Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has supported Transport for London in its procurement of a new train operator for London Overground.
In December 2025, First Rail London Limited, a subsidiary of First Group plc, was announced as the successful bidder for London Overground, and contracts were signed just before Christmas. This will be followed by a four month period in which the new operator will mobilise its operation so that it can take over from incumbent Arriva Rail London at the start of May 2026. The Stephenson Harwood team will continue to support TfL during the mobilisation phase.
This was the culmination of an 18-month project, where the firm has supported TfL on all elements of the procurement process, development of the commercial proposition and contractual documentation which will cover the operation for the next eight to ten years. In contrast to wider government policy, TfL continues to see the value of contracting out its heavy rail services to the private sector, and there was significant interest from the market as a result.
The team was led by Rail Partner Darren Fodey, supported by Of Counsel Caroline Hooton and Associate Lachlan Mack. The cross-practice team also included Real Estate Partner Catriona Berman, Managing Associate Steph Sagar and Associate Isabella Clark.
