Transport Integration
As the UK's largest bus and rail operator, we recognise the importance of integration and interchange to improve connectivity between services. Transport integration plays an important role in all areas of our business. We pioneered the introduction of Integration Managers to ensure continued development of multi-modal travel.
Most of our operating companies offer a comprehensive range of integrated tickets and easy-to-understand information enabling customers to make through journeys.
We continue to work with industry partners to develop the PlusBus integrated ticketing initiative. Our sales of integrated travel products have grown consistently in the last few years. Our companies are active participants as either bus or rail operators at 17 of the top 20 PlusBus ticket locations, including the top two locations, Reading and Oxford.
In Cornwall we have been working in partnership with Truronian, Western Greyhound and Virgin Trains to introduce a new multi-modal, multi-operator Ride Cornwall ticket. This offers unlimited off-peak travel on nearly all bus and train services throughout Cornwall. Tickets are available on buses, at railway stations and from Train Managers where rail customers board at unstaffed stations. They are also valid on journeys between Cornwall and Plymouth.
We have also introduced further through bus and rail links. These include the Holmfirth Connection that allows passengers to travel by frequent bus from Holmfirth and the Holme Valley to connect with our TransPennine Express services at Huddersfield. This service connects customers with Leeds, York, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester and Manchester Airport.
In Scotland, First ScotRail is installing onward travel information at each and every station through a project we call Totem Signage. It gives details of onward travel options including bus services, cycle network information, ferry and airport bus links. For the larger stations a local area map is provided.
We are also working to improve connectivity with many airports across the UK and Ireland. These include:
- enhancing the successful Reading RailAir coach service to Heathrow;
- expanding our Aircoach operations in Ireland;
- a new Coachlink service to Stansted; and
- a new Aircoach operation between York and Leeds Bradford Airport.
We are also working closely with Manchester Airport, including staff secondment, to promote access by rail from all major cities across the North of England.
We also operate a large number of Park & Ride bus services, in conjunction with local authorities across the UK. To encourage modal shift, our recently introduced Plymouth Park & Ride services incorporate state-of-the-art modern buses, leather upholstery and local television news provided directly by the regional BBC news team. These services offer an alternative to city centre driving and parking, reducing congestion and the environmental impact of cars in cities and towns.