughout its 30-year history, and now operates over 1.5 million journeys per day across the UK. However, three decades of significant development is not set to slow down the company’s plans for the future. Just last year, the company announced a major milestone in its business transformation journey through its relaunch, featuring a new, modern logo and further cementing its commitment to its customers and its people.

Looking ahead, First Bus has also committed £250m to transitioning towards a zero-emission bus fleet by its 40th birthday in 2035. It also has concrete plans to build an inclusive and engaged workforce, working towards becoming an accredited Real Living Wage employer, in addition to digitally transforming the travel experience to increase accessibility and ease for customers.

Janette Bell, Managing Director, First Bus, says: “Since its inception, First Bus has been driven by its goal of bringing people together and connecting communities. Buses don’t just move a nation, they bring a nation together, every day. Over the past 30 years, the business has seen unprecedented transformation and growth, and it’s a point of pride that we’ve thrived to meet the needs of our passengers and our people throughout.

Even in the past five years alone, we’ve gone from initiating major milestones like launching our first electric bus in 2020, to now operating with over 1100 in our fleet. It’s amazing to be able to reflect on everything that's happened since 1995, while also looking forward to what’s to come.”

Speaking on his enthusiasm for buses, Francis Bourgeois commented: “I know I’m known for the railway, but my enthusiasm for public transport extends to other forms too, like buses. I was thrilled when First Bus invited me to celebrate its 30th birthday at the Aberdeen depot. Seeing how much buses have evolved in the last three decades is incredible, not only the transition to electric vehicles but also learning about the impact buses have on society. Perhaps in another career, I could have been a bus driver…maybe I will become a bus driver!”

For more information, check out the campaign landing page www.firstbus.co.uk/birthday 

ENDS