Key project stats
Systems, processes and culture reviewed using gap assessments and road mapping
SO55001 certification achieved for multiple operating companies
Improvement initiatives delivered across policy, strategy, systems, people and data
The challenge
FirstGroup and its TOCs, TransPennine Express (TPE), Great Western Railway (GWR), South Western Railway (SWR) and Avanti West Coast Railway (AWC), needed to enhance asset management capabilities and achieve ISO55001:2014 certification, requiring significant business transformation within short timelines.
The solution
WRc used a proven delivery model to manage the transformation, including:
- Gap analysis and road mapping: Reviewed current systems and developed a transformation program.
- System design and implementation: Created project plans for the delivery of improvement initiatives.
- Certification support: Conducted mini-audits, training, and early life support to ensure system robustness.
The outcome
In 2017, TPE became the first UK TOC to attain ISO55001 certification, followed by GWR (2018), SWR (2019), and AWC (2022).
WRc’s support led to better cross-functional collaboration, identification of asset investment and cost-saving opportunities, improved asset performance (reduced downtime), sustained service performance scores, lower maintenance costs, and enhanced employee and contractor engagement and productivity.
Client: FirstGroup and its Train Operating Companies (TOCs)
FirstGroup is a leading private sector provider of public transport. They have 30,000 UK employees and an extensive asset base, supporting rail and bus transport services. This includes a fleet of almost 9000 vehicles and some 400 rail stations and depots, moving almost 700,000 passengers each day in the UK.