Statement re Shortlist for East Coast franchise

17 January 2014


                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                                 
                         ('FirstGroup' or 'the Group')                         
                                                                               
   Statement re: SHORTLISTING FOR INTERCITY EAST COAST FRANCHISE COMPETITION   


FirstGroup has been shortlisted for the InterCity East Coast franchise
competition by the Department for Transport.

Commenting, Vernon Barker, FirstGroup's Managing Director, UK Rail said:

"We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the InterCity East Coast
franchise competition.

"We have extensive experience of intercity services and have a strong track
record in delivering passenger growth as well as capacity and infrastructure
upgrades on the long distance franchises we run - First Great Western, First
ScotRail and First TransPennine Express. We look forward to reviewing the
contract details and submitting an innovative, compelling, and value for money
bid which meets the needs of taxpayers as well as customers and businesses
along the East Coast route."

Further information, FirstGroup:
Stuart Butchers, Group Media Relations Manager
Tel: [phone]