Statement Regarding Press Speculation

FirstGroup PLC
20 March 2000

                                                                             
                                FIRSTGROUP PLC                                

                    Statement regarding press speculation                     

FirstGroup notes recent press speculation with regard to merger discussions
between itself and National Express. The Board of FirstGroup wishes to state
that no such discussions are in progress. The Board reconfirms the key
elements of its strategy which are: 

* to exploit the excellent growth and margin opportunities in its recently    
  acquired US businesses 
* in the UK, to capitalise on its position as the largest urban bus operator, 
  to maximise the strong cash generation of that business and to pursue growth
  opportunities
* to re-bid for its existing rail franchises if these can be secured on       
  commercially attractive terms

The Board of FirstGroup is confident that it has the best strategy to deliver
long term, sustainable growth in shareholder value.

Contacts
FirstGroup plc:

Moir Lockhead, Group Chief Executive                     020 7291 0510
Tony Osbaldiston, Deputy Chief Executive                 020 7291 0510
Michael Mitchell, Director of Corporate Communications   020 7291 0504