Statement re ScotRail Franchise.

 
Friday 20 August 2004 
 
                                FirstGroup plc 
 
                           ScotRail franchise signed 
 
FirstGroup today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with the 
Strategic Rail Authority (`SRA') and the Strathclyde Passenger Transport 
Executive (`SPTE') to operate the ScotRail franchise. The franchise will 
commence on 17 October 2004 and run for a period of seven years with a three 
year optional extension by mutual consent. 
 
Commenting, Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup said: 
 
"This is an important milestone for First and we are very proud to be taking 
over the stewardship of Scotland's railways. We will now be focusing on 
ensuring a smooth transition in October and the early delivery of enhancements 
in rail services for passengers. We have an exciting programme which we will be 
announcing over the next few months." 
 
Contacts: 
 
FirstGroup 
 
Martin Helm, PR Adviser 020 7291 0507 
 
David Whitton, Whitton pr 0141 777 9297 
 
Notes for Editors 
 
FirstGroup plc is a UK based international transport company with a turnover of 
approximately [pounds sterling]2.5 billion a year, and 62,000 employees throughout the UK and 
North America. 
 
  * The Group is the UK's largest bus operator running more than one in five of 
    all local bus services. A fleet of some 9,300 buses carries 2.8 million 
    passengers a day in more than 40 towns and cities. 
 
  * The Group is also one of the UK's largest rail operators with four 
    passenger franchises - First Great Western, TransPennine Express, First 
    Great Western Link (operating suburban services from London Paddington) and 
    First North Western. The Group ...