First Transit, a division of leading transport operator FirstGroup, is in discussions with Hinjewadi Techzone IT Park to operate employee shuttle buses at the Park in Pune, India.
The five year contract will commence in April 2016 with a small initial fleet although bus numbers are expected to rise with expansion at both the Hinjewadi location and elsewhere in the country. First Transit will use its shuttle bus expertise from existing operations in North America and is working with local partner, bus manufacturer Tata, who will maintain the vehicles.
FirstGroup continues to explore opportunities for future growth which meet its criteria for returns and create long term sustainable value, while ensuring focus on core operations. This initial venture represents First Transit’s first contract in the employee shuttle market in India, where there are more than 20 similar IT parks served by an estimated 5,000 buses.
Formal contracts will shortly be signed by Techzone IT Park and FirstGroup subject to certain administrative conditions.
Commenting, Tim O’Toole, FirstGroup Chief Executive said:
“Our First Transit division is a market leader in shuttle bus operations in North America where we have a pedigree of more than 60 years of experience and an unrivalled reputation for professionalism and innovation. We are pleased at this exciting new opportunity for the Group where we will bring our extensive shuttle bus expertise to provide a high-quality transport option for the benefit of the Indian market, and aim to build on this initial venture with further expansion into this sector.”
About First Transit:
First Transit, Inc. has 60 years of experience and is one of the leading providers of transportation contract and management services in North America, moving more than 350 million passengers annually. First Transit, Inc. provides operation, management and consulting for more than 300 locations in 39 states, Canada and Puerto Rico for transit authorities, state departments of transportation, municipalities, hospitals, universities and private companies. First Transit employs more than 19,000 dedicated transit professionals. Please visit FirstTransit.com for additional information.
About FirstGroup plc:
FirstGroup plc is the leading transport operator in the UK and North America and our services help to create strong, vibrant and sustainable local economies. During the last year around 2.4 billion people relied on us to get to work, to education, to visit family and friends and much more and, each day, every one of our 110,000 employees works hard to deliver vitally important services for our passengers.
Our vision is to provide solutions for an increasingly congested world… keeping people moving and communities prospering.