A joint venture between First Bus and Weston-Super-Mare based Crosville Motor Services, Somerset Passenger Solutions, has been confirmed as the contractor for services to the new Hinkley Point nuclear station.

The 10 year deal with EDF Energy will operate high frequency services for employees to Hinkley Point C from dedicated park-and-ride sites, staff campus accommodation and from surrounding towns and villages for employees living throughout the region.

The joint venture will also provide internal site shuttles and transport for visitors from airports, railway stations and hotels. EDF Energy has estimated that around 25,000 jobs will be created through the construction of the new power station and around 5,600 people will be employed on site during its peak.

Somerset Passenger Solutions is starting a recruitment campaign for the 300 staff it will need and is planning to order up to 160 new buses.

Jonathan Jones Pratt, chairman, Crosville Motor Services, said: “This is great news for our company and this region of the UK, especially given the local training legacy that we will bring to the table.”

“Our joint venture brings together unique skills and experiences. I’m delighted that our partnership and the good work we’ve been doing in providing bus services to the site under the current interim contract has been recognised.”

Alex Carter, managing director, First Bus in the South West, added: “This contract is great news for our business and the wider community, and will help to secure and create jobs. We look forward to providing EDF Energy’s employees with simple, seamless, frequent and reliable bus services during the construction period.”

Crosville was awarded the interim contract status two years ago and has invited First Bus to form the joint venture, Somerset Passenger Solutions in June 2014 to meet the scale of the main contract.