FirstGroup has been named the preferred operator for the London Overground contract, a concession estimated at about £3bn ($3.49bn) over an initial eight-year term, as reported by Railway Technology.

London Overground contract: FirstGroup named preferred operator
Photo: Tartezy/Shutterstock.com.

Transport for London (TfL), via its subsidiary Rail for London, has selected FirstGroup’s subsidiary First Rail London (FRLL) for the role, according to Transport for London. The new operator is due to take over on 3 May 2026.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

How the London Overground contract will be managed?

TfL’s outline of the agreement says FRLL will deliver train services and manage stations. TfL, meanwhile, retains all revenue risk and will set service levels. FRLL will also be accountable for operational performance, customer service and enabling ticketless travel.

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Planned improvements include increasing services on both the Mildmay and Windrush lines.

TfL expectations for customer service and performance

London Overground concession head David Thomas said the network is among the most popular parts of London’s transport system and that the new concession is intended to put customers first, helping make the service better. He added TfL looks forward to working with First Rail London Limited as its preferred partner to deliver benefits for passengers.

TfL also said FRLL is expected to support its Vision Zero strategy for safer transport and work with Network Rail, Alstom and other industry partners to maintain performance and passenger satisfaction.

Investment plans and environmental commitments

Under the agreement, FRLL will invest in information systems and staff training, enhance security and improve customer information. TfL said the operator will also work with stakeholders on accessibility.

The concession requires continued efforts to limit environmental impact from London Overground services. FirstGroup said its activities will support air quality improvement and align with TfL’s target of a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland said the London Overground has improved connectivity in London, with around four million passengers using the service every week. He added the company is pleased to be named preferred operator from next May and looks forward to welcoming employees who will be joining the Group, as set out in FirstGroup’s announcement.

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