FirstGroup America to celebrate 10 years

FirstGroup America will celebrate its 10th business anniversary on September 13.

FirstGroup America's history began in Scotland 20 years ago, when Grampian Regional Transport merged with Badgerline Group to incorporate FirstGroup plc.

Following much U.K. success, FirstGroup plc purchased Ryder Public Transportation Services to form FirstGroup America in 1999. The company more than doubled in size following the acquisition of its much larger competitor, Laidlaw, in 2007. This purchase included Greyhound, which introduced FirstGroup America to an even broader consumer base.

Today, the company has more than 96,000 employees throughout the U.S. and Canada and total revenues of $4.8 billion. FirstGroup America's five business units - First Student, First Transit, First Vehicle Services, First Canada and Greyhound -- operate in 49 states and 10 Canadian provinces.

"FirstGroup America has grown at an unprecedented rate over the past 10 years," said FirstGroup America President/CEO Mike Murray. "With the increased focus on environmental consciousness and fiscal responsibility, the need for public transportation is even stronger. We look forward to many more years of providing our customers with affordable, reliable and sustainable transportation solutions."