When disputes arise in the rail and bus industries, we know your priority is to resolve them quickly and cost-effectively or to stop them before a dispute emerges.
Our rail and bus dispute resolution team has the experience and insight to help you achieve the best outcome, even in the most complex cases.
We work with train and bus operating companies, rolling stock and bus manufacturers, government bodies, and contractors to manage disputes across all areas of the industry. From the outset, we develop tailored strategies to narrow the issues and encourage early resolution, saving you time and resources.
Our team is known for its practical, commercial approach and problem-solving skills. We use a range of resolution methods – including negotiation, expert determination, mediation, arbitration, and litigation – as well as industry-specific rules such as the Access Dispute Committee Rules and the Rail Industry Dispute Resolution Rules. Our goal is to protect your interests and keep your business moving forward.
Tier 1 – Rail’
The Legal 500 UK 2025
The team at Stephenson Harwood specialises solely in rail-related work, but is able to draw on cross-practice expertise where necessary. The group has immense experience in access disputes and arbitrations.
Our Services
Extensive experience helping clients resolve disputes in the rail and bus sectors.
- Procurement challenge
Acting for a large European train manufacturer in a High Court challenge to the decision by HS2 not to shortlist them for the £2.75 billion high speed rolling stock supply and maintenance contract – successfully securing a decision to allow them to participate in the competition. - Contentious applications
Advising a number of operators in relation to contested applications to the ORR for the access of both track and stations, such as the Heathrow station, and Southend Airport. - Station disputes
Advising a train operator in relation to claims against Network Rail for costs and loss of revenue arising from the closure of a vital station on the train operator's network. - Disputes in relation to the delivery of rolling stock
Advising a manufacturer of rolling stock in relation to claims for delay and the resolution of differences between the parties associated with the delivery of new trains. This has also included the use of formal dispute resolution procedures. - Procurement challenge
Advising a train operating group in relation to its challenge, in the high court, of the DfT's decision to disqualify a bid to run a particular franchise on the UK rail network. - Timetable planning rules
Advising a client in connection with a dispute in relation to Network Rail’s timetable planning rules, which was ultimately heard by the Timetabling Panel of the Access Disputes Committee. - Rolling stock
Advising a confidential train operator on the acceptance of new rolling stock under a Manufacture and Supply Agreement with a rolling stock manufacturer, together with delays in delivery, claims for extension of time, and liquidated damages for delays.
Awards and Recognition
Our People
Tammy Samuel
Partner - Head of KSA & Head of Rail & Road
London
Darren Fodey
Partner
London
Richard Hughes
Partner
London
Caroline Hooton
Of Counsel
London
Charlotte Heywood
Partner - Head of Construction Litigation, London
London
Paul Thwaite
Senior Partner
London
Ron Nobbs
Partner – Head of Construction, Middle East
Dubai
Oliver Sangster
Partner
London
