East Coast Trains has been granted open access rights to operate up to five return services per day between London King's Cross and Edinburgh on the East Coast Main Line from 2021.
Once delivered, the trains are to be leased from Beacon Rail.
Steve Montgomery, First Rail’s Managing Director, says: “We’re excited to announce the next step to providing our high-quality low fare service for customers linking London and Edinburgh. There’s a real gap in the market for truly affordable rail travel between the two capitals – our plans show we are serious about competing with low-cost airlines and opening up rail travel on this key route to thousands of new passengers.
“The new trains we are introducing will provide the highest level of comfort and service, whilst being great for the environment and air quality.”
The Burges Salmon team was led by senior associate Chris Lewis and assistance from members of the firm’s Banking and Projects teams.
Chris Lewis concludes: “We are pleased to have advised our long-standing client, FirstGroup, on this strategically important new fleet acquisition, which adds to its growing portfolio of new, state-of-the art rolling stock. The new fleet will enable FirstGroup to provide a new high-quality rail service between Edinburgh and London.”