Following a record breaking year First GBRf has secured ongoing success in the future by signing an eight year track access contract with Network Rail.
 
Under the new agreement, which was signed on 29 January 2008, First GBRf have been granted access to the network for another eight years, until December 2016.
 
The new contract marks another important milestone for the freight haulier, who has enjoyed phenomenal success over the last few months, including increasing commercial services by a third in just one month, from 854 trains journeys in October to 1089 in November 2007.

Andy Moyle, Head of Procurement at First GBRf said: “We are thrilled with the new long term track access contract, which will allow us to continue to build on our recent success. Its eight year length will not only give us the ability to bid for long term sales contracts but will provide security and confidence to potential and existing customers within the rail freight market.”
 
The contract, which will commence on 18 June 2008, was secured following a collaborative effort between Network Rail, The Office of Rail Regulation and First GBRf, who worked together over a number of months to successfully negotiate the new agreement.

Gordon Cox, Customer Relationship Executive at Network Rail said: “Network Rail are delighted that a new long term track access contract has been agreed with First GBRF and we look forward to working closely with them throughout the next eight years.”