Firstbus PLC - Re Order for New Buses

RNS No 8384a
FIRSTBUS PLC
24th November 1997

FIRSTBUS ANNOUNCES #80 MILLION ORDER FOR NEW BUSES

FirstBus plc, the UK's largest bus operator, has placed a major order worth
over #80 million for almost 800 high specification vehicles to be brought in
to service over a 18 month period from March 1998.

The #80.8 million order comprises of a range of state of the art buses.  In
line with the Group's strategy, FirstBus is continuing to place particular
emphasis on offering the public a considerably enhanced product.  The vehicles
feature a whole range of customer benefits such as:-

* low floor access - making it easier for parents with prams or buggies and
wheelchair users to now enjoy 'no step' entry
* double glazing and climate control giving consistently warm cabin
temperatures and condensation free windows - improving passenger vision
* extra leg room, high quality seating and a welcoming environment - all to
help create a more comfortable and enjoyable journey for passengers

All vehicles are low emission and have lower noise levels, complying with the
latest Euro II emission standards.  They also meet the DPTAC standards, e.g.
non slip floors, lit entrance step and brightly coloured poles for the
partially sighted.  Other special features include air suspension, kneeling
suspension which lowers the entrance area for easy access, electronic
destination panels and improved lighting - all part of the high quality,
standard FirstBus vehicle specification.


Key orders include 535 single deck, double deck and midibuses, and for the
first time a significant order of 40 new generation low floor articulated
buses for use in urban areas from Summer 1998 - all of which come with the new
vehicle specification.  The order also includes 105 mini buses.

Commenting on the new orders, Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstBus said:
"Last year we increased our vehicle order and invested #85 million in 900 new
vehicles, a significant number of which were used to develop our market in
Scotland.  This new order takes the total investment for the two and a half
year period to #165 million, bringing 1,700 high specification vehicles into
our fleet.

We are committed to offering our customers best value for money and believe
that sustained investment in quality vehicles is an important part of growing
our business.  The Group has decided to brand its new high specification buses
with a common UK-wide livery.  Throughout the country - except in London where
buses must remain red - our new high quality vehicles will look the same
making our premium product easily identifiable to our customers.

This order gives us a product on the streets which is far superior to any
other in the market.  We have developed vehicles which are unrivalled in the
sector and present a whole new quality image for the bus and its users."

Last week, FirstBus announced a change in its name and identity.  In what is a
significant move for the future, all of the group's operations will now come
under the umbrella of FirstGroup plc which replaces the name FirstBus plc. 
The trading brand for the group will be "First" with the roundel and all
vehicles will carry this name.

A summary of the vehicle orders is attached.


Enquiries:

Moir Lockhead              Shona Byrne
Chief Executive            Marketing Manager
FirstBus plc               FirstBus plc

Telephone - 01224 650100

Christopher Ashton-Jones
Investor Relations
FirstBus plc

Telephone - 0171 291 0500


Notes to Editors

1. The summary of vehicle orders for April 1998 to October 1999 is as follows:

Single Deck                                   Number
Volvo/Wrights                                   140
Scania/Wrights                                  170
Double Deck
Volvo/Alexanders                                100
Volvo/Plaxton                                    25
Midibuses
Dennis/Plaxton                                   55
Dennis                                           45
Minibuses
Mercedes/Plaxton                                105
Articulated buses
Volvo/Wright                                     40

                                   Total        680

2. An order for 76 Midibuses and 30 low floor double decks for CentreWest has
yet to be placed.

3. The Disabled Peoples Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) are a statutory
body which exist to advise the Dept of Environment, Transport and the Regions
on transport provision for people with disabilities.  DPTAC have set standards
on accessibility for buses which the industry meets on a voluntary basis.


END

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