FirstGroup plc, a leading private sector provider of public transport, has launched a report into the social value it generates across the UK.

Social value is a term used to define the wider economic, social and environmental effects of an organisation and its actions. An organisation adds social value by contributing to the long-term wellbeing and resilience of individuals, communities, and society in general.

The report reveals that FirstGroup generated GBP1.44bn of Gross Value Added contribution to the UK economy, spending GBP2.44bn on goods and services provided by UK firms. FirstGroup is a major employer across the whole of the UK, with one third of its employment falling within the 25% of local authority districts that have the highest rates of unemployment.

Travelling by bus or train helps reduce carbon emissions and saves the UK economy an estimated 900,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. FirstGroup's services mean passengers across the UK can travel to their destination without using private vehicles, delivering environmental benefits. The report shows that in the financial year 2022, FirstGroup's bus and rail services saved the UK economy GBP1.3bn.

FirstGroup, comprising of First Bus and First Rail, has a fleet of almost 9,000 buses, trains and carriages across the UK, carrying more than 1.4m passengers per day. The Group's transport services contribute to society's environmental objectives including climate change mitigation and air quality improvements by driving modal shift from cars to buses and trains.

The report, which was produced with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), demonstrates the economic, social and environmental value added by FirstGroup's businesses across the UK during the financial year ending 31 March 2022.

Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of FirstGroup, said: 'FirstGroup and our businesses play a key role at the heart of our communities. The essential services we provide are critical to delivering wider economic, social and environmental goals. This report demonstrates how we support prosperity, growth and jobs in the communities we serve, but also the vital role we play in reducing congestion on the roads, improving air quality and facilitating the transition to a zero-carbon world.'

Contact:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7725 3354

Email: corporate.comms@firstgroup.co.uk

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