‘Why not?’ Fashion fans state as First Bus divide opinion with new clothing line

FIRST Bus has announced they’re heading down a different route – after launching a clothing collection.

The transport giant made the brightly coloured merch – which incorporates their logo – to get people on board with a free bus pass scheme.

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Bosses hope the limited-edition range, which includes a t-shirt, bucket hat and sling bag, inspires passengers under 22 to get wheely excited about exploring their cities and surrounding areas.

It’s the latest novelty range to shake up the fashion scene after the likes of Greggs and Lidl caused shoppers to hit the brakes when they created their own clobber.

Carolyn Harper, senior marketing manager at FirstBus, said: “We know that a bus company launching a clothing range is an unexpected move.

“The ambition was to do something that would really stand out and connect with under 22s and we’re very excited with the results of our latest collab.

“Grabbing their attention to highlight bus is the best way to explore their freedom.”

The zany streetwear is part of the bus operator’s Free to Explore campaign, which has previously seen the creation of a ‘nursery grime’ music video and eye-catching wings murals appear across both Glasgow and Aberdeen – as well as a TikTok filter which allows the user to ‘wear’ the colourful wings.

FirstBus fans will be able to pick up the clothing for free when exact locations are announced via social media soon.

Designer Boiiing and accessories brand Trakke have high hopes for the collection, which they collaborated on, and reckon it’s just the ticket for those wanting to stand out from the crowd – and other passengers.

Boiiing, based at SWG3 in Glasgow, said: “I’d seen the Free To Explore campaign before and thought it was an exciting, colourful and lively idea –similar to what I like to put across in my work.

“When I start a design, I never know where it’s going to take me and how others will see it.

“When starting the project, I began playing around with the composition and adding shapes to make it quite abstract.

“In doing so, it means the pattern is open to interpretation and will mean different things to different people, which is what the Free To Explore campaign is about.”

Alec Farmer, founder of Trakke, added: “We are proud to partner with FirstBus in creating a sustainable and stylish bag for the Free to Explore collection.

“Our dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability and expression aligns seamlessly with the values of this campaign.”

But the reaction from punters was mixed as we took to the steets of Glasgow and asked bus passengers for their opinions.

Vikki Diamond, 60, health and wellbeing coordinator, of Cathcart, Glasgow, said: “I wouldn’t wear anything with advertising. If you’re advertising a product or business they need to pay you for it.”

While Zak Shannon, 21, from Clydebank, who studies marine biology, said: “I’d wear it. I’d wear anything. If it’s free then you might as well take it. And if you think you can pull it off, go for it.”

And retired service engineer John Ferrie, 64, from the Gorbals in Glasgow, added: “Even if it’s free, I can’t see many people going for it. It’s quite bright. But I suppose it’s a matter of taste.”

But retired security worker Jimmy Lough, 73, from Calton, said: “I’d be quite happy to wear it. People are walking around with Greggs and Lidl gear on so why not? And people are actually paying for them but this is free.”

Chef Eilidh MacDonald, 32, of Bishopbriggs, added: “I like things with small logos and typically wear black clothing. But some other people might like it and give it a go.”

For more information about the new collection and how to get your hands on one of the designs, follow FirstBus’s Instagram and Tik Tok.

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