DLA Piper advises on a wide range of transport matters, with a focus on public transport and regulatory work. Robert Smith and Petra Billing lead the team, which advises Transport for Greater Manchester on the implementation of its bus franchising scheme, and Northern Trains on its ongoing rolling stock replacement project. Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby plays a key role across several combined authority mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DLA Piper have a very strong transport team. Their knowledge and capability on bus, heavy rail and light rail regulation is probably one of the strongest if not the strongest in the UK. DLA Piper are able to immerse themselves into the in-house client team to provide a seamless service whilst also ensuring the learning and capability is not lost within the in-house team.'
‘Robert Smith is a Partner and our main go-to in the transport team. Robert has an encyclopedic knowledge of transport regulation and is a very respected in the public transport arena. Having worked and got to know Robert very well professionally over many years it would be hard to name another lawyer in this field with the depth and range of expertise as Robert.'
- 'Individuals such as Robert Smith and Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby have exceptional knowledge, not only about the legal perspectives but the operational factors in the industry which allow them to bring their legal knowledge to life. They are always helpful, polite and explain things clearly and are a pleasure to work with as part of our extended team.'
Key clients
- Northern Trains Limited
- Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Transport UK
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- North East Combined Authority
- South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
- Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive
- Transport for Wales
- National Highways
Work highlights
Advising TfGM and GMCA on the successful implementation of bus franchising across the whole of Greater Manchester.
Advising WYCA on successfully making its bus franchising scheme.
Advising South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority on taking operation of the Supertram system in-house.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Robert Smith; Petra Billing
Other key lawyers
Ntsakisi Baloyi Rigby