Fans of York City Knights will be able to travel to the club’s home game this weekend in a bus branded in the team's colours.

First York has unveiled a special all-electric double-decker sporting the rugby league club's branding ahead of the Betfred Championship fixture against Oldham on Sunday.

The new look is part of a partnership with York City Knights to promote community activity and leisure in support of York’s recovery from the pandemic.York Press: ​

York City Knights are expecting 1,000 fans at the 8,500-seat new LNER Community Stadium now that spectators are allowed at sporting events.

The bus will operate on the Service 9 route to Monk’s Cross Park & Ride.

First York has a number of Knights fans among its employees, including self-confessed 'massive fan', Pete Richardson, pictured below.

The bus driver was stunned to see the branded bus in the James Street depot and sent a message to managing director Marc Bichtemann.

York Press:

“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.

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 touch points with anti-viral sanitiser to ensure everyone can travel safely.

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.”

York Press:

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.”

He added: “The importance of travel has been raised within fan focus groups and we have listened to provide this solution.

"The wider partnership with First York around fan engagement will improve our offer as a club to everyone concerned. The bus is a fantastic way to travel from the city centre to the ground on matchdays and you'll be sure to arrive in style.”

 

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 projects and events.

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.

First York is keen to build its partnerships and involve other social, cultural and sporting life of the city to support York’s recovery.

It has a launched a dedicated page on its website to make contact and start discussions.