Directorate Change

1 May 2009

                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                                 

                    BOARD & SENIOR MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS                     

FirstGroup plc ("The Group"), the leading transport operator in the UK and
North America, announces the following Board and senior management appointments
and changes.

Independent Non-Executive Directors

David Dunn and Jim Forbes will retire as Independent Non-Executive Directors at
the Annual General Meeting in July having joined the Board in December 1999 and
April 2000 respectively.

Tim O'Toole and Colin Hood will join the Board of FirstGroup as Independent
Non-Executive Directors on 7 May 2009.

Tim O'Toole has a wealth of international transport management experience most
recently as Managing Director of London Underground. He joined Transport for
London in 2003 prior to which he was President and Chief Executive of
Consolidated Rail Corporation, one of America's most successful rail networks.

Colin Hood is a Director and Chief Operating Officer of Scottish and Southern
Energy plc where, among other board level responsibilities, he is the lead
Director for Health and Safety matters. He is a Director of Scotia Gas Networks
and a member of the Forum for Renewable Energy Developments in Scotland.

Commenting Martin Gilbert, Chairman said:

"On behalf of the Board I would like to thank David and Jim for the substantial
contribution they have made to the Group. Throughout their time as
Non-Executive Directors the Group has benefited from their independent
judgement, experience and support.

"I am delighted to welcome Tim and Colin to the Board of FirstGroup. They both
bring significant experience together with a strong track record of achievement
in their respective industries. I am confident that they will make a
significant contribution to the Group and its future development."

Executive Directors and Senior Management

Dean Finch, Chief Operating Officer, is to leave the Group with immediate
effect to take up the role of Chief Executive of Tube Lines. Dean's
responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer, including reporting lines for the
Group's North American operations, will transfer to Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief
Executive.

Jeff Carr will join the Board of FirstGroup as Finance Director. Jeff joins
from easyJet plc where he has been Group Finance Director since 2005. Prior to
his appointment at easyJet he held a number of senior financial roles at AB
Foods, Reckitt Benckiser, Grand Metropolitan and Unilever. As well as a strong
track record in financial leadership he also has significant international
experience particularly in North America. He is expected to join FirstGroup in
the next few months.

Mary Grant joins the senior management team as Managing Director of the Rail
Division. Mary has been Managing Director of First ScotRail since FirstGroup
commenced operation in 2004, and was part of the team that successfully bid for
and won the franchise.

Commenting, Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive said:

"I would like to thank Dean for his unique contribution to the development of
the Group over the past 10 years during which time we have grown to become the
leading transport operator in our core markets in the UK and North America. We
wish him every success in his new role.

"I am delighted to welcome Jeff to the Board of FirstGroup where his financial
leadership, extensive background in consumer facing companies and international
experience will be of great benefit to the Group and its continued successful
development.

"The Board are extremely grateful to Nick Chevis for his contribution as Acting
Finance Director during which time he has ensured the continuation of strong
financial control and leadership and the Group has successfully implemented its
re-financing strategy against a challenging economic backdrop.

"I am very pleased to welcome Mary to her new role within the Group as Managing
Director of our UK rail operations. She has a proven track record in railway
management and customer service and under her leadership First ScotRail has
achieved record highs in punctuality, performance and customer satisfaction.

"FirstGroup has achieved unrivalled success since its formation just 20 years
ago to become the leading transport provider in the UK and North America. These
new appointments will further strengthen the management team and continue to
build on the strong position that we have established to deliver safe, high
quality public transport and long term, sustainable growth. The Group will
announce preliminary results for the year to 31 March 2009 on Wednesday 13 May
2009."

Contacts FirstGroup plc:

Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive Tel: [phone]

Rachael Borthwick, Group Corporate Communications Director

Tel: [phone]