Transport company FirstGroup has been shortlisted for the InterCity East Coast franchise competition by the Department for Transport, it announced Friday.

Vernon Barker, the FTSE 250 firm's Managing Director of UK Rail, said the group was delighted: "We have extensive experience of intercity services and have a strong track record in delivering passenger growth as well as capacity and infrastructure upgrades on the long distance franchises we run - First Great Western, First ScotRail and First TransPennine Express.

"We look forward to reviewing the contract details and submitting an innovative, compelling, and value-for-money bid which meets the needs of taxpayers as well as customers and businesses along the East Coast route."

The franchise, which has twice been given up by the private sector in the past, has been run by the public sector since 2009.

The bidding process began in March last year.

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