Corporate news

Responding to today's announcement from the Department of Transport, National Express Group welcomes its pre-qualification for the Great Western and Essex Thameside (c2c) rail franchise bidding processes.

Dean Finch, Chief Executive of National Express, comments: "We are delighted to have pre-qualified for the Great Western and c2c franchises. Drawing on the expertise gained from running c2c, the UK's best performing rail service, our focus now is on submitting strong, innovative and robust bids that meet passenger needs while providing good value for farepayers, taxpayers and shareholders alike."

Notes to Editors:

National Express currently operates the Essex Thameside franchise, known as c2c. c2c is the UK's top performing rail franchise. It holds both the annual punctuality record at 96.9% and 4-week period punctuality record at 98.8%. It was also the most popular commuter franchise in a recent Which? survey.