Statement re InterCity East Coast franchise

First greets East Coast franchise news

Transport operator First today welcomed the Strategic Rail Authority's
announcement that the company has successfully pre-qualified for the new
InterCity East Coast franchise.

First has pre-qualified for each of the last four franchises tendered by the
Strategic Rail Authority - Northern, ScotRail, Integrated Kent and InterCity
East Coast.

Responding to the news that the company is being invited to tender, First's
chief executive, Moir Lockhead, said: `We look forward to working with the
Strategic Rail Authority and all of our stakeholders on proposals to develop
this flagship route.

'We already serve the East Coast line through our TransPennine Express and Hull
Trains companies, together with our bus networks in Yorkshire and Scotland.

'This new bid gives us a great opportunity to ensure that rail and bus
operations work closely together for the benefit of passengers, in line with
the SRA's desire to see expansion of integrated transport, and the most
efficient and cost-effective use being made of limited track capacity.

'We welcome the opportunity to deliver substantially improved performance and
high quality service to customers along the East Coast mainline.'

First also operates the Great Western franchise, which runs InterCity services
between London, the Cotswolds, South West and South Wales, as well as First
Great Western Link, the commuter network linking London with the Thames Valley.

Ends

Further information:

Robin Etherington, communications manager, UK rail, 07771 826842

Stuart Bugg, Public Affairs Manager, 020 7291 0514