First Manchester unveils 'Ride with pride' bus and special travel offer for Pride festival

First Bus now has an executive sponsor for Pride

First Manchester has unveiled its 'Ride with pride' bus today (Saturday) ahead of the Manchester Pride parade.

First insist they are on a journey to a place where everyone is welcome, can be their true selves and can succeed.

The Pride community is a really important community in First Bus, and this summer the company has been building a campaign to recognise the colleagues in all departments and educate them in Pride awareness, using the Progress flag to steer this education.

First Bus now has an executive sponsor for Pride, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Jarvis, and have begun building a network of colleagues with lived experience, to support the journey and bring to life a culture of understanding.

Adrian Worsfold, Operations Director of First Manchester, said: "We are committed to helping create easier access to Pride events and festivals across the community, including the Manchester Pride parade on Saturday, August 27.

"Our Ride with Pride campaign incorporates a special travel support offer which we hope will benefit lower income households and disadvantaged groups, in particular, to embrace and enjoy the spectacle and relieve some of the pressure of the cost of living crisis." 

First Manchester has introduced Pride tickets starting at just £5 for unlimited travel all day across Manchester which are available to purchase on the First Bus App in the 'Promotions' section.

The tickets are valid for unlimited travel between August 26-29 only.  

"Helping the community come together for Pride and share in the celebrations highlights the essential role the bus plays in local life. We'll be bringing along our 'Ride with pride' double decker to take part in the Manchester Pride parade so look out for us," added Mr Worsfold.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.