Here at First Travel Solutions, we’re focused on providing services that have sustainability at their core.

The vital role of public transport has never been clearer in helping to address the challenges of climate change. 

In April 2021, our parent company, FirstGroup became the first bus and rail operator in the UK to formally commit to setting an ambitious, science-based target aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

And what does that mean?&nbsp; 

As a group, FirstGroup has made several commitments including:

<ul>
	<li>No more diesel buses purchased after 2022</li>
	<li>Encouraging the switch from private car journeys to our array of travel solutions</li>
	<li>To support accessibility and inclusion to enable people to make the switch to low-carbon travel</li>
</ul>

Being a division of FirstGroup, we’re at the heart of the drive to make travel more sustainable.

With a recent article suggesting that business travel will become ‘more purposeful’, you may find that you are having to justify the carbon cost of any travel that is involved with your meeting or event.

How can we help?

There’s much talk about running sustainable meetings and events at the moment and having properly managed transport for your meeting or event is an easy win - FTS can help organise all your travels needs meaning removing more cars off the road and switching people to coaches to get instant carbon savings.&nbsp; You might be thinking – a diesel coach?!&nbsp; But with advances in super-efficient engines, diesel is a lot better than it used to be!&nbsp; Clearly new sources of power such as hybrid, full electric and hydrogen are all future possibilities which are being trialled at the present time.&nbsp; Each presents its own challenges in terms of supply chain logistics to take over from diesel, so this can’t happen overnight.&nbsp;

Easily put:

<img alt="Picture of graph showing green transport options" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ea11e4-58e3-4964-97e5-a44aeb2a0147" height="238" src="http://admin.firsttravelsolutions.com/sites/default/files/public/inline-images/Picture%201.jpg" width="426" /> 
(Graphic courtesy of <a href="https://www.cpt-uk.org/">Confederation of Passenger Transport</a>)

Next time you’re wondering how you can make your next meeting or event more sustainable and greener – just give us a call we’d love to help!

Call us on 0345 528 0270 or drop us an email at <a href="mailto:travel.solutions@firstbus.co.uk" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">travel.solutions@firstbus.co.uk</a>

&nbsp;

Organisers of major events have safe and smooth travel as key priorities while also ensuring that customers enjoy themselves. In events, quick and safe arrivals and departures are important for ensuring everything runs as efficiently as possible. At First Travel Solutions, we believe in providing expert festival travel services for all our clients.

We’ll take festival and event visitors directly where they wish to go, providing festival bus hire to large groups. Make your event pain-free with expert event travel management that offers your event visitors reliable transportation.

<h2>Reliable Festival Travel for any Occasion</h2>

Over the years, we have created bespoke and seamless transport services for music events such as Parklife, Boomtown and Leeds Festival. These events draw thousands of visitors each year from across the country, so it can certainly be a challenge to ensure they are transported safely and without delay. However, it’s a challenge that we’re more than capable of handling. <a href="https://firsttravelsolutions.com/case-studies/leeds-festival-2016">Here’s how we handled Leeds Festival in 2016</a>.

How do we do this? We draw on our extensive network of trusted operators to provide both drivers and vehicles. To help organise the whole operation, our trained coordinators are on the ground to ensure efficient ticket sales, seamless vehicle loading and transfers, and to respond quickly should delays start to arise.

This is all overseen by our round-the-clock control centre, which is able to respond swiftly to any problems and provide precise vehicle tracking. Organisers can focus on their line-up, while festival goers can relax and enjoy the show, knowing they can get home safety when the music stops.

<h2>Professional Event Travel Management</h2>

Our team is highly experienced in event travel management, delivering solutions and reliable services. Safety is one of our top priorities, which is why we ensure that we provide only the best festival travel. We understand how big event organisers need to rely on high-quality solutions and we’re here to deliver.

Do you want to know more about our festival coach hire service? For further details, please call 0345 528 0270 or email <a href="mailto:travel.solutions@firstgroup.com">travel.solutions@</a><a href="mailto:travel.solutions@firstbus.co.uk">firstbus.co.uk</a>. Our team is here to help you find the event travel management solution that fits your company’s individual needs.&nbsp;

Festival & Event Transport Solutions

<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The challenge</h1>

First Travel Solutions (FTS) has a wealth of experience in providing transport to all sorts of pre-planned events and occasions.

In 2018, after supporting organisers on previous races we were approached to provide athlete and spectator transport for the Tenby Ironman.

Seamless and smooth transport operations are critical to the success of events and even more so when a competitor’s performance depends on getting to the starting line on time.

Tenby is a small town and doesn’t have the available space needed to accommodate the arrival of thousands of fans and spectators and we were tasked with delivering an out of town park and ride service connecting attendees and participants to the various event sites.

<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The solution</h1>

FTS set up a transport hub and park and ride facility at the nearby Carew Airfield and developed an operational plan that got athletes and fans to the swimming at Tenby Bay, the cycling at Saundersfoot and the final running stage in Tenby town centre.

The bus shuttles ran on race day from 0430 in the morning to midnight and FTS co-ordinated queuing and parking, the movement of equipment as well as people, the selling of tickets at all three transport locations and the rostering of ground and driver staff on this extremely long day.

Route planning and fleet usage was crucial as there were several low bridges and tight roads, particularly around Carew and Saundersfoot.

Additionally, a Saturday operation was required to allow participants to register, transport and store their equipment at the transition site and FTS ran numerous buses throughout the day between the airfield and Tenby Bay.

<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The result</h1>

FTS were delighted to continue their relationship with the Ironman events and the team worked intensely to make the Tenby event a success for all.

On the Saturday 500 athletes were provided with transport to the registration site and on Sunday well over 150 bus services were operated carrying 10,000 athletes and fans, getting everyone where they needed to be.

The operation was a great success and FTS are one of the key delivery partners for Ironman events across the UK.

Ironman

Ironman Tenby

<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The challenge</h1>

Boardmasters is one of Cornwall’s biggest festivals mixing top end music entertainment, beach and surfing activities and sports. It attracts around 50,000 festival goers over a five-day early August period to the normally much quieter Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach near Newquay.

Parking on site is extremely limited and First Travel Solutions (FTS) in partnership with First Kernow were asked to develop and operate bus shuttles that would provide transport for 45,000 fans to and from Newquay town centre and the festival sites.

Unlike many other festivals, ‘Boardmasters’ has a more fluid structure with event goers moving from site to site and via Newquay’s attractions and town facilities across all parts of the day.

Newquay only has a population of around 22,000 and as such the number of attendees puts considerable pressure on the town and its traffic management. The organisers were only provided with a license for the event on the proviso that public transport was prioritised.

A shuttle service was therefore required to operate across the three mile route for 21 hours a day and in a manner that provided enough capacity and allowed the town and its residents to continue their daily lives.

<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The solution</h2>

FTS developed a plan that provided bus connections between Newquay’s bus and rail stations and the Watergate and Fistral beaches. 

The shuttles were in operation each day between 0700-0400 and carried not only festival goers but tonnes of camping equipment and personal belongings.

25 staff were rostered across the various sites and were on hand to manage queues, bus loadings, ticketing operations and temporary bus stations at festival sites.

Cash handling was managed in a safe and secure manner but to ease queuing and transaction times, FTS introduced advance ticketing and m-tickets via the First Group app.

Vehicles were tracked and onsite management control were able to flex the services as needed and respond to additional requirements such as staff buses to assist with beach cleaning.

<h1 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">The result</h1>

The operation was a tremendous success and delivered against several key indicators. Nearly 1500 bus journeys were completed, and 56,000 attendees used the shuttle services.

This reduced car movement in and around Newquay and the festival by over a third and meant residents and event goers all got to where they needed to be, when they needed to be there.

A robust service was delivered, and no complaints were received either from festival attendees or local residents. Health and safety is of course always paramount and no accidents or injuries were recorded throughout the operation.

FTS will be providing a similar operation in 2019 and festival organisers have asked the team to propose a multi-year solution.

Boardmasters

Boardmasters 2018

Making your business travel sustainable

Why are school trips important?

It is without doubt that school residential trips are a huge and positive benefit for children during their time in education. The outcomes and experiences for children can last a lifetime, encouraging real learning opportunities for real life situations, whilst promoting resilience, communication skills, self confidence and most of all making children feel they belong to a community where interaction with others is key to creating positive outcomes and opportunities.&nbsp; &nbsp;

How can a school justify the cost of a trip to parents in these difficult times?

For the above reasons school leaders shouldn't lose sight of the significant added value opportunities for pupils' development through outdoor learning. It is key to get these messages across when asking parents to consider making an investment to allow their child to take part. We all recognise the real squeeze on household budgets that we are all feeling just now, but it's important to ensure that children don't lose out on what might be the most important single experience in their schooling. Now is not the time to ditch these life affirming experiences.

Historically, residentials have mainly had the greatest demand between April and mid July, but that's when the costs are usually at their highest and when demand is at it's greatest. Why not take time to consider how a low season visit might fit into your school calendar and how the associated lower costs might make it much easier for parents to agree to include their child on a visit?

We can help you offer the same high quality experience but at a lower season time of year for a much lower cost.&nbsp;

Delivered in partnership with our friends at Kingswood, these low season, all-inclusive packages are delivered between&nbsp;October 2022&nbsp;and&nbsp;March 2023. Despite the low season months, trips provide real value for money, promoting inclusivity, whilst also addressing the growing burden on household budgets.

Includes:&nbsp;Return Coach Travel – Accommodation – Meals – Activities

This all inclusive offer is only available when booking directly with First Education &amp; School Travel.

These award-winning residential programmes are designed to discover the potential in every child. They’ll enjoy a taste of adventure and a sense of independence, developing confidence and resilience as well as developing key life skills which will last way beyond their return to the classroom.

Enjoy exhilarating and challenging activities from archery to zip wires, staying in comfortable accommodation and enjoy their great new menu too.

Everything is included – book now to reserve your space!

Stay for two nights between October 2022 and March 2023 and enjoy a carefully selected blend of activities that aim to develop character through discovery, exploration, play and challenge activities, all intertwined with fun and interesting curriculum links.

Simply call us on&nbsp;0203 467 2002&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:school.travel@firstbus.co.uk">school.travel@firstbus.co.uk</a>&nbsp;to discuss your requirements with our specialist team.

School Trips - still important for pupils despite cost of living challenges

Summer has arrived this week in the UK with news of record-breaking temperatures.

&nbsp;

We want everyone to travel safely during extreme weather conditions so here are our top tips:

•&nbsp;Always take a bottle of water with you.

• Travel in lighter clothes which allow airflow.

• Please be kind to your driver, as they are also taking steps to deal with the heat and get you to where you need to be.

• Always apply sun cream.

&nbsp;

If you've booked your corporate event travel with FTS, you could be travelling in air-conditioned vehicles, arriving relaxed and refreshed.

&nbsp;

For more information on how booking with FTS can help keep you and your travellers safe in these weather conditions, then you can email <a href="david.a.gardner@firsttravelsolutions.com">david.a.gardner@firsttravelsolutions.com</a> or <a href="paul.upton@firsttravelsolutions.com">paul.upton@firsttravelsolutions.com</a> who will be happy to help.

Top Travel Tips in Hot Weather

What is Frictionless Travel?

&nbsp;

How can suppliers and Travel Management Companies come together to take the friction out of travel?&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

And what does that mean?&nbsp; 

&nbsp;

Travel friction is the negative impact travel has on customers.&nbsp; The anxiety of the unknown elements; basically anything that may negatively impact the customer physically or has a negative effect on their mindset.&nbsp;&nbsp;So what helps to take this away?&nbsp; There are a few key areas that can make the journey experience so much better for the traveller…

&nbsp;

A customer focused team

Everyone in the business working to ensure the exact specification for the customer is met.&nbsp; From the sales team, to control, to the vehicle procurement and quality assessments.

&nbsp;

The right vehicle

If you need a value taxi to a luxury coach – you want to make sure the vehicle is right for you and your journey.&nbsp; And if you’re not sure – get some guidance.&nbsp; Not just to make sure you have enough seats but to check things like accessibility, luggage storage, safety features and even a kitchen for some!

&nbsp;

Great Value

The right price for your journey.&nbsp; So it delivers exactly what you expect and that you know from the start.&nbsp; No surprises.&nbsp; Unknown extras be gone.&nbsp; A clear and detailed quote so you can rest easy that you know exactly what you will pay, plus when and how you need to.

&nbsp;

Here at First Travel Solutions, we have defined our why for all our customers – we will deliver better experiences.

&nbsp;

We help to take travel friction away because all our team focus on the journey experience from start to finish – it is something we are passionate about, and the expert team have event and transport experience which is second to none.&nbsp; We back this up with our ISO certifications, 24/7 access to our call centre, a 15-minute pre pick up time window and GPS tracking on all the vehicles we use so that if something does go wrong, we can resolve it quickly.

&nbsp;

Get in touch with our team today on 0345 528 0270 or email <a href="mailto:travel.solutions@firstgroup.com" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">travel.solutions@firstb</a><a href="mailto:travel.solutions@firstbus.co.uk" style="box-sizing:inherit; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-numeric:inherit; font-variant-east-asian:inherit; font-stretch:inherit; line-height:inherit; cursor:pointer; text-align:start; color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">us.co.uk</a>. We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We create solutions that reduce complexity, making travel smoother and life easier. 

&nbsp;

What is Frictionless Travel?

A partnership with First Travel Solutions (FTS) and YHA is ensuring affordable and sustainable travel for schools that are taking part in a Generation Green-funded programme.

With travel costs often being prohibitive for schools, FTS has teamed up with YHA to ensure schools visiting the YHA network can access the discount as well as other benefits.

FTS provides managed transport throughout the UK using coaches with EURO V or EURO VI engines, these are the cleanest on the UK's roads.

Rick Smith, Head of Education and School Travel at FTS and a former YHA hostel manager, said: "As well as providing value for money, we also focus on sustainability and the impact of travel on our environment.&nbsp; This fits with our wider environmental aims and is important for our involvement in the Generation Green programme and its wider aims."

As part of the partnership FTS provides a dedicated booking contact and invoicing process for each school.&nbsp; All vehicles are monitored by a 24hr control room and FTS will also replace a vehicle at no additional cost in the case of a breakdown.

As a formal tour operator, FTS also adheres to regulations guarding against any unforeseen financial failure, which ensures schools' deposits are 100% protected.

Rick added: "We are very proud to be working with YHA on the travel aspects of the Generation Green programme.&nbsp; We have been longstanding partners in other areas of the charity's work and fully support the aims and objectives of this wonderful organisation.&nbsp; Finding a safe coach travel option for any off-site school trip or residential visit is immensely important and requires attention to detail in the planning and delivery.&nbsp; We provide a high-quality coach travel service to schools and groups across the whole of the UK on a daily basis."

To access the discount, schools simply email FTS with details of their visit and a discount is immediately applied.&nbsp; Simple as that!

First Travel discount negotiated for schools

No matter your reason for needing a vehicle, there are some important elements that you should consider before placing your order.&nbsp; Fortunately for you, here at First Travel Solutions, we’ve most likely done this already as part of our continual business improvement process.

&nbsp;

ISO Certification

FTS holds ISO certification for Quality Management, Environmental Management and Health and Safety Management, but what difference does that make to our customers?&nbsp; Well, in order to maintain these awards we have to demonstrate to an independent auditor that we adopt recognised ‘best practice’ in all aspects of our work, achieved through a progressive and innovative business improvement programme.&nbsp; In reality, this results in us having very strict onboarding criteria and regular audits of our suppliers.&nbsp; This makes us confident that we will always deliver to our clients' vehicles and drivers that are top quality and that are as safe as possible.&nbsp; You can also be assured that these ISO’s will help to support your own Duty of Care to your passengers.

If you’re considering several suppliers for your vehicles, check to see which ones hold ISO certifications.&nbsp; FTS invests a great deal of time and effort to obtain this status and we do this as a demonstration of our commitment to customer service excellence.

&nbsp;

Professional Memberships

We hold memberships of many trade bodies within the business sectors that we’re proactively engaged with.&nbsp; Many of these are obtained through invitation only, and still, more will insist on only granting membership through evidence-based applications.&nbsp; This often makes us the only transport supplier that some industry sectors officially endorse and trust.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s a reason why many of these peer-to-peer organisations and associations welcome FTS as members.&nbsp; We can demonstrate a track record in their business sector and we understand the need for professionalism and excellent service.&nbsp; Most often our fellow members have direct experience of working with us and the same clients and feel comfortable in recommending our services to new contacts.

&nbsp;

Ownership

FTS is a wholly-owned by Aberdeen based First Group, a business that also operates many of the UK’s regional bus networks and railway franchises.&nbsp; They’re also listed on the London Stock Exchange and are recognised as one of the best and largest transport companies in the world.&nbsp; This gives FTS fantastic backing and in-depth resourcing, not just in financial terms, but also indirect experience gained from running our own buses and trains.&nbsp; This level of backing has enabled FTS to have confidence in weathering 2020/21 over the Covid-19 pandemic which has been a challenging time for any business in the travel sector.&nbsp; Our public transport operations have also enabled us to be at the cutting edge of providing a safe travelling environment through intense cleaning regimes and establishing social distancing parameters.

The important things here are that, firstly, any vehicles provided will be presented in a Covid-compliant state of cleanliness.&nbsp; Secondly, you can rest easy that FTS is a business that will be here for years to come.&nbsp; If one of our suppliers ceases trading then we will source your vehicles from an alternative supplier of similar quality – and we won’t re-negotiate the price!&nbsp; Imagine if you booked elsewhere and the company fails – what would be the implications for you, in terms of both money and time?

&nbsp;

Honesty

One of the reasons for FTS’s success in the managed transport market has been our commitment to honesty in all that we do.&nbsp; When we say that we have a 24/7 Control Centre – we do.&nbsp; When we agree on a price we stick to it – there won’t be any surcharges due to rises in fuel prices or the addition of some mysterious tax or another!&nbsp; We also won’t cancel your booking in favour of taking business from somewhere else at a more profitable rate for us, which we gather some bookers have experienced in the past.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Clearly, we can’t speak for anyone else, but this is how our business works.&nbsp; To us, a 24/7 Control Centre is just that, and not a mobile ‘phone on a bedside cabinet!&nbsp; We aim to make our pricing as competitive as we can whilst maintaining our high standards and commitment to honest dealings with our clients.&nbsp; Check elsewhere to see if others will give these same guarantees.

&nbsp;

Finally, we’re a team of friendly experts with a passion for providing managed group transport in the UK market.&nbsp; Our aim is to build long-term business relationships with our clients and we’d love to be working with you too.

Important Customer Advice

​<img alt="School trip packages - showing children taking part in outdoor activity" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26b20f6a-7788-4cb6-9a4a-ff765ff603f6" height="548" src="https://admin.firsttravelsolutions.com/sites/default/files/public/inline-images/Kingswood%20website%20image.png" width="654" />

&nbsp;

An exciting and adventurous new partnership for 2021

As we move out of lockdown and back into what we all hope will be some normality, we are very excited to let you know about our newly formed outdoor adventure and school trip partnership. First Education &amp; School Travel have formally teamed up with Kingswood to provide a fabulous, fully-inclusive range of outdoor adventure programmes. 

Quite simply, this new partnership brings together two hugely successful outdoor activity and group travel providers, each absolutely focused on providing the highest quality adventurous experiences for schools and organised groups of young people. 

Our background:

First Education and School Travel:

First Education &amp; School Travel (part of First Travel Solutions)&nbsp;has been a leading provider in the UK school trips marketplace since 2006. With an enviable reputation for providing value for money and attention to detail, FEST lead the industry in delivering a huge range of all-inclusive school trip and group adventure packages. As a fully bonded tour operator FEST brings together all aspects required to deliver the very best of experiences. Working with our partners, we offer the full package – travel – accommodation – meals&nbsp;and activities.

What are we offering?

Every requirement for a successful residential or day visit is brought together into one place and managed on your behalf, from the first contact through to your adventure and return home. The team at FEST includes some of the most experienced individuals working in UK school travel and tourism, with an understanding and knowledge that provides real support and assurance for group leaders. 

In short, we believe our all-inclusive school trip packages are industry leading and offer the highest possible standard of service and value for money.

&nbsp;

Our partners Kingswood:

For over 35 years Kingswood have been providing transformative trips that have&nbsp;helped young people build confidence&nbsp;and resilience by taking on fun challenges. 

With ten activity centres across the UK, plus a Château in France, Kingswood provide life changing adventures which leave their guests with memories which last a lifetime. Their award-winning programmes include a wide range of activities from zip wires to night line, with each specially designed to develop key life skills such as problem solving, communication and team work as well boosting&nbsp;self-confidence by encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment.

This new partnership offers a brand new range of all-inclusive school trip packages, available all year round and with low-season opportunities that provide even greater value for money and which are designed to make taking part in a school trip more accessible for parents with tighter budgets. 

Making an all-inclusive adventure outside of the higher season months offers greater flexibility and significantly reduced costs. All aspects of the trip are arranged for you with just one contact point and continual support throughout. 

Your high-quality coach travel is arranged for you, your accommodation is secured, your menus are planned in advance to include a range of alternatives to suit all diets and allergies. Then, we work with you, and our partners at Kingswood, to bring together an activity programme designed to offer real adventure, tangible learning outcomes and lifelong memories.

Our all-inclusive residential packages are flexible in length from 1 night / 2days to week-long adventure holidays. With ten UK activity centres available, we are sure that there is an ideal location suitable for you all year round and within an easy travel distance from school.

Locations available:

Colomendy, Denbighshire, North Wales

Grosvenor Hall, Kent

Green Park, Buckinghamshire

Staffordshire, West Mids

Bembridge, Isle of Wight

West Runton, North Norfolk

Dearn Valley, South Yorkshire

Overstrand Hall, North Norfolk

Dukes House Wood, Northumberland

Peak Venture, South Yorkshire

&nbsp; 

For more information contact Rick Smith, Head of Education, First Education and School Travel <a href="mailto:rick.smith@firstbus.co.uk" style="color:#954f72; text-decoration:underline">rick.smith@firstbus.co.uk</a> or 07590 600 533 or to make an enquiry for your next adventure email: <a href="mailto:school.travel@firstbus.co.uk" style="color:#954f72; text-decoration:underline">school.travel@firstbus.co.uk</a>

 BIG NEWS IN THE UK OUTDOOR ADVENTURE WORLD

COVID-19 Risk Assessment&nbsp;

At First Travel Solutions, your safety is our top priority. Across the UK, we have consulted with governments, public health authorities and the Confederation of Passenger Transport to introduce new controls to minimise risk. We have continued to review this, as the advice and guidance is updated.&nbsp;

For FTS’ corporate transport operations, we will work with our clients and suppliers to ensure suitable &amp; appropriate measures are in place to protect all staff and passengers on an operation by operation basis.&nbsp;

Here, we explain what we’ve done to make it safer for all our rail replacement client’s and their customers.&nbsp;

Social Distancing at Railway Stations &amp; Pick Up Points&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">We’re working with Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to follow their guidance at Railway Stations &amp; Pick Up Points&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">We’ll make sure customers getting off the bus or coach do so before any new customers are able to board&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Our ground staff, TOC staff &amp; drivers will maintain a 2m distance at whilst the vehicle is loading&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Staff will wear face coverings when a 2m distance isn’t achievable, for example, when assisting a disabled customer&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">We will ask customers who are able to load their own luggage&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

On Board Measures&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">In most cases we’ve limited the maximum capacity of vehicles to just under 25% and asked customers to sit in window seats, in a zig zag formation to avoid sitting directly behind each other.&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">In most cases, Seat signs are in place to show where you should, and shouldn’t, sit to maintain a safe distance.&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Standing is not allowed&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Seats near the driver have been taken out of use&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Seats which directly face each other have been taken out of use&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Signage on board communicating social distancing requirements&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Communicating to customers that they must wear a face covering on-board&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Asking customers to sit upstairs on double deckers if they are physically able&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Requesting customers not to eat or drink whilst on board&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Where possible, leaving windows open onboard to aid ventilation&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Cleaning and Hygiene Measures&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Wipes, sanitiser and face coverings provided to all ground staff and by operators to their drivers&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Advising customers to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after travelling where possible, or to use hand sanitiser&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Thorough cleaning, with virucidal detergent, of all grab rails and poles, entrance door handles, window ledges and other touchpoints by our subcontractors.&nbsp;</li>
	<li class="paragraph" style="margin-left:8px; text-align:justify">Asking customers not to travel if they feel unwell&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Travel Advice and Guidance&nbsp;

In addition to the control measures we have put in place we have also taken extra steps to try and help customers have a safe, stress free journey, including asking customers to plan their travel in advance, avoiding peak periods&nbsp;

Risk Evaluation Results&nbsp;

We believe that having introduced the above measures throughout our business, combined with the travel assistance information we provide, the risks associated with contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) are reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable on our services.&nbsp;

Covid 19 Risk Assessment

School trips, but not as we know them!

In line with the current government guidance, schools in England &amp; Wales can once again enjoy UK based Outdoor Activity Day Trips. We are pleased to see this advice being implemented as we believe such opportunities will help the mental health and wellbeing of the nation’s children after this stressful year to date.

Outdoor Learning is being explicitly encouraged once again with the use of outdoor space and outdoor education utilised in learning as often as possible. This view was expressed by Baroness Berridge, the Minister for School Systems, Department of Education and Minister for Women.

It was clear from these statements that the Baroness fully supported opportunities for Outdoor Learning and expressed how important it will be to continue to support pupil’s health and wellbeing and learning at home and in school.

We are now able to provide a range of fully integrated Outdoor Activity Day Trip Packages, in partnership with YHA. There are 11 venues across England &amp; Wales to choose from, each providing its own bespoke activity package. The day trip package includes exclusive Covid-secure return coach travel, 6 hours of outdoor activities, lunch and even an optional evening meal!&nbsp;

Simply choose your venue and contact us to make your booking. <a href="https://www.firsteducationandschooltravel.co.uk/pdfs/699028392All-inclusive%20Day%20Trip%20Activity%20Packages.pdf">Click here for our Day Trips Brochure</a>

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

You travel exclusively in your Bubble!!

Groups travel safely in their "bubble" on board fully risk assessed, and enhanced Covid-secure cleaned coach transport, directly from school to one of our exciting partner venues to take part in a series of outdoor activities and experience a world outside of their norm and away from their screens. The "bubble" stays together throughout the visit and returns to school at the end of the day more motivated and enthused by the day’s activities.

WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?

Risk Assessments: Each element of our “off the shelf” day trip packages will be rigorously risk assessed and will meet or exceed current Government legislation. We aim to offer some valuable outdoor learning experiences that support the curriculum whilst providing valuable learning experiences in a socially distanced, fun, safe, and educationally important way.

Full Travel Risk Assessments and supporting guidance for group leaders is available.

All attractions and activities will have demonstrated their Covid-19 operating credentials. All in all this is a fabulous way to continue to provide curriculum enhancing experiences for your pupils without the need for staying overnight whilst the current restrictions are in place.

Making school trips in Autumn 2020 is being thoroughly encouraged – why not travel with the best place school trips organiser and let us provide you with a fully packaged, safe and Covid secure trip for your class Bubble?

Contact:

First Education and School Travel school.travel@firstbus.co.uk

Or speak to our School Visits Advisors direct on 07590 600533 or 07860 780565

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