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The Transport sector faces many challenges as it evolves to meet the needs of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and the travelling public in the post-COVID net zero carbon era. Whether it’s changes to rail franchising, the implementation of bus franchising, working within the competition rules, regional self-sufficiency as part of the devolution agenda, regulatory and political frameworks, environmental, health and safety, ensuring your HR and IR strategies are effective or simply managing your estate and assets – our multi-disciplinary Transport Sector team can help smooth the way.
The team acts for a wide range of Transportation clients including commercial operators and airlines, government bodies, public authorities, devolved transport bodies, financiers, equity investors, developers, retailers, airports, statutory utilities, infrastructure owners, manufacturers, maintainers and organisations throughout the supply chain.
Additionally, we help clients in all sectors with their Transport related needs, including for example, advising statutory utilities and landowners faced with the impact of large transport infrastructure projects such as HS2 and Crossrail. We also work closely with colleagues in our Energy Waste and Sustainability team advising on renewables and energy schemes on transport assets, and development and regeneration schemes near operational railway lines, ports and major transport interchanges.
Rail: Tom Johnson, Michael Bray and Iain Bowler (Heavy Rail, Light Rail/Tram infrastructure and operations, Rolling Stock procurement and maintenance, Rail franchising and concessions)
Our Transport team includes specialists in heavy rail, light rail/tram, highways infrastructure, station and depot infrastructure, rail franchising and concessions, rail regulatory, bus and coach, and aviation who advise across a broad range of legal practice areas.
Our Transport team advises domestic and international clients on all contractual, infrastructure, regulatory and related matters for the movement of people by all transport modes.
The team has in-depth knowledge of the Transport sector, with particular expertise in rail, highways, bus, coach and airports/aviation. Our teams’ experience includes:
Rail
long term maintenance arrangements
asset stewardship
rail depot leasing and redevelopment
rail station leasing and redevelopment/major improvement works/construction
transport interchange facilities
construction of new tramways and tram depots
rail franchising and concessions
operation and maintenance of tram systems
procurement and maintenance of rolling stock
dispute resolution in relation to ticketing scheme and revenue allocation
corporate M&A of transport sector companies, including rail transit and ticketing software solutions, and vehicle part manufacturers
Network Rail asset protection and implementation agreements
statutory utilities on asset diversions and monitoring regimes to facilitate the construction of rail infrastructure
retail and F&B concessions at railway stations
NSIP/DCO projects and Transport and Works Act Orders
CPO and compensation
Highways
fleet and vehicle procurement
powers to levy highway tolls
new roads and highways schemes
highways framework agreements
low emission vehicles, hydrogen and EV charging infrastructure
planning and consenting including NSIP/DCO projects
environmental regulation and permitting
habitats/ecology
Bus and Coach
local bus services – enhanced Partnerships and franchising concessions
demand responsive services
DfT grant and other funding schemes
licensing and other regulatory matters
ticketing schemes
technology procurement
retail and F&B concessions at bus stations
competition and subsidy control
Airports and Aviation
significant airport redevelopment and expansion projects
‘I think the team brings different levels of experience and expertise and can rely on each other for support to offer clients an all round legal service’.
‘Doing the right thing’ is at the heart of Freeths. Find out more about our excellent client service and the strong set of values that guide the way we work.
Freeths are a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK. If you have a query about our services or just want to find out more, why not give us a call?
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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus is currently impacting all businesses and individuals. Freeths can provide up to the minute, practical advice on the latest developments in a range of areas. To access our comprehensive resources to assist businesses dealing with Coronavirus, including our free helpline, please click here.