History of First North Western
First North Western started life as Regional Railways North West when it was part of British Rail. It was privatized in 1997 and became North Western Trains Company Ltd. The franchise was awarded to run for seven years to Great Western Holdings. On 1 April 1998, it was bought out by FirstGroup plc and became First North Western.
FirstGroup plc
FirstGroup plc, is a UK-based leading international passenger transport group with an annual turnover of £2 billion and 50,000 employees across the UK and USA.
First is the UK’s largest bus operator, a major force in railways running one fifth of Britain’s passenger rail network, and London’s only tram operator. It is committed to expanding its share of the rail network and is working to introduce new routes and services in the next generation of rail franchises.
Popularity: 28% [?]
Dear Sirs, I recently travelled on the Glasgow to Manchester Airport Train getting on at Penrith and then subsequently the return trip on 8th August 2010. Whilst the service was good and a very convenient way of getting from a rural area to the airport, the facility for luggage is abysmal particularly when most of the passengers have baggage and are going on holiday etc. It is not possible to get normal cases on the overhead racks without incapacitaty yourself, and as a result, cases have to be left in isles or door way areas – quite dangerous.
Please find a way to improve the luggage arrangements as as practicable, as this problem has put us off using what otherwise would be a very useful service.