Arriva on Thursday reported “strong growth” in its train and bus operations, with group revenue expected to increase by more than 50 per cent in the first half of the year.

In a trading update, the group highlighted the trend for UK public transport operators to benefit from substantial increases in passenger numbers, as rising fuel prices persuade more people to abandon their cars for trains and buses.

Rivals Go-Ahead and Stagecoach have each recently reported strong growth this year, with no impact from the weakening economy on their business.

Arriva said passenger revenue in the first 24 weeks of its new CrossCountry rail franchise was up 10 per cent on the equivalent period last year. ... Read full article