We have advised leading transport operator FirstGroup on the real estate and EV charging infrastructure elements of its £109 million sales agreement with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). The deal marks a significant step in the region’s transition towards a regulated bus franchising model.
The overall transaction includes the sale of five freehold depots and a total fleet of 330 vehicles. Burges Salmon’s specialist teams specifically advised on the property transfers for the five depots, alongside the dedicated EV charging infrastructure agreements for the fleet’s 79 electric vehicles. Burges Salmon did not advise on the disposal of the buses.
While the depot sales have now completed, the phased transfer of the vehicle fleet will align with the rollout of WYCA’s three franchise tranches, scheduled for May 2027, January 2028, and October 2028. First Bus will continue to operate its existing commercial routes from the sites until each franchise launches, leasing back the depots at a peppercorn rent. Prior to the launch dates, First Bus will also manage the electrification of the Huddersfield and Bradford depots, with costs fully funded by WYCA.
As part of the initial franchise tranche, FirstGroup has been awarded two key operating contracts in its existing operational areas of Bramley and Huddersfield. The Bramley network will serve the Leeds area using a mixed fleet of diesel and electric buses.
The Burges Salmon team advising FirstGroup was led by real estate partner Ross Polkinghorne, with support from Alexandra Clayton, Charlotte Hughes, Edwin Osejindu, Megan Long (real estate), Jess Chesterfield (tax), Theo Wapshare (construction), Lucinda Huntsman and Simon Tilling (environmental).
