The transformation happening in our industry represents a once-in-a-generation chance to keep what works while fixing what doesn't. As one of the UK's largest bus operators and a leader in zero-emission technology transition, First Bus is offering a webinar to openly share their insights on successfully decarbonising depots and fleets, alongside practical advice on maximising operator performance in franchise environments.

With bus franchising accelerating across the UK, First Bus is seeing first hand from their operations in the Manchester and London's franchise markets what works best but also the potential challenges that other authorities might want to consider, including in areas such as industrial relations, incentivisation and penalty regimes.

It's clear that taking control of fleet procurement and ownership is emerging as the bedrock of many of the upcoming franchises; the cost and complexity of decarbonisation and everyday hard truths of bus fleet ownership that operators have learnt over the years could be lost during this transition and have to be learnt anew by local authorities. First Bus’s mission is to ensure the best customer proposition; therefore, they wish to highlight the most valuable lessons gained through their operating and decarbonisation experience with others so that regardless of operating model, the customer gets the best possible outcome.

Speakers:
Isabel McAllister
Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer

Isabel McAllister joined First Bus in May 2022 as the Chief Sustainability & Compliance Officer. Isabel is responsible for delivery of First Bus’s decarbonisation programme, working towards a zero-emission fleet by 2035, as well as leading health, safety and environment, property and construction, policy and partnerships, and social value programmes. Isabel’s efforts to drive responsible business improvements in the UK construction and engineering industry for 20+ years, had a big impact in the built environment sector. She is now looking to do the same in the public transport arena.

Zoe Hands
Managing Director for Midlands, Manchester and South Yorkshire

Zoe Hands joined First Bus in 2023 as the Managing Director of their Manchester, Midlands and South Yorkshire businesses. She is on point for the industry leading EP+ in Leicester, the EPs in Stoke on Trent and South Yorkshire as well as heading up First’s successful franchised operation in Manchester.

Prior to First Bus, Zoe spent the last twenty years in various transport roles in rail and aviation and has held directorships in operations, safety, sustainability and engineering. Zoe was the Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail during the time it became the best performing train operator in Britain for punctuality and customer service, breaking numerous industry records which remain unbeaten to this day.

Rob Hughes
Operations Director for Wales and West of England

Rob Hughes is Operations Director at First Bus Wales and West, part of FirstGroup plc. With over 13 years’ experience across the company, Rob has held senior roles in operations, staff management, and strategic planning. He has overseen large-scale transport services and led operational improvements across multiple regions. Rob began his career as a graduate trainee and has since progressed through key leadership positions, delivering high-performance transport solutions. Previously based in the Manchester, Rob was responsible for Operational delivery surrounding the mobilisation and de-mobilisation of First’s services during Tranche 2 of TfGM’s franchising transition.