FirstGroup Pre-qualifies for Three Rail Franchises

FirstGroup plc today welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) that the Group has successfully pre-qualified for the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside franchises.

 

Commenting, Tim O’Toole, Chief Executive, said:

 

“We are delighted to have pre-qualified for all three franchises demonstrating our strength and experience in the rail market. As the current operator of two of the franchises - First Great Western and First Capital Connect – we have a strong track record of delivery and investment in our rail operations. We look forward to building on our position as the UK’s largest rail operator and submitting competitive proposals which meet the needs of customers and taxpayers for these three exciting franchise competitions.”

 

FirstGroup also pre-qualified for the ongoing Intercity West Coast franchise competition in March 2011.