Rail and bus

We advise a broad range of clients at the forefront of international passenger transport. Active in the rail and bus industries for many years, we understand their history and are helping shape their future, from high-speed rail to intelligent transport systems.

Our services for rail and bus clients include:

New-build fleet projects | Franchise and concession bids and ongoing management | Fleet leasing | Maintenance agreements | Infrastructure projects | Track, depot and station access and other rail regulatory issues | Trade union and industrial relations | Rail disputes | Corporate acquisitions | Real estate | RailTech | Finance | Tax structures

We work across all legal disciplines, advising on issues from infrastructure projects, smart ticketing and intelligent transport systems, to regulatory issues, franchise/concession bids and mobilisations, fleet procurement, modifications and maintenance.

Our expertise in trade union and industrial relations can help defuse potential disputes, while our experience in regulatory matters (including domestic and EU rail regulation, competition, and health and safety laws) helps our clients avoid regulatory pitfalls.

"They are pragmatic, provide firm and appropriate advice…and understand the industry.' Chambers UK 2016

We advise clients across the sector, including domestic and international rail and bus operators, regulatory bodies, infrastructure operators and their contractors, freight and rolling-stock operating companies, manufacturers, and engineering and technology companies. Seeing the market from all perspectives promotes flexible, informed advice. Our clients include Arriva, Department for Transport (DfT), Eurostar, Eversholt Rail, Ricardo Rail, Siemens, Tower Transit, Transdev and Transport for London.

Specialist (Rail) Transport Firm of the Year, Legal 500 UK Awards 2018

Many of our clients operate cross-border, whether as transport operators or manufacturers, with a strong presence in the sector internationally. We support their overseas activities through our network of international offices.

With first-hand experience of advising clients across the market, our established team provides straightforward, considered advice on the many challenges facing the sector.