Aberdeen-based transport group FirstGroup plc announced that the UK Department for Transport (DfT) has exercised its option to continue the current contractual arrangements for the group’s South Western Railway (SWR) train operating company for the full two year extension period.

SWR’s current National Rail Contract (NRC), which began in May 2021, will now run until 25 May 2025 on the existing terms.

FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland said: “We welcome the contract extension for South Western Railway, which enables us to build on the achievements of the first two years of the contract and continue improving the customer offering.

“We are committed to working closely with government and our partners to deliver a successful railway network that provides vital connections for customers and communities along the SWR route.”