Fans of York City Knights will now be able to travel in style to home matches.
First York has unveiled a special all-electric double-decker bus fully branded in the team’s colours as part of a partnership with the Knights.
The bus will operate on the Service 9 route to Monk’s Cross Park & Ride. It will take supporters to the Knights’ game at the new LNER Community Stadium this Sunday (23 May) – the first where fans can attend.
As with all buses in the First York fleet, the service will operate with Covid measures in place including seating arrangements and daily enhanced cleaning of all surfaces and touchpoints with anti-viral sanitiser to ensure everyone can travel safely.
York City Knights are expecting 1,000 fans when they play Oldham in the Betfred Championship.
Marc Bichtemann, managing director of First York, said: “This partnership is about working together to connect local people and communities to the club they love and rediscovering leisure activities that will help York’s economic revival.
“Sporting events are one of the many areas of life that people are looking forward to enjoying again and we’re ready to take fans to the game this weekend.”
Giant QR code
Jon Flatman, chair of York City Knights, said: “This partnership further cements the club into the essential foundations of the cultural and leisure time available in this magnificent city.
“Transport to and from venues in a safe and reliable manner is vital to our fans and this service will deliver benefits to local residents and tourists.”
The name of First York appears on the players socks and the bus operator is the latest member of the club’s Business Hub, aimed at bringing local businesses together to share ideas for community outreach and events.
First York has a number of Knights fans among its employees. Driver Pete Richardson, who describes himself as “a massive fan”, was in disbelief when he saw the branded bus in the James Street depot and sent a message to Marc Bichtemann.
“I’ve just seen the new York City Knights bus in the annex and I’d just like to say as a massive Knights supporter it looks fantastic.
“I can’t wait to be able to drive it. I love that the company have got on-board and done this so from a fan and a member of First York thank you, I’m so proud,” he wrote.
The bus design includes a giant QR code which fans can scan and use on the go to get the latest details of club fixtures, local activities and offers with regular information updates on its website