First Bus and Essex Cricket Join Forces for Eco-Friendly Travel

Cricket fans planning to attend the Vitality Blast match against Hampshire Hawks at The Cloud County Ground on Thursday, June 20, can look forward to complimentary travel, courtesy of a new partnership between First Bus East of England and Essex Cricket. Ahead of the match, ticket holders will receive a special code from the Club to use for free bus rides.

This collaboration aligns with Clean Air Day, the UK’s most significant initiative to combat air pollution, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable transportation.Every bus journey plays a pivotal role in reducing road congestion and pollution, with each bus potentially removing up to 75 cars from the road.

As part of this partnership, First Bus will feature prominently across Essex Cricket venues, including a new pitch-side advertising board promoting the £2 single fare available in Essex. Additionally, First Bus will sponsor Essex Cricket in the Community, including the flagship Mini Matchplay event in August, demonstrating their commitment to local talent and community engagement.

Daryl Townson, Commercial Manager at Essex Cricket, shared his excitement: "Partnering with one of the nation’s most beloved transport operators is an exciting development for the Club. One aspect of our partnership will be the branded Essex Cricket bus that fans can soon catch around Chelmsford. We are dedicated to sustainability and are thrilled that First Bus is offering free travel to our fans for the match on June 20, coinciding with Clean Air Day. We encourage visitors to use the bus and leave their cars at home."

Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, echoed this enthusiasm: "We are delighted to partner with Essex Cricket. This collaboration signifies our shared commitment to the community, promoting sustainable transport, and supporting local and regional sports. Together, we aim to facilitate easier access for fans to attend matches, help the Club and its fans reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to the vibrant sporting culture in Essex."

First Bus operates over 4,500 buses across the UK, facilitating 1.1 million passenger journeys daily in 2023. In Essex alone, the company manages more than 50 routes, making it a cornerstone of local public transportation.

Ticket holders for the Thursday match against Hampshire Hawks will receive their unique travel code in the pre-match pack sent on Wednesday, allowing them to redeem free travel via the First Bus mobile app.