26/09/2005

• Innovative plans to revitalise railway and make it a national model
• Comprehensive package of improvements to attract more passengers
• Value-for-money for taxpayers and premium payments to Government

Stagecoach Group today (26 September 2005) submitted its bid for the new Greater Western rail franchise with a commitment to deliver a revitalised railway for passengers.

The bid, which has been developed following extensive consultation with local stakeholders, offers significant premium payments to the Government as part of a comprehensive and value-for-money package of improvements.

Stagecoach – bidding as Brunel Trains Limited - is one of three companies shortlisted for the franchise by the Department for Transport, which is bringing together three existing franchises under a new Greater Western network.

Passengers and taxpayers enjoy significant benefits under the Stagecoach proposals, including:

• A multi-million-pound investment in trains, depots and stations
• Measures to dramatically improve operational performance of the high speed train fleet and make the railway more reliable for passengers
• Improvements to on-board passenger comfort and facilities
• Better value fares for passengers
• A detailed management transition plan to bring the current three franchises together smoothly under one unified network
• Proposals for closer working relationships with Network Rail and other operators

Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “Brunel was one of Britain’s true engineering greats and we believe we have put together a bid that incorporates the same qualities of investment, innovation and improvement that will truly put the ‘great’ into the Greater Western franchise.

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“Our bold plans will deliver the essential ingredients for today’s railway: operational expertise, first-class service to customers and value for money to taxpayers. We believe we have developed a compelling and winning package that can transform Greater Western into a national model for punctual, clean and comfortable trains, smart and safe stations, and friendly and efficient staff, delivering a revitalised railway. We look forward to working with the Department for Transport during their evaluation of the bids, and to a final decision regarding the franchise.”

Stagecoach operates the UK’s largest rail franchise, South West Trains, which was named Passenger Operator of the Year at the 2005 National Rail Awards.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or 07764 774680

NOTES TO EDITORS

Stagecoach Group

• Stagecoach Group is a leading international transportation group, with operations in the UK, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. The Group’s businesses, which include bus, train, tram, express coach, and ferry operations, operate around 13,000 vehicles and rolling stock and employ around 30,000 people.
• In the UK, Stagecoach is one of the biggest bus operators. The company runs the award-winning South West Trains and Island Line franchise. Stagecoach also has a 49% stake in Virgin Rail Group, operator of the West Coast and CrossCountry inter-city franchises.
• Formed in 1980, the company floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1993 and now has an annual turnover of around £1.3 billion.

Greater Western Rail Franchise

• The new Greater Western franchise will be made up of the existing Great Western, Great Western Link and Wessex Trains franchises.
• Covering the West Country to London, the franchise includes long-distance, regional and local services in the Thames Valley, Cotswolds, Bristol and the surrounding area and the West of England, with some cross-border services into South Wales.
• The seven-year franchise will run from 1 April 2006 with a potential three-year automatic extension if agreed performance targets are met.