Eversheds Sutherland advises the Department for Transport on new Great Western National Rail contract

Eversheds Sutherland has advised the Department for Transport (the Department) in relation to the award of a National Rail contract to First Greater Western Limited (GWR), in respect of the “Great Western” passenger rail services.

GWR provides intercity, commuter and regional and local services across a wide area of the South West of Britain. It operates high speed intercity services using new Inter City Express Trains to Bristol, South Wales and the West Country.

The new National Rail Contract commenced on 26 June 2022, following the expiry of GWR’s previous agreement with the Department. It has a core term of three years with an option for the Department to extend by up to three further years to June 2028.

Under the new National Rail Contract, GWR will continue to evolve its customer offering to meet changing passenger needs, supporting customers switch to digital ticketing and making digital channels and information more accessible and personalised.

The team was led by Principal Associate Andrew Bell and included Associate Katie Woodcock. Partner William Spickett advised on rolling stock matters.

Will Spickett (Eversheds Sutherland deputy Client Partner for the Department) commented:

“It has been great to work with our longstanding client, the Department for Transport, on its continued process of transferring franchises to the new NRC model. The successful delivery of the Great Western NRC required close collaboration with the DfT and I’m very proud of the Eversheds Sutherland team that delivered this particularly notable deal.”

Andrew Bell commented:

“We are delighted to have advised the Department for Transport on this strategically important new National Rail Contract, which will deliver benefits for passengers and stakeholders and which will support the continued implementation of the rail reform programme envisaged by the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.”