Jointly led by Robert Smith and Howard Bassford, the rail team at DLA Piper is trusted to handle rail infrastructure matters, procurement issues, and rolling stock work. Smith works on a variety of financial matters within the sector, including train fleet replacement deals, new rail projects, and other procurement matters. Bassford specialises in infrastructure matters, working on obtaining planing a regulatory approvals for clients, alongside planning and compulsory purchase matters. Henry Jeffreys supports the team with experience in a variety of planning matters.
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Key clients
- Transport UK
- Northern Trains
- DfT Operator
- Agility Trains
- High Speed Two (HS2)
- Hitachi Rail
- South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive / South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (Nexus)
- VolkerRail
Work highlights
Advising HS2 on planning matters relating to the implementation of powers in the HS2 Act.
Advising Transport for Greater Manchester on the procurement of the Metrolink light rail operating and maintenance contract.
Advising Northern Rail on the procurement and financing of up to 450 new trains.
Practice head
Robert Smith; Howard Bassford
Other key lawyers
Henry Jeffreys