Re Class180 &FirstGrp America

FirstGroup PLC
4 September 2001


4 September 2001

Embargoed until 2.30pm BST

                                FIRSTGROUP PLC

                                 ANNOUNCEMENT


FirstGroup today unveiled its new Class 180 High Speed Train to analysts on a
visit to Group operations in Bristol. The new trains will start to enter
passenger service on First Great Western's main line from Paddington to
Bristol and South Wales during the winter timetable, providing some 100
additional seats at peak times.

The Group also announced that FirstGroup America had been awarded a five-year
contract to run transit services in Houston, worth approximately $180m. The
Group will also be running 15,000 school buses in the US from the start of the
autumn term this week - 10% and 1,500 vehicles up on this time last year.

Speaking today Moir Lockhead, Group Chief Executive said, 'We have had a good
start to the year. Trading in the first half to date is in line with our
expectations. Progress in the US is very encouraging, UK bus volumes have
continued to increase and we have seen recovery in volumes on our railway
operations.'

FirstGroup Contacts for 4 and 5 September

Moir Lockhead, Group Chief Executive                  Mob: [phone]

Mike Mitchell, Corporate Communications Director      Mob: [phone]