City's bus drivers getting into gear...

DRIVING fashion . . . the new-look workwear

FIRST Bus drivers in Greater Manchester are in top gear - a brand new uniform.

The new uniforms have been issued in response to staff feedback that their workwear was in need of an overhaul.

The updated uniform includes tailored blouses with modesty buttons for female drivers, a "sholo" (shirt meets polo) and bodywarmer, to help provide comfort for drivers.

The firm recognised the need to update its uniform and provided all its drivers, females, in particular, with a more modern and comfortable wardrobe. It held a consultation with employees from across the country to find out how the uniform could be improved and female staff in particular, commented how they would like an additional shirt. First Bus are thought to be just the second company to introduce the new garment of the "sholo" in the UK. The updated blouses for female drivers now includes hidden modesty buttons, which aim to help them feel more comfortable.

Adrian Worsfold, Operations Director at First Manchester, said: "Our drivers are our ambassadors, so it is important that they look the part.

"We have listened to feedback and we're proud to be unveiling the new driver uniform, which has already been trialled in depots across the UK and has received positive feedback from drivers.

"Bus travel has changed dramatically in recent years and even more so in the diversity of drivers that can now be seen transporting our customers around the region, so we're pleased that we have been able to update our uniform so that it can suit the needs of all our drivers."