First Bus strengthens franchising team with two senior appointments

Steve Draper has joined First Bus Franchising as Operations Director, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across the transport and manufacturing sectors.

Most recently, Steve served as Performance Director at Arriva, where he led initiatives across depot performance, driver recruitment and training, and operational excellence. His extensive expertise will play a key role in supporting First Bus as it delivers high-quality services in an evolving franchising landscape.

Joining alongside Steve is Ali Raffat, who takes up the role of Commercial Director. Ali brings more than 15 years of experience spanning corporate finance, investment banking and transport, with significant expertise in business development, mergers and acquisitions, financial modelling and strategic growth.

Prior to joining First Bus, Ali was Business Development Director, Bids & M&A at Go-Ahead, where he led major bidding and concession projects, helping drive growth across the business.

Together, Steve and Ali complete the First Bus Franchising directorate team, adding significant operational, commercial and franchising expertise.

The appointments reflect First Bus's continued investment in building specialist franchising capability, reinforcing its position as a trusted, active partner for local authorities seeking to deliver franchised bus networks.

Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising, said:

"We're delighted to welcome Steve and Ali to First Bus. Their combined operational, commercial and franchising expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our franchising business.

“As more local authorities explore or adopt franchising, First Bus is committed to being an active partner, helping deliver high-quality services and positive outcomes for passengers and communities across the UK."