Introduction to Climate Transition Plan
Buses, coaches and trains contribute less than 5% of the UK’s transport emissions, compared to over 50% for cars, so as a leader in public transport, we recognise the responsibility we have to drive real change.
While we’ve already made strong progress, cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 27% since 2020, the publication of our Climate Transition Plan is an important step in cementing our clear, science-based pathway to net-zero. It’s also important in ensuring we stay accountable and transparent in our progress.
The approach and plan structure
This plan forms part of our overall business strategy and is a key component of the sustainability pillar within our strategic framework.
The plan has been prepared in alignment with the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) Disclosure Framework, considered the ‘gold standard’ for climate transition plans, marking the first time we have utilised this comprehensive standard.
The plan is divided into a Group overview and three sections: First Bus, First Rail – open access and additional services and First Rail – DfT TOCs. This reflects the distinct operating models and the specific climate transition pathways faced by different parts of our business, ensuring tailored strategies are adopted for each.
Within each of these sections we have set out our strategy for achieving our climate transition goals focusing primarily on two key areas.
- Decarbonisation and
- Economy-wide transition through modal shift
Within each section, we have also set out our targets, actions, dependencies and implementation timelines. We also describe how we engage externally to advocate for policies or regulation that would support these decarbonisation pathways. Our business also plays a key role in promoting an economy-wide transition through the facilitation of modal shift to lower-impact public transport. We describe the specific actions we are taking at a divisional level to drive a step change from car and air travel to bus and train to grow our business and promote decarbonisation in the broader economy.
In the Group section, our approach to managing climate-related risks is provided through a summary of our existing TCFD reporting. We also describe the governance, financial planning and culture that forms part of our transition plan, as well as our current Scope 3 targets and plans to achieve them.
The headlines
In the plan we set out our commitment to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 63% by the end of FY 2035; our Scope 3 emissions from fuel and energy-related activities by 20% by the end of FY 2028; and to have 75% of suppliers with science-based targets by emissions, covering purchased goods and services and capital goods by the end of FY 2028. By 2050, we aim to be net-zero across all operations. Key initiatives include electrifying our bus fleet, replacing diesel rail vehicles, expanding track electrification, and enhancing modal shift to get more people using public transport.
Challenges and measuring success
Infrastructure investment is a key challenge for us —electrifying depots, upgrading rail lines, and deploying zero-emission vehicles all require significant funding and collaboration with stakeholders. Another challenge is driving behavioural change. Encouraging more people to choose public transport over private cars or flights will require not just cleaner transport but also improvements in reliability, accessibility, and affordability. That’s why driving modal shift is such a crucial pillar of our strategy.
For us, success means delivering on our commitments and being recognised as a leader in sustainable transport. By 2035, we aim to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet, a rail operation that has decarbonised significantly, and expanded open access networks that offer seamless, low-carbon travel options. More broadly, success means contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals by shifting more people onto cleaner, more efficient modes of transport.
Looking ahead
We will continue to push forward with fleet electrification, infrastructure investment, and service innovation. Our partnerships with government, suppliers, and customers will be crucial in overcoming challenges and accelerating progress. Ultimately, our Climate Transition Plan is just the beginning—we are committed to being at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a net-zero future.
The full Climate Transition Plan is available on FirstGroup's website