We have provided specialist transport law advice to Passenger Transport Executives for over 25 years and have a sound understanding of the legal, operational and political environment within which they carry out their activities.
We have in-depth experience of and have advised PTEs on all aspects of procuring light rail schemes. We have also advised PTEs on local rail franchise arrangements, smartcard and other public transport ticketing schemes, construction of bus stations, provision of bus stop shelters and other facilities for bus passengers, public procurement rules and other legal or contractual matters of specific relevance to them.
Relevant experience
Notable examples of our work for PTEs include:
- advising Transport for Greater Manchester (Greater Manchester PTE), over many years, on all aspects of the procurement, development and operation of the Manchester Metrolink light rail system including the procurement of the Phase 2 extension to Eccles on a PFI basis, contracts for major track renewals, the design construct and maintain contract for the Phase 3 extensions to Rochdale, Ashton-under Lyne, Manchester Airport and Didsbury, the procurement of a new fleet of trams and new ticket vending machines and the appointment of an operator for the expanded system
- advising Centro (West Midlands PTE) on the proposed expansion of the Midland Metro light rail system and the purchase of a fleet of new trams for the system
- advising on a variety of projects for the redevelopment of bus stations and public transport interchanges, including advice on construction contracts, professional appointments, warranties, development/umbrella agreements with adjoining owners and stakeholders and contractual claims
- advising on the procurement of real time passenger information for bus services, including advising on public procurement issues and related agreements between PTEs and participating bus operators
- advising on franchising of local rail services including on proposed statutory changes to PTE powers to participate in franchise agreements and assisting in the preparation of proposed amendments to the Bill that became the Railways Act 2005 and accompanying briefing notes to members of Parliament and the House of Lords
- advising on and negotiating the terms of various rail franchise agreements on behalf of PTEs (including the Northern Rail Franchise Agreement), and advising on side agreements between PTEs and the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and with the Strategic Rail Authority
- advising on the procurement of a pilot ITSO compliant smartcard public transport ticketing system including an option for wider roll out if successful, provision of ongoing system management and maintenance services and detailed provisions for installation, testing, maintenance, changes to client requirements, warranties, milestone payments, service credits, IP licences, software escrow arrangements and side agreements with participating bus operators
- advising a PTE on the legal and contractual arrangements relating to the funding and construction of a new heavy rail station on the basis that the PTE would remain the facility owner for the purposes of the Railways Acts, including negotiations with Network Rail and preparation, in consultation with the Office of Rail Regulation, of bespoke station access conditions and regulated access agreements for train operating companies using the station
- advising on the procurement of the services of a major IT provider to develop, install and manage a management information system
- advising on potential judicial review proceedings, both as potential applicant and potential defendant
- advising on the interpretation and exercise of statutory powers under the Transport Acts
- advising on property development agreements
To arrange a discussion with a public transport solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929.
