First Travel Solutions delivers British Grand Prix shuttle service
First Travel Solutions delivers British Grand Prix shuttle service
First Travel Solutions and partner operators successfully conveyed over 83,000 motorsport fans by shuttle service at the 2025 British Grand Prix across the weekend of 4, 5 and 6 June.
That provision took attendees to and from the circuit and Bicester Heritage, Buckingham, Hinton Airfield, Milton Keynes, Towcester, and Turweston Airfield. Vehicles, drivers and support and supervisory staff from many First Bus subsidiaries were used, but other operators large and small from outside the group also provided staff and vehicle resource.
During the three-day event, buses and staff contended with changing weather, logistical complexity, last-minute alterations and a record-breaking attendance to deploy a high-frequency service.
That came with what the service provider says were short wait times and real-time event control to allow adjustments in response to weather and crowd surges.
No incidents were reported across the weekend, which First Travel Solutions adds reflects its focus on safety, punctuality and customer satisfaction. Praise has come from clients for the quality of the operation, it notes.
Observes Managing Director Andy Scholey: “This was one of the most demanding events we have ever managed – but also one of the most rewarding. Hearing directly from customers on the ground was incredibly gratifying.
“Many commented that they had never seen the shuttles run so smoothly. One couple even told us that the Milton Keynes shuttle service was the highlight of their day.
“The scale of the operation, combined with unpredictable weather and live operational challenges, demanded extraordinary teamwork and agility. I am incredibly proud of how the team rose to the occasion and delivered such a seamless experience for passengers.”
NCT extends longstanding INIT ticketing partnership
NCT extends longstanding INIT ticketing partnership
INIT will continue to supply contactless ticketing and vehicle location technology on board Nottingham City Transport (NCT) buses via a new six-year deal.
The arrangement continues a 21-year partnership between the operator and the supplier, which has its UK headquarters in Nottingham's Lace Market area.
Account-based ticketing (ABT), enhancements of the planning, driver dispatching and rostering system, and an upgrade of the automatic vehicle location (AVL) system will result from the extended collaboration.
Notable prior developments of the partnership between INIT and NCT have included the introduction of contactless payments in 2020 and the groundbreaking roll-out of an "Oyster-style" multi-operator tap-and-go system in 2022.
Among the upcoming changes will be the replacement of the traditional Easyrider card-based system with an Easyrider ABT solution. Passengers will now be able to choose either card or mobile barcode for travel.
NCT bus users will be able to manage both their own and family members' travel from one account.
INIT’s "MOBILE-ITCS nextGen" automatic vehicle location system, which is also part of the upgrade, is designed to be more scalable and future-proof.
Jens Mullak, Managing Director of INIT, says: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Nottingham City Transport, supporting one of the UK’s most forward-thinking public transport networks.
“This new SaaS agreement marks an exciting new chapter, bringing smarter, more seamless travel experiences to passengers through account-based ticketing and the next generation of cloud capable back office systems.
"By harmonising ticketing, AVL and planning and dispatching, we are not only improving convenience for passengers but also empowering NCT to operate more efficiently and responsively than ever before.”
Anthony Carver-Smith, Head of Marketing and Projects at NCT says: “NCT and INIT have partnered for over 21 years, delivering high quality real time predictions to customers through the NCTX Buses app and website and a ticketing solution which saw the first multi modal, multi-operator capped contactless system introduced in the UK outside London.
"We are delighted to build on this success through our new six-year contract, which will see significant upgrades to both of these systems and our internal scheduling systems at the same time”.
New platform Savari launches to streamline coach operations
New platform Savari launches to streamline coach operations
A new tech platform designed specifically for coach and minibus operators has launched this month.
Operations tool Savari promises to address longstanding inefficiencies with a system "built by operators, for operators".
Features include seamless booking flows and real-time fleet oversight, aiming to give operators a more agile and transparent way to manage services, while addressing "clunky scheduling and missed opportunities".
Developers are keen to emphasise that Savari goes beyond existing software solutions. "It’s a purpose-built operations system, shaped by nearly 20 years of frontline experience in the luxury coach and minibus sector," says Savari CEO Romi Singh. "Born from the challenges operators face daily, Savari was designed to do one thing: Put operators back in control.
"Savari makes it easier to deliver the kind of service today’s clients expect — fast, transparent, and reliable. But this isn’t just about tools and tech. It’s about restoring what matters: time, clarity, and growth. We're not selling software. We're offering a system that understands your business because it's been built by people who’ve run it."