A new partnership aims to make visiting Colchester Zoo easier for public transport users.
First Bus has partnered with Colchester Zoological Society to launch a new transport link, aiming to make it easier for people to visit the zoo and discover its vital work.
From April 12, First Bus will expand its 75 route from Colchester to provide journeys to and from Chelmsford with the introduction of a new 375 through-service.
Among the fleet is a bus decorated with the new look of Colchester Zoological Society, carrying its message about conservation, which hits the region’s roads this week.
James McCluskey, Commercial Director of First Bus in Essex, said: “We’ve worked alongside the zoo as a long-standing partner and are delighted to help support everything it has to offer. No one can fail to notice where this bus is headed!
“Our new 375 service will improve connections between Colchester and Chelmsford and provide a sustainable way to travel to the zoo and the wider area.
“This extension to our 75 is further evidence of our commitment to invest in services to help connect people and communities."
The new design will cover a double-decker from its Colchester fleet, showing the zoo's animals and sharing its message of support for global wildlife and wild places.
The bus complements new shelters outside the zoo, used by the First Bus 75 service, which were unveiled earlier this month.
The shelters and bus design hopes to bring life to the experience for customers travelling to the zoo site in Stanway.
Amanda Willis from the marketing team at Colchester Zoological Society said: “It’s been a pleasure to be able to work with First Bus once again on branding another one of their double-decker buses.
"The newly branded bus will not only help to share our messaging about becoming a conservation charity but also helps to encourage the use of public transport as part of our green mission!”
The 375 through-service supports the next stage of the Westcombe Park development at Heybridge and provides new direct connections across Maldon.
Improved school-time capacity will be provided between Colchester and Maldon, with an additional journey at 3.50pm.
First Bus is also supporting leisure and shift working in the evening with journeys on Friday and Saturday on the 75 between Colchester and Tiptree, departing at 10.50pm.
