FirstGroup extension for First TransPennine Express rail franchise
ByAndrew Argo
FirstGroups First TransPennine Express rail franchise has been extended for a year.
Aberdeen-based FirstGroup’s First TransPennine Express rail franchise has been extended for a further year.
The company will continue to operate until April 1 2016 the service that links the major cities of the north of England and stretches to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
FirstGroup grew out of the Granite City’s bus service to become the largest surface transport group in the UK and North America. It operated the £2.5 billion ScotRail franchise for 10 years until losing the contract to Dutch operator Abellio who took over this year.
The extended contract gives continuity on the north of England route for the next year to the UK Government’s anticipated start date for the new TransPennine Express franchise.
FirstGroup is shortlisted for the new franchise and is to submit a bid later in the year to deliver what it says will be significant improvements for customers and value for money for taxpayers.
FirstGroup extension for First TransPennine Express rail franchise
