First Bus in Bradford is readying itself provide a supporting role to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. The bus operator is an official travel partner for the year-long celebration across the district, and is working in partnership with the organisers to promote the sustainability goals of the culture and arts festival by encouraging greener travel. First is also providing support to enable hundreds of City of Culture volunteers to travel to venues and events.
Head of Operations for First Bus North & West Yorkshire John Roxburgh said: “The excitement is building as we get closer to the start of the year. We’re planning a dedicated display area in the depot to keep everyone, especially our drivers, updated with the calendar of events and grow our knowledge to support existing customers and visitors new to Bradford.”
A specially branded Bradford 2025 bus is already in service in the city, carrying the message ‘Be Bold. Be Bradford’ and plans are underway to transform other buses with the help of young people and local artists.
Executive Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Dan Bates said: “We’re thrilled to have First Bus as an Official Travel Partner for Bradford 2025. Their support not only helps ensure that residents and visitors can travel to our events with ease, but it also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability. With First Bus drivers acting as ambassadors for Bradford 2025, we’re creating a vibrant, welcoming experience for everyone who joins us in this exciting year ahead.”
Drivers will wear the distinctive ‘Bradford 2025’ badge on their uniforms, and all buses in the First Bus fleet will include the ‘Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture’ wording on destination screens, as well as carrying a special vinyl.
“Our team and our fleet will be a living, moving billboard for the City of Culture, helping to keep this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle in the minds of local people and newcomers to experience the brilliant entertainment and diversity in communities throughout Bradford,” added John.
