First are getting excited

" We are very excited about the new routes we've just unveiled ” Highton-Ridley Pony Study 3 Omnibuses 2.0 Good news - Bad News Balance TGP KUO Progress - great stuff

Ugo Launch ©mtu43. First have now got more details on their Web Site announcing the new routes: Following the tremendous success of the UGOBUS network, which was originally launched in April 2008, First Devon and Cornwall is extending its network further, adding four new routes from Sunday 11 October 2009. As well as offering customers more choice and different journey opportunities, the move heralds the way for 60 new jobs to be created in the city. To support the network extension, First Devon and Cornwall is making a capital investment of over £2million, bringing an additional 22 super low floor buses into operation. Since the introduction of the UGOBUS network last year, First Devon and Cornwall has seen a significant increase in patronage (+7.3%) with customers welcoming the simple numbering of services and the clear routes that are associated with the network. Marc Reddy, Managing Director of First Devon and Cornwall, explains: "We launched the UGOBUS last year because we wanted to show people in Plymouth the extent of our local network. We simplified all the timetables and routes, to make them clear and easy to follow, and ran a creative marketing campaign to get people to give them a go. The results were significant; lots of positive feedback and increased patronage as people were encouraged to try them. "Following the initial success we added a further UGOBUS route last autumn, Service 11, connecting the City Centre with Honicknowle. This was also successful and it has paved the way for this third phase of the UGOBUS rollout. "We are very excited about the new routes we've just unveiled; for the first time well have services running to and from Plympton, Chaddlewood, Ernesettle, Mainstone, Estover and Southway, meaning we can take our UGOBUS message to even more people. Existing bus users with season ticket products will also get even more value for money from 11 October.' Marc Reddy adds: "All in all we think that this planned extension to the UGOBUS network is a fantastic thing for Plymouth, and its particularly great to be able to announce the creation of so many new jobs in a time when many other businesses are cutting back.' The new UGOBUS services will be launched in the coming weeks and will be supported by a raft of marketing activities, including a number of special offers designed to entice people to try the new services. For more information about job opportunities, or training to be a bus driver, should call 01752 495203, or email firstdevonandcornwall@firstgroup.com. Alternatively you can download an application form on this site by clicking on the banner on the First Devon & Cornwall homepage Note that they are just claiming 22 extra buses rather than ‘new’ buses as The Herald originally reported.

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