Local bus operator, First West of England, has appointed Paul Matthews as its Managing Director. Paul, who is based at the company’s headquarters in Easton Road Bristol, has been Interim Managing Director of the company since June this year.
Talking about his appointment Paul said: “This is a very exciting time for the business and I’m delighted to have the opportunity of driving forward the ongoing service improvements for our customers.
“Over the last 12 months First has invested more than £8 million in new buses and we are working through a comprehensive refurbishment programme for a further 140 buses. Additional services have been introduced - including the increasingly popular Bristol night services - resulting in an overall increase in First bus services across the area. And of course we are looking forward to shortly revealing the results of our fares consultation.
“As Managing Director, my priority is to encourage more people to use our buses. The hard work will continue as we make our services more attractive for customers and increase passenger numbers.”
First’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeroen Weimar, said: “Paul’s appointment is an important one as we look to build on the significant improvements delivered in the region over the past two years. He brings with him a wealth of experience, a fantastic track record and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service.”
Paul was previously Chief Executive of the RATP Group's UK operations between 2011 and 2012 where he oversaw London United, Bournemouth Yellow Buses and more locally Bath Bus Company. Within that role he was additionally responsible for the Metrolink trams in Manchester. Between 1995 and 2006 he was Managing Director of Go North East where he developed constructive partnership relations with various local authority partners. He joined FirstGroup in 2012 to support the strategic reshaping of the UK Bus business and has been leading the West of England business on an interim basis since June 2013.