Press Release

Stagecoach Group shortlisted for south western rail franchise

20 December 2005

Stagecoach Group plc is delighted to confirm that it has been shortlisted by the Department for Transport to bid for the new South Western rail franchise.

The Group, which is bidding as Stagecoach South Western Trains Limited, is one of five pre-qualified bidders for the franchise.

Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the South Western franchise and we believe our record of achievement at South West Trains will enhance the Group’s bid for the new franchise.

“Passengers are benefiting from record investment in new trains, consistently high operational performance, increasing levels of customer satisfaction, as well as innovation with new ideas such as our budget train service megatrain.com.

“We are delivering for passengers, taxpayers and our shareholders, and we look forward to consulting widely with stakeholders as we develop our innovative and competitive proposals for the South Western franchise.”