Perth-based Stagecoach confirms court action as buses motor ahead

Perth-headquartered Stagecoach is one of the biggest bus operators in the UK. Picture: Scott Louden

Bosses were blocked from bidding for the East Midlands, West Coast and South Eastern franchises over pension deficit concerns.

The cases will be heard in the High Court in the new year with the government unlikely to be willing to settle in case it encourages others to make similar claims.

Stagecoach said in a trading update: "We continue to pursue our claims against the Secretary of State for Transport regarding his decisions to disqualify us from three rail franchise competitions. The three cases are due to be heard in the High Court in early 2020."

Despite already losing the East Midlands franchise to ScotRail operator Abellio - a route Stagecoach had run for 12 years - bosses said they have been working closely with the new operators to ensure a smooth handover.

The company added: "We and our joint venture partner, Virgin (Trains), will approach the forthcoming transition of the West Coast franchise in the same spirit of collaboration."

It was announced in August that FirstGroup would take on the route.

On the buses

On its bus business, which operates in towns and cities across the country, there was better news, particularly at its London division.

The Perth-headquartered company said it received higher-than-expected payments for providing "favourable" service and was confident of winning more contracts in the UK capital.

Its regional operations saw a 1 per cent like-for-like boost in revenues. This was lower than expected due to tough comparisons last year with the summer heatwave and the end of rail replacement services in the Derby area.

Bosses said they want to expand the division and are looking at new partnerships with airports, festivals and events across the UK.