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Bristol buses face uncertain future
The future of Bristol’s biggest transport system is left uncertain as FirstGroup announces plans to sell off its bus operations in the UK.
FirstGroup, which owns both Great Western Railway and First Bus West of England announced it would be “separating” with the bus company in a recent statement.
It comes after FirstGroup boss Tim O’Toole resigned last year after the transport company reported a yearly loss of £327m.
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A spokesperson for FirstGroup said: “We announced that we will be pursuing strategic options, through a sale or other means, to separate First Bus from FirstGroup.
“In recent years we have improved customer service at First Bus by investing in our buses and new technology, transforming our networks, and making operations and maintenance more efficient.
“As a result, First Bus is now on a much stronger footing, and we believe it is the right time to pursue structural alternatives so the business can continue to provide excellent service, ensure the best possible future for our staff and continue to meet stakeholders’ requirements.”
The future of Bristol’s buses comes under threat as FirstGroup look to “separate” from First Buses
The statement went on to say: “Please be assured that as this process unfolds, we will continue to operate our services, as usual, working closely with our local authority partners and demonstrating our commitment to our customers through the service we offer them”
Although the implications on Bristol’s transport system is so far unknown, the statement reassures the public that services will remain the same until the uncertain future.
Read More: ‘The only answer to Bristol’s bus woes is to give public transport proper priority’
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