Essex County Cricket Club has unveiled a new sponsorship agreement with First Bus East of England, one of the UK's leading public transport operators. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting collaboration between two organisations deeply rooted in community values.
To celebrate this new alliance, fans heading to The Cloud County Ground for the Vitality Blast match against Hampshire Hawks on Thursday, June 20, were offered complimentary bus travel. By using a special code provided by the club, supporters could travel to the match for free. This initiative aligns perfectly with Clean Air Day, the UK's largest campaign dedicated to reducing air pollution, highlighting the importance of sustainable travel options.
Each journey by bus can significantly alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution, as one bus can replace up to 75 cars on the road.
Under this partnership, First Bus will feature prominently across Essex Cricket venues, including a new pitch-side advertising board promoting the £2 single fare available throughout Essex.
Additionally, First Bus will sponsor the flagship Mini Matchplay event in August and support various community projects, demonstrating their commitment to nurturing local talent and community engagement.
Daryl Townson, Essex Cricket's Commercial Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that working with a beloved transport operator is a thrilling opportunity for the club. He highlighted the club's dedication to sustainability and highlighted the free bus travel for the upcoming match on Clean Air Day. Townson encouraged fans to opt for public transportation instead of driving.
Piers Marlow, Managing Director of First Bus East of England, shared his excitement about the collaboration with Essex Cricket. He noted that this partnership reflects a mutual dedication to community values, promoting eco-friendly transport, and supporting local sports. Marlow added that the partnership aims to simplify match attendance for fans while reducing the club's and supporters' carbon footprint, enhancing Essex's vibrant sporting culture.
First Bus is a well-known name in the UK’s public transport sector, operating over 4,500 buses nationwide and facilitating 1.1 million passenger journeys daily in 2023. Within Essex, First Bus runs around 50 routes, establishing itself as a significant player in the local public transport network.