FirstGroup announced as Rail Supplier for Hull UK City of Culture 2017
Train companies TransPennine Express
(TPE) and Hull Trains (HT) will be bringing visitors into the city for
the yearlong celebration of culture and Hull Paragon station will be the
gateway to these celebrations.
First Bus, who operate bus services
across the North will also play a key part in connecting people to rail
links, creating a seamless and integrated transition from bus to rail.
Customer service sits at the heart
of FirstGroup and colleagues from all three operators are committed to
providing visitors to Hull UK City of Culture 2017 with a positive and
lasting impression. A dedicated visitor information kiosk, a space
which has been donated by TPE, has now opened in the station giving
customers the chance to find our more information about various events
from official UK City of Culture 2017 volunteers. Visitors will also be
able to book tickets here for the many events going on across the city.
TPE, HT and UK City of Culture 2017
will officially open the new kiosk, which has been fitted out by Strata
Group at Hull Paragon station on Thursday 20 October 2016.
Leo Goodwin, Managing Director for
TPE said: “Next year, Hull will attract people from around the world and
we are eager to welcome visitors on to our trains and into the station.
We are thrilled to be the Rail Supplier for such a high profile year of
cultural celebration and have been working with Hull City Council, Hull
UK City of Culture 2017 and our fellow FirstGroup companies to prepare
for the many events. I would encourage anyone planning on attending any
of the events to travel by train to Hull UK City of Culture 2017.”
Will Dunnett, Managing Director for
Hull Trains said: “We’re especially proud to be the Rail Supplier for
Hull UK City of Culture 2017. We believe that Hull and the Humber region
has so far been one of the UK’s best kept secrets and we’re delighted
to be showcasing our great city to the rest of the country next year.
Hull Trains has been at the top of the league for customer satisfaction
for three successive years and is also the UK’s Rail Operator of the
Year. This is thanks to the commitment and dedication of our Hull
people. We look forward to welcoming more passengers on board next year
as we demonstrate what makes Hull and its warm welcome so special.”
Martin Green, Chief Executive for UK
City of Culture 2017 said: “We’re expecting an extra million visitors
to Hull next year, many of whom will be coming by train. It's brilliant
having the support of FirstGroup and our fantastic, volunteer staffed
kiosk in a prime location at the station. It means that, wherever people
are coming from around the country, they can expect the warmest of
welcomes and all the information they need to make the most out of Hull
UK City of Culture 2017."