FirstGroup to operate the First Capital Connect rail franchise for further six months

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-2-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — FirstGroup, the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, has signed an agreement with the Department for Transport to operate the First Capital Connect rail franchise for a further six months.

As previously announced, this award means that the First Capital Connect franchise will operate beyond its current planned end date of 31 March 2014 to 14 September 2014. This new end date is coterminous with the Government’s anticipated start for the new Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise, for which we have submitted a compelling bid offering significant improvements for customers and value for money for taxpayers.

Today’s award secures continuity of rail services for passengers and retains the Group’s experience as the delivery partner of the multi-billion pound Thameslink Programme already well underway on the network. During this six-month period First Capital Connect will continue with its comprehensive maintenance programme, as well as introducing service improvements for passengers including new and enhanced information at stations, better customer assistance and higher levels of train cleaning.

Commenting, Tim O’Toole, Chief Executive said:

“Today’s agreement with the Department for Transport provides continuity and consistency for First Capital Connect passengers, building on the improvements our experienced team is already making as we play an active part in delivering the multi-billion pound Thameslink Programme. This agreement allows us to continue our improvements over the next six months, focusing in particular on customer information provision and assistance.”

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