RNS No 4485b
FIRSTBUS PLC
14th November 1997


FIRSTBUS CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO
PROMOTE QUALITY PARTNERSHIPS

In its submission today to the Government's integrated transport review,
FirstBus plc, the UK's largest bus operator, claimed that Quality Partnerships
were key to achieving the Government's transport objectives.

FirstBus's response, Quality First, argues that Quality Partnerships between
bus operators and local authorities have delivered real benefits, increasing
public transport use and decreasing car use.  It calls on the Government to
promote Quality Partnerships and to encourage local authorities throughout the
UK to adopt the model.

Quality Partnerships are being developed in a number of areas, with the bus
operators investing in their services in a number of ways from high quality
vehicles to specialist staff training, and local authorities investing in
infrastructure, providing priority for buses such as guided busways and
improved shelters.

FirstBus argues that it would continue to progress its extensive investment
programme to improve the quality of its services, and that working closely
with local authorities will ensure that this investment is of maximum benefit
to the communities which FirstBus serves.

Moir Lockhead, FirstBus Group Chief Executive said today:

"The bus accounts for 70% of public transport journeys and it has a vital role
to play in relieving road congestion, particularly in urban areas.  The key to
attracting customers away from cars and onto buses is to create a positive
view of the bus as an alternative to the car.

The Government will not achieve its transport objectives if it attempts to
force car owners unwillingly to use public transport without improving the
quality of services that will attract new passengers in the future and
reliability of service is fundamental to winning these customers back.

Bus operators working closely with local authorities in Quality Partnerships
is the solution which the Government needs."

Enquiries:       FirstBus plc
                 Moir Lockhead, Group Chief Executive
Telephone:       01224 650102 after 2.00pm
                 OR
                 Christopher Ashton-Jones
Telephone:       0171 291 0504

END

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