01/04/2005

Stagecoach Group plc is pleased to confirm that it has been shortlisted by the Strategic Rail Authority to bid for the Greater Western and Thameslink/Great Northern rail franchises.

Graham Eccles, Stagecoach Group's Executive Director Rail, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for what are two major franchises bringing significant opportunities to expand our rail portfolio.

“Both franchises are an excellent fit with our existing rail businesses and are part of our strategy of selectively targeting commuter and inter-city franchises.

“We expect there to be tough competition for the right to run these franchises. However, we have a first-class team that has excellent experience of the operational challenges involved and we are committed to developing bids that will improve service to passengers, deliver value for money to taxpayers and provide the right return to shareholders whose investment is crucial to the rail network.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, mobile 07764 774680
Smithfield, tel 0207 360 4900

Notes to Editors:

Stagecoach operates South West Trains, the UK's biggest commuter rail franchise, which runs 1600 trains a day in the south-west of England out of London Waterloo.

The Group has a 49% shareholding in Virgin Rail Group, which operates the CrossCountry and West Coast inter-city rail franchises.

Stagecoach also has a 29.9% shareholding in the shortlisted Danish State Railways bid for the Integrated Kent rail franchise.