First Group Archives - International Railway Journal

First Group

September 19, 2023 | Financial

West Coast and CrossCountry long-term operating contracts awarded

Avanti was previously directed to develop a recovery plan to address poor performance on key routes.

February 22, 2023 | Financial

IRJ News in brief - Financial and Market

South Western Railway contract extended, Škoda Group acquires Austrian subsidiary, Ensco expands in Brazil, DSB records mixed results and SBB and SOB cooperation strengthens.

October 10, 2022 | Main line

Avanti West Coast granted short contract extension to improve performance

Train services on Britain’s West Coast Main Line have been severely curtailed due to a shortage of drivers.

October 29, 2021 | Analysis

Lumo hopes fresh approach to customer service will attract new passengers to rail

IRJ joins the open-access operator for the inaugural trip on Britain’s East Coast Main Line and learns about its inventive approach to passenger service.

May 24, 2021 | Commuter Rail

First Group agrees terms for new British National Rail Contracts for two former franchises

First Group has agreed new two-year National Rail Contracts to replace temporary emergency contracts as a successor to franchises.

May 13, 2021 | Passenger

Out of the franchise and into the fire? British train operators ready for reform

Covid-19 spelt the end of the British franchising system for passenger operations. Kevin Smith analyses the impact of the pandemic on the sector and asks what should come next.

May 11, 2021 | Financial

First and DfT agree exit fee for TransPennine Express franchise

First’s payment of approximately £6m is around £50m less than expected.

December 10, 2020 | Financial

First Group agrees termination fees for SWR and Avanti franchises

FIRST Group has announced it has agreed termination fees with Britain’s Department for Transport (DfT) for the South Western Railway (SWR) and Avanti West Coast franchises.

November 4, 2020 | Main line

Operators set to suspend services during second lockdown

BRITISH open-access operators, Grand Central and Hull Trains, have announced that they will suspend operation following the start of England’s second lockdown on November 5 as people are once again urged to avoid essential travel and to stay at home.

December 9, 2019 | Main line

Avanti West Coast launched in London

THE West Coast Partnership (WCP) of First Group and Trenitalia officially launched operation of Avanti services on Britain’s West Coast Main Line at an event held at London Euston station on December 9.

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