Statement re Shortlist for East Coast franchise

17 January 2014 FIRSTGROUP PLC ('FirstGroup' or 'the Group') Statement re: SHORTLISTING FOR INTERCITY EAST COAST FRANCHISE COMPETITION FirstGroup has been shortlisted for the InterCity East Coast franchisecompetition by the Department for Transport. Commenting, Vernon Barker, FirstGroup's Managing Director, UK Rail said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the InterCity East Coastfranchise competition. "We have extensive experience of intercity services and have a strong trackrecord in delivering passenger growth as well as capacity and infrastructureupgrades on the long distance franchises we run - First Great Western, FirstScotRail and First TransPennine Express. We look forward to reviewing thecontract details and submitting an innovative, compelling, and value for moneybid which meets the needs of taxpayers as well as customers and businessesalong the East Coast route." Further information, FirstGroup:Stuart Butchers, Group Media Relations ManagerTel: +44 7713 317979 / 020 7291 0507