Local bus operator, First Aberdeen, today revealed a new initiative designed to make bus travel more enjoyable for children.
First’s ‘busybody’ characters already feature on buses across the city, providing important information such as timetable details, fares, wi-fi information and special offers. The company today launched its ‘busybody’ website, www.firstgroup.com/busybodies, which features games, puzzles, family friendly places to visit and tips on how to travel on the bus safely.
First has also produced busybody trump style playing cards which customers will have the chance to win over the coming weeks. There are 15 busybody characters in total and all have cute names and their own unique personalities, for example one of the busybodies is named ‘wakey wakey’ because it is the ambassador for morning services.
Duncan Cameron, Director and General Manger of First Aberdeen said: “We wanted to add some excitement and colour to journeys across the city. This is a great fun way for younger children to learn a little about bus travel.”
He continued: “During the school holidays we are finding that more families than ever are taking advantage of our half price weekend family ticket. Up to two adults and three children can travel anywhere on the network for just £4 in total at weekends (normal price is £8). The family weekend ticket and the launch of our busybody cards and website is part our aim to encourage more families to use our services.”
First Aberdeen’s busybody initiative is part of a range of actions that First Aberdeen is progressing to improve bus travel for its customers:
· First has invested £3.5million in brand new buses this year. The new vehicles, which are fitted with leather seats and complementary wi-fi entered service on July 1.
· First Aberdeen’s punctuality and reliability performance has never been better with 95% of all services leaving their terminus on time.
· The company is in the middle of a fleet refresh programme which will improve the exterior and interiors of many of its buses.
· In its most recent fares review (March 2013) First held in price or reduced the majority of its ticket types.
· First has launched a ‘Customer Promise’ whereby passengers can claim a free travel voucher if they are unhappy with any aspect of the service (within First’s control).
· First Aberdeen has secured the services of eight regular customers to form a Customer Panel to provide mystery shopper evaluations on its bus services.
· The company has run a number of promotions on various routes within its network in recent months. Similar campaigns will operate more regularly in the future.