Fraser Eagle Group

Fraser Eagle backs Grand Central on East Coast Mainline
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date 27 March 2006
source Fraser Eagle Group
type Press release

Fraser Eagle Group, the leading supplier of managed transport services to the UK rail industry, today confirms it is the major shareholder in Grand Central Railway Company ("Grand Central") and is committed to helping ensure Grand Central becomes a successful UK passenger rail operator.

On Thursday (23 March) the Office of Rail Regulation ("ORR") confirmed its earlier provisional decision, announced on 27 January, giving its approval for Grand Central to begin operation of high speed passenger train services from Sunderland and Hartlepool to London.

York-based Grand Central will run three new daily direct services each way between Sunderland and London King's Cross and is expected to begin operating in early 2007.

The Fraser Eagle board believes this is a significant development for the company and is part of a strategy to strengthen its position in the UK transport sector.

Kevin Dean, Group Managing Director of Fraser Eagle Group, states:

"We are delighted to be involved with Grand Central in the development of this exciting new service proposal and the company has our full financial backing and support. We look forward to using our vast expertise in rail operations to help deliver a professional and effective service to Grand Central's future customers.

"Operationally and commercially Fraser Eagle has a wealth of people on board that have worked in the railway, and related industries, for many years. Our backing of Grand Central is part of our strategy to consolidate our position as a transport group and move into other forms of transport provision."

Ian Yeowart, Managing Director of Grand Central, adds:

"I am pleased to confirm that Fraser Eagle Group has been instrumental in the support and development of this exciting proposition to deliver new and important rail services to the North East of England. The company has a wealth of railway experience, in both the public and private sector, and a well-deserved reputation of outstanding customer service."

NOTES TO EDITORS

Fraser Eagle Group

1) Lancashire-based Fraser Eagle Group is a multi-million pound
group of companies specialising in managed transport services
("FEMS"), business continuity planning, interior design and hotel
refurbishment.

2) Fraser Eagle employs around 400 people nationwide and is the
largest supplier of replacement transport services to the UK rail
industry.

3) Using two 24-hour control centres and a nationwide database of
approximately 5,000 coach and taxi operators, FEMS will manage, on an
average day, the safe and efficient movement of 60,000 people.

4) In 2005, FEMS ran 60,000 coaches and 180,000 taxis on behalf
of the rail industry.


Grand Central Railway Company Limited

1) Grand Central aims to deliver a high quality, affordable and
accessible train service to communities across the North of England
who are remote from direct services to London.

2) Grand Central has won three firm rights each way (Monday to
Sunday) to operate services between London King's Cross and
Sunderland, calling at York, Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe (for
Teesside) and Hartlepool.

3) Unlike most current passenger operators, Grand Central will
not be seeking subsidy payments from Government and will operate
trains on an entirely commercial basis.

Railhub Archive ::: 2006-03-27 FRA-001