Latest news with #FirstBus
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bradford scheme to build ethnic minority women's career confidence
Fifteen women within ethnic minority groups in Bradford have applied for apprenticeships with First Bus, following a partnership between the bus operator and charity-based community centre WomenZone, which helps ethnic minority women to build career confidence. The partnership entails one-to-one mentoring, the teaching of interview skills, and "tailored training." Following workshops held at First Bus's depots in Leeds, and the community centre on Hubert Street in Bradford, 15 women applied for apprenticeships in engineering and driving roles with the bus operator. Other women, meanwhile, have gained the confidence to look for jobs elsewhere. One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Ayesha, said: "The First Bus interview skills workshop helped me to confidently answer questions, practice my interview technique, and deliver a successful interview, and I now have a job working at Greggs' factory and warehousing department. "The support from First Bus and WomenZone was really good as this was the first time I practised interviews." Another WomenZone member, who has been able to secure employment in the care sector, said: "I learned techniques that I used in my interview and now have a great job that I am so happy with." Mazish Ahmed, operations manager of WomenZone, said: "This partnership with First Bus has had a profound impact already, boosting confidence and providing invaluable tools for career success for the women who took part. "At WomenZone we continue to be excited by the ongoing work with First Bus, creating further opportunities of development, growth for our community, and boosting the chances of the local youth, who otherwise would not have had this opportunity." First Bus plans to organise a series of sessions at its Shared Services Centre in Leeds, covering customer services, HR, procurement, and retail development, with the aim of improving understanding of office-based roles and skills. Mubs Mahmed, community and social value partner at First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: "The willingness and determination shown by the members of WomenZone and its team to embrace learning and skills development has been inspiring, and is the key element in the success we have seen to date. "We're naturally delighted this has encouraged some women to look at job opportunities with us, but it is also very rewarding to know that new careers have been started in other business and service sectors." More information about WomenZone is available at
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Seven new night bus routes introduced for Devon and Cornwall
Seven new routes have been added to the night bus service across the South Saturday night/Sunday morning service, set up by the police and supported by local councils, was first trialled during Christmas night bus service, provided by Stagecoach in Devon and First Bus in Newquay, would operate on Saturdays "in a bid to reduce drink and drug-related incidents", Devon and Cornwall Police routes in Plymouth and Exeter between 31 May and 31 December will be introduced alongside a longer Newquay service running until 6 September. 'Fantastic boost' Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said its use could become a "a mainstay of having a night out".She said: "The extension of the night bus service to include seven new routes will be a fantastic boost to our evening and night-time economy, encouraging residents and visitors alike to relax and enjoy socialising in Exeter, Plymouth, Newquay, Torbay and north Devon without worrying about the expense of a taxi, or having a designated driver."Night buses in Devon and Cornwall have been proven to be a great success, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and making people feel safer." Insp Nathan Johnson, from the Exeter Neighbourhood Team, said: "Exeter is a safe city, although like other towns and cities, it has its challenges. "By acknowledging these issues and working in partnership, we can identify the best solutions for our community."The data from previous night buses in other areas in the force suggest we will see a drop in drink-driving and anti-social behaviour and I welcome its introduction into Exeter."Steve Johnson, Newquay sector inspector, said when the night bus service was provided in summer 2024 they saw a drop in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
First Bus giving away 7,500 free bus journeys in Glasgow
The company is providing complimentary travel to help people celebrate Glasgow's 850th birthday at a three-day music festival along the River Clyde. First Bus is the official travel partner of the Clyde Chorus, which takes place between May 29 to 31. Read more: Busy Glasgow road to close for two days - here's when The festival will see live music events at well-known venues such as the SEC Armadillo, SWG3, The Briggait, Pearce Institute, and The Savings Bank. The event will showcase local and homegrown talent, highlighting Glasgow's status as a UNESCO City of Music. Artists are set to include Nathan Evans & the Saint Phnx band, Nina Nesbitt, Scottish Opera, and many more. First Bus, in partnership with Glasgow 850 organisers, is encouraging people to travel sustainably by giving every ticket holder a free two-trip ticket to allow them to travel to and from the event. Everyone who has purchased a ticket to a Clyde Chorus event can access a unique voucher code by completing an online form here. Users will then be emailed their unique voucher code which they can enter into the First Bus app. After this, a free two-trip ticket will be generated which can be activated for the day of the event. This venture highlights the continued support from First Bus for Glasgow's 80th birthday celebrations. It follows a similar effort earlier in the year, after the unveiling of a specially designed bus alongside Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken. The bus, which is wrapped in Glasgow 850 branding, travels around Glasgow every day. Read more: 'Thrilled ': New centre will provide dedicated space for this community Graeme Macfarlan, commercial director for First Bus Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be playing our part in celebrating 850 years of our amazing city by making it easier than ever for people to use the bus to experience Glasgow's fantastic music scene. "Our partnership not only helps us to reach a wider audience but further encourages people to choose public transport as their preferred method of travel. "We look forward to welcoming concert-goers on our buses throughout the Clyde Chorus." Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This fantastic offer from First Bus will make it free and easy to travel to the Clyde Chorus festival - part of Glasgow 850 - where those attending will enjoy a little piece of Glasgow's history as they watch a great line-up of local and homegrown artists perform over three days."
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow workers hail unique celebration at First Bus depot
First Bus drivers were delighted to be invited to a Ramadan event to mark the end of the Muslim holiday characterised by fasting, communal prayer, reflection and community. One participant said: "It's important because it shows our faith. It's the first time we've had a party like this. "We had a great time and it really makes us feel valued as employees. "I am proud to work for this company." During the celebration, workers gathered to share a meal at the company's Blantyre city depot. The day was made even more special because the get-together was funded and organised by Lauren Malone, operations manager. (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) (Image: Supplied) READ NEXT: Well-known American actor pictured at top Glasgow cafe She said: "I'm thrilled to hear that the drivers enjoyed our Ramadan celebration. "Organising this event was important to me and my management and supervisory team as it fosters community and inclusivity within our workplace. "We feel that celebrating cultural traditions helps create a positive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. "We are always striving to achieve a fun and inclusive atmosphere in our depot. "We look forward to hosting many more events in First Bus Blantyre in the years to come."
STV News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- STV News
Public warned of significant bus disruption ahead of 18-month roadworks
Passengers are being warned of 'significant' disruption to buses in Glasgow city centre lasting over a year as roadworks are carried out. First Bus confirmed major roadworks are to be carried out by Glasgow City Council on North Hanover Street as part of the wider city 'Avenues' project. The disruption, which will have a significant impact on buses accessing Buchanan Bus Station, is to last for 18 months. Lane restrictions and temporary lights are due to be installed on North Hanover Street from Monday, May 26, until November 2026. Users of the 9, 9A, 19, 38, 57, 77, 87, 88, 240, 255, 263, 267, 398, 500, X3, X8, X11, X85, and X87 First Bus services are advised to plan their journeys in advance. Passengers are being urged to allow for additional travel time to prepare for buses that may be caught in traffic due to the works. A spokesperson for First Bus said: 'We're committed to providing an efficient and reliable service for customers. Like any other road users, our buses are impacted by roadworks and circumstances outwith our control. 'We support the end vision Glasgow City Council are aiming to achieve with the modernisation of the city through the 'Avenues' project, however these works will cause significant disruption to bus services throughout the city centre. 'We wanted to issue notice in advance to support customers as far as possible and allow them to plan journeys. Further information can be found via our website, social channels and through our customer services team.' Glasgow City Council said on its website: 'The construction to North Hanover Street and Kyle Street will see the introduction of a high-quality public realm and the introduction of a segregated bi-directional cycleway to connect the north of Glasgow to the city centre as well as integrating into other active travel infrastructure projects and highlights the commitment to a sustainable city. 'The Avenues forms part of the City Centre Strategy. 'The priority of this programme is about creating inclusive and sustainable space for people through quality public realm, green infrastructure and innovative technology.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
