News

Latest news

Cities & Towns ·

‘Tap & Cap’ arrives in Southampton heralding city’s travel revolution

Unlimited travel and always the best fare, as contactless ‘Tap & Cap’ arrives in Southampton on all First City Red services from today (6 August 2020) The deployment in Southampton is the largest conurbation to date to use the system. Reducing boarding times and fuss-free travel, the new system also accepts Express Mode for Apple Pay, so customers can pay for their fare by just tapping their iPhone or Apple watch. This is another COVID-related safety upgrade as First continues to encourage passengers to use cashless payment and “only use cash as a last resort.” While capacity still remains restricted…

6 August 2020 6:28 am·

Environment ·

Asset funder provides sustainable finance solutions for diesel-free refrigeration

First Asset Finance has teamed-up with Hultsteins, the Swedish and British hydraulic refrigeration manufacturer, to provide bespoke funding solutions for operators using Hultsteins’ diesel-free systems. With over 40 years of experience in providing leasing and finance support across a wide range of transport sectors, First Asset Finance is uniquely positioned to work with temperature-controlled operators attempting to balance environmental obligations with the increased running costs expected when the long-standing rebate on red diesel for the sector is withdrawn in under two years’ time. FAF Director, Martin Vodden explains: “From an environmental standpoint the Euro 6 emissions standard is clearly a…

4 August 2020 4:48 pm·

Innovation ·

Carrier Transicold launches three new refrigeration units in the UK and Ireland

Carrier Transicold is introducing three new transport refrigeration units into the UK and Ireland, delivering significant operational and environmental benefits for truck, trailer and light commercial vehicle fleets. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. The new models include the first PIEK-certified version of its flagship Vector® HE 19 (High Efficiency) trailer unit, which will now operate below 60 decibels, the equivalent of normal conversation, in either a mono or multi-temperature configuration. “Our new PIEK-compliant Vector HE…

4 August 2020 11:24 am·

Coach, Bus, and Minibus ·

First Bus begins roll out of the biggest zero emission park and ride fleet in the uk

First Bus launches the roll out of the biggest zero emission park and ride fleet in the UK. The first of 21 new all-electric double-deckers enter service on the York Park & Ride network, a partnership between First York and City of York Council, starting with the Askham Bar corridor to the south west of the city. The full order of Metrodecker EVs, manufactured by Optare in Yorkshire, will be brought into operation this summer, replacing existing diesel vehicles in an investment totalling £9.3m and expanding the fully electric fleet on York Park & Ride to 33 buses. Each bus…

4 August 2020 10:18 am·

Vans ·

Plug-in Ford Transit custom hybrid introduces automatic electric mode to support cleaner city air

The new Ford Transit Custom plug-in hybrid now comes with the option of geofencing technology to help improve urban air quality. Using live location data, the Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) automatically switches to electric drive mode whenever entering predefined areas such as congestion and low‑emission zones.** The geofencing tech need not only apply to city centres: vehicle operators can also create “green zones” to encourage low-emission driving near schools, playgrounds and warehouses. When the vehicle leaves a controlled zone, it automatically switches to the most appropriate drive mode for the next leg of the journey. “Improving the quality…