National Express boosts revenue, UK coach slows

Public transport operator National Express said it continues to see revenue gains in all of its businesses, apart from UK Coach, with overall trading in line with company forecasts.

Revenue increased 7% at its rail division in first half year ending 30 June 2012.

However overall revenue at its UK coach division is likely to be 2% lower than the prior year. It said it has launched a number of initiatives to offset last year's removal of the Government's senior citizen concession scheme. Concessionary income remains around 40% lower year-on-year.

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Its Spanish bus business proved resilient despite the Eurozone crisis. Transport revenue increased by 5%, with intercity coach up 3%. Urban bus revenues in Spain grew year-on-year by 6%.

Meanwhile total revenue in North America increased by 10%, buoyed by a robust book of long-term contracts with school boards and municipalities. Acquisitions during the period added revenue of $36m.

Chief executive Dean Finch commented: "We continue to invest in new fleet, better customer services and leading technologies in order to develop a sustainable base for future growth."

CJ