FirstGroup PLC — Regulatory Filings 2014

Feb 18, 2014

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FIRSTGROUP PLC - Statement re First Capital Connect franchise award

PR Newswire

London, February 18

                                                           18 February 2014                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                         ('FirstGroup' or 'the Group')              Statement RE: FIRST CAPITAL CONNECT FRANCHISE AWARDFirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, hassigned an agreement with the Department for Transport to operate the FirstCapital Connect rail franchise for a further six months.As previously announced, this award means that the First Capital Connectfranchise will operate beyond its current planned end date of 31 March 2014 to14 September 2014. This new end date is coterminous with the Government'santicipated start for the new Thameslink, Southern and Great Northernfranchise, for which we have submitted a compelling bid offering significantimprovements for customers and value for money for taxpayers.Today's award secures continuity of rail services for passengers and retainsthe Group's experience as the delivery partner of the multi-billion poundThameslink Programme already well underway on the network. During thissix-month period First Capital Connect will continue with its comprehensivemaintenance programme, as well as introducing service improvements forpassengers including new and enhanced information at stations, better customerassistance and higher levels of train cleaning.Commenting, Tim O'Toole, Chief Executive said:"Today's agreement with the Department for Transport provides continuity andconsistency for First Capital Connect passengers, building on the improvementsour experienced team is already making as we play an active part in deliveringthe multi-billion pound Thameslink Programme. This agreement allows us tocontinue our improvements over the next six months, focusing in particular oncustomer information provision and assistance."Further information, FirstGroup:Rachael Borthwick, Group Corporate Communications DirectorStuart Butchers, Group Media Relations Manager

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