1st Apr 2005 07:55
1st April 2005 FirstGroup plc welcomes franchise news FirstGroup plc, the UK's largest surface transport operator, today welcomed theStrategic Rail Authority's announcement that the company has successfullypre-qualified for both the Greater Western and Thameslink/Great Northernfranchises.First currently operates the Great Western franchise, which runs InterCityservices between London, the Cotswolds, the South West and South Wales, as wellas First Great Western Link, the commuter network linking London with theThames Valley.The company also operates Scotland's national railway through First ScotRail,InterCity services in the North of England through TransPennine Express andservices into London Kings Cross through Hull Trains.Responding to the news that the company will be invited to tender for the twofranchises, First's chief executive, Moir Lockhead, said: "We are delighted. Welook forward to working with the Strategic Rail Authority and all of thestakeholders across both the Greater Western region and those currently servedby Thameslink/Great Northern on the development of exciting proposals for thefuture of both franchises."We are proud to serve customers in the Greater Western region through ourGreat Western and Great Western Link companies, together with our bus networksthroughout the new franchise area. We therefore welcome the opportunity tobuild on our strong record of delivery and work up plans for investment incontinued performance improvements."We are also looking forward to developing proposals to enhance the journeyexperience for Thameslink/Great Northern customers by investing in performanceimprovements and bringing forward detailed plans for stations and the on trainenvironment."EndsFurther information:Stuart Bugg, Public Affairs Manager, 020 7291 0514ENDFIRSTGROUP PLCRelated Shares:
Firstgroup