Tony McNiff, Managing Director of First Cymru and Chris Vinestock, Head of Transportation, City and County of Swansea, took time out today (23 April) to meet and reward the one millionth person to travel on the ftrmetro since its official launch in September 2009.

Boarding the ftr at the Kingsway stop the pair were already on board when the one millionth passenger got on at the Quadrant bus stop. On seeing the one millionth passenger about to buy their ticket from the on board customer host, Tony McNiff and Chris Vinestock stepped in to greet them, explaining that they had become the one millionth person to use the service. The lucky passenger was then given a free FirstYear bus ticket - allowing unlimited travel on First Cymru's extensive local bus network in South and West Wales - and a special commemorative certificate.

Since the ftrmetro was officially launched in September 2009, the service has gone from strength to strength. It is currently the best performing First bus route in Swansea, achieving significant growth (circa 10%) above what was initially forecast for it.

Talking about the success, Tony McNiff, says: "The ftr has performed incredibly well since it was launched in Swansea. Passenger numbers and customer feedback is good, with people seeming to like the internal layout, and the quicker journey times. The improved integration between bus and rail services has also been well received, with people using Service 4 to travel onwards from the railway station, particularly to get to and from the university and the Liberty stadium."

As partners in the ftrmetro scheme, the City and County of Swansea are similarly delighted with the success of the transport scheme. Chris Vinestock, Head of Transportation in Swansea Council said: "Improving public transport is a vital part of Swanseas integrated transport plan. The Welsh Assembly Government's substantial investment in infrastructure for bus services in Swansea has contributed significantly to the success of the ftrmetro. We are delighted that so many people are using the service."

Swansea's ftrmetro was developed as part of a £14million package run in partnership between First and the City and County of Swansea. The infrastructure work, costing an estimated £10million, was funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Transport Grant, while First spent some £4million purchasing 10 ftrmetro vehicles as well as upgrading the engineering and parking facilities at its First Cymru head office in Swansea. As part of the scheme, 17 jobs were created as a team of customer service hosts were employed to assist customers and to collect fares. The hosts were taught basic Welsh language, Welsh history/folklore, and they had to develop a detailed knowledge of Swanseas facilities and amenities to enable them to carry out the important customer-facing role.

In October 2009 First Cymru and the City and County of Swansea were named joint runners up in the Infrastructure category at the UK Bus Awards, for the ftrmetro scheme.