Press releases

• Bus operator is an official transporter for European Capital of Culture 2008
• 3-year deal includes free transport and advertising for major '08' events
• Photo call: 9.30am, Thursday, 26 October at Liver Buildings

Bus operator Arriva has become the latest official supplier for Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year in 2008.

The 3-year agreement, signed off this week, means Arriva will be providing free transport at a number of major events in the city during the build-up to 2008.

The company, which handles 100 million passenger journeys per year in Merseyside, will also display the '08' logo on their vehicles and buses will carry additional advertising messages and leaflets to promote key events, such as the renowned Tall Ships Race.

To celebrate the announcement, Arriva is also launching its upgraded Le bus network of high quality, low-floor vehicles, which highlight an investment of over £10 million on new buses for Liverpool in the last 12 months.

Over the next year, over 200 buses will be allocated to 15 key routes into Liverpool, all of which will guarantee a ten minute service during the day and low floor access every time.

Bob Hind, managing director of Arriva North West and Wales, said:

2008 will be a monumental year in the history of Liverpool and we're delighted to be on board and supporting the city's plans. Our buses are an important part of many people's everyday lives and we've invested heavily to make sure that Liverpool has the quality of service it needs to make 2008 a success for all involved.

Many Arriva drivers are also studying foreign language courses at GCSE level, paid for by the company, at Prescot Language School and Knowsley Community College to help deal with the expected increase in tourism. It is estimated an extra 1.7 million people will visit Liverpool in 2008.

Mr Hind added:

Currently we have drivers learning French and Spanish and they are keen to put their new skills to good use in the near future. It's all part of embracing the positive changes that will take place in Liverpool as a result of 2008.

Chris Green, operations director of the Liverpool Culture Company, said:

This deal is a huge boost to the way in which people will learn about and experience our celebrations during 2008.

Arriva has made a huge commitment to improve its services in time for 08. It is a shining example of how businesses can play their part in making Liverpool a world class destination to relish, remember and revisit.

Event: Bob Hind of Arriva and Chris Green of the Liverpool Culture Company celebrate the 08 Official Supplier deal on board a new 'Le Bus'

Location: Canada Boulevard, adjacent to The Liver Buildings

Date: Thursday, 26 October

Time: 9.30am

Note to editors

• Arriva is one of the largest private sector providers of passenger transport in mainland Europe, employing nearly 33,000 people (including 3,500 in Merseyside). The company provides transport services including buses, trains, commuter coaches and water buses, and operates in eight European countries: Denmark, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. It was the first UK transport company to sign the European Road Safety Charter.
• Liverpool Culture Company: Established by Liverpool City Council in 2000 to co-ordinate the successful bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2008. The first announcement on the 2008 highlights will be made on Monday 6 November.
• There are four levels of sponsorship available to support the '08 Culture programme, including Partner, Supporter, Supplier and Friend. Potential sponsors can contribute from £20,000 to more than £2 million.
• Official Partners to date are: UK top law firm Hill Dickinson, United Utilities, Radio City 96.7, Enterprise Plc, North West Regional Development Agency, Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank and Sayers the Bakers and Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales.
• Research among owners, general managers and chief executives, has revealed that almost a third (31%) of Liverpool businesses are planning to invest in their company ahead of 2008.
• For further information please call Mike Doran at the Liverpool Culture Company on 0151 233 6761 or 0780 145 3918. For the latest news from Liverpool, European Capital 2008, visit www.liverpool08.com.