We offer expert advice on the full operations cycle of the rail and bus industries – we know and understand what the most recent and up to date position is in relation to both of these sectors. Both our partners and associates have valuable knowledge of this area. We can be relied upon to know what is market standard and apply our expertise in the way that will be most beneficial for our clients. The rail industry in particular is in a period of significant reform. The pandemic fundamentally changed its operating model and finances – but change was already underway pre-pandemic and the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail promises significant structural change. Not only that, relationships within the industry will be fundamentally shifting, together with the contracts and incentive mechanisms that support these relationships. We have been with the industry through the turbulent times of the past few years and continue to be at the forefront of industry developments and thought leadership.
One of the core themes of rail reform is industry cost: the need to grow passenger numbers – and increase revenue, as well as ensuring the industry is as cost-efficient as possible. The introduction of the National Rail Contract and long-term Passenger Services Contract models require a fundamental shift in thinking. And all of this at a time when the legal and regulatory framework for the industry is in flux. These are exciting times for rail in the UK.
In Europe, the market has been open to greater competition since the 1990s and this is expected to continue with the recast of the First Railway Package and the introduction of the Fourth Railway Package.
These are also exciting times for buses: with major UK Cities starting to implement or considering bus franchising schemes, giving local authorities better control over bus services offered to people living in those areas.
Our team acts for private sector operators and owning groups, public bodies, financiers, lessors, industry bodies, infrastructure owners, manufacturers and maintainers. Our team includes lawyers who have worked in or been seconded to the transport industry, including to General Counsel roles in both of High Speed 1 and High Speed 2, and roles within operators and owning groups.
We can help you with:
- operating agreements (including franchise agreements and concessions (rail and bus), National Rail Contracts, Passenger Services Contracts, direct awards, emergency amendment agreements)
- decarbonisation projects – including battery, hydrogen and hybrid solutions for buses and trains (and related infrastructure)
- mobilisations and demobilisations
- rolling stock and bus procurement, operation, leasing and maintenance
- supply chain contracts, including technology and signalling arrangements
- rail regulation, regulated and unregulated access agreements and options
- stations, depots (rail and bus) and adjacent property
- construction contracts and real estate
- employment, unions and pensions
- infrastructure procurement, ownership, operation and maintenance
- dispute resolution in transport
- procurement (including challenges)
- competition issues
- joint ventures
- intellectual property rights and protection (including cyber security issues)
- planning and environmental issues
- data protection and information
Twitter @LegalRail
"An unrivalled knowledge of the mechanisms and changes within the rail industry. Act as honest brokers who are able to deliver difficult advice, rather than blindly accepting instruction."
The Legal 500 UK 2023