FCP Directors have been closely involved in the formation of two open access operations. The companies concerned are Hull Trains, where operations started in 2000, and Wrexham and Shropshire where services commenced in 2008.
The promotion of new open access operations requires a detailed understanding of the regulatory approach to these services and negotiation with Network Rail concerning the terms of access rights and the provision of suitable paths. Suitable rolling stock is also required together with a detailed knowledge of all safety, operational and commercial aspects associated with passenger train operations.
Open access companies are operating in a highly competitive environment and the product is focussed towards providing all round excellence that attracts new users on routes that have previously been poorly served by rail. Strong emphasis is given towards service delivery and staff training to satisfy the expectation of the many new customers attracted.
This experience has provided FCP with a thorough understanding of the business model that allows the successful promotion of such businesses to investing groups.
Hull Trains is a partially owned subsidiary of First Group, and Wrexham and Shropshire was developed as a joint venture with Laing Rail (now part of DB Regio).
