Rail and road

Franchising and concessions

Leading lawyer advising in all rounds of franchising and concessioning in rail and bus. This includes bids for East Coast, West Coast, Northern, Great Western, Southern, ScotRail, CrossCountry, East Anglia, West Midlands, East Midlands, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground. Also advising on a number of direct award contracts, as well as changes of control and emergency measures agreements. Advising on bus franchising including for Manchester.

Rolling stock procurement

High profile rolling stock procurement is a key strength. Acting for manufacturers or financiers including on Southeastern, Northern, TPE, Wales & Borders, Caledonian Sleepers, Javelins, Thameslink, IEP, DLR, Merseyrail, South West Trains, TSGN, Moorgate, West Coast, Great Western, West Midlands, East Midlands, NTFL and JNAT as well as PRASA in South Africa. Also advising on procurement challenges for rolling stock contracts as well as working with Commercial Litigation colleagues on rolling stock disputes.

Regulation

Working alongside clients in their strategic regulation issues. Advising on all elements of rail regulation including the design and implementation of regulatory and charging frameworks (in the UK and internationally), including advising TfL on the regulation of the Crossrail tunnel (part of the Elizabeth Line).

Light rail

Advising on a number of light rail matters in the UK and overseas including successful tram procurement bids for Blackpool and Birmingham trams and a bid for Moscow trams.

Infrastructure development

Leading teams advising on the development and financing of infrastructure, including stations, depots, network and manufacturing and assembly facilities. Also advising on upgrade of depots to facilitate EV charging (e.g., in relation to buses).

Operational advice

Part of the team helping operators and manufacturers in the operational phase of their contracts, including on contract interpretation, disputes, supply chain arrangements and property transactions for clients such as CAF, Northern Rail, Greater Anglia, ScotRail, East Midlands, West Midlands and Trenitalia c2c.

Competition

UK and EU competition issues are at the top of the agenda in the rail and bus industry. We advise on transport aspects of all competition filings in the UK and EU.