Smartcard technology is making it easier to buy tickets, speeding up boarding time and integrating journeys by bus and rail. FirstGroup has also set up FirstInfo, our technology subsidiary and they have led the way throughout the Group in introducing e-commerce ticket sales for both bus and rail operations. In December 2000, through a joint venture with Railtrack, FirstGroup announced its involvement in a 12 million online travel planning and booking service for all travellers. Investment in our future Our aim at FirstGroup is to provide a superior service for all our customers. We re committed to raising standards and providing safe and reliable passenger facilities and services.
Investment is required across all areas of our business.
Investment in time is key to our future success. We are working closely with Government and Local Authorities to develop better public transport in towns and cities by giving priority to buses and improving transport integration. Investment in new rolling stock, buses, technology and transport infrastructure is also important and thanks to new investment across the rail network, we have seen a resurgence in rail travel. Our new trains, which are fully air-conditioned and incorporate the most modern equipment, will replace rolling stock up to 40 years old. Our new low floor buses offer parents with buggies, the elderly and disabled easy access to these high quality vehicles.