Overhaul credited with National Express upturn

TRANSPORT group National Express has credited a business-wide overhaul for sales growth in its bus, coach and rail divisions in the UK.

The group yesterday reported that revenues at its rail and coach units increased 7 per cent in the six months to 30 June, while bus sales were up 6 per cent.

The bus division has been revamped with new fare structures and improved route management, while coach and rail have been subject to structural changes and new investment.

Cash single fares remained unchanged, but the pricing of travelcards - accounting for 50 per cent of the division's revenues - increased in order to better match journey demand with supply.

Meanwhile, the company has laid on more routes in busier, usually urban areas, and reduced them in less popular, often rural neighbourhoods.

The company added it was on course to improve full-year margins across all of its businesses.