FirstGroup strikes Olympic gold as it wins £20m bus contract for 2012 Games

Published on Monday 15 February 2010 20:38

FIRSTGROUP has become the latest company to cash in on the London Olympics after winning a key bus contract, expected to be worth some £20 million, to carry spectators to venues.

The Aberdeen-based firm was named as the preferred bidder for a wide-ranging spectator contract by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for the 2012 Games.

A spokesman admitted that most details of the contract had still to be determined, but it appears the deal will involve the supply of almost 900 buses. About 500 of those will be used to ferry spectators between venues across the Olympic sites.

On top of this, some 90 buses and coaches will take spectators from parking areas around the M25 to the venues. First will also be charged with contracting some 300 buses from local providers to run express services from around the UK into the Olympic site.

Chief executive Sir Moir Lockhead welcomed the "important" contract and said: "We look forward to using our expertise and experience in working with the ODA to meet the travel requirements of spectators of the Olympic Games in 2012."

A First spokesman said the group had experience handling contracts of this nature, having carried athletes, officials and the media during the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Under that contract, it provided a fleet of 75 new single-deck buses on a dedicated network of routes linking the sporting venues in Greater Manchester.

As well as running buses to the Olympic Park in Stratford, in east London, the 2012 services will also extend to Weymouth in Dorset and Portland in Somerset, where the sailing events are being held.

First won the contract after a highly competitive tender. The bidding process started in August last year, and 78 companies were whittled down to a seven-strong shortlist before the preferred bidder was chosen.

ODA transport director Hugh Sumner said more than 20 per cent of spectators were expected to use either coaches or park-and-ride buses to access the London Olympics. "As such, this is a significant contract which will help ensure the ODA meets spectators' travel requirements in 2012," Sumner said.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan said: "This contract will provide crucial links for thousands of spectators throughout the country, making the Olympic Park an accessible and cost-effective destination.

"It also demonstrates that the benefits of London 2012 are being felt throughout the UK, providing a vital economic boost at a time of financial difficulty."

Shares in FirstGroup rose 2.6 per cent to 344.8p yesterday.