SGC Stagecoach Group Plc

TIDMSGC

RNS Number : 6947P

Stagecoach Group PLC

12 February 2019

CONFIRMATION OF NEW EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS FRANCHISE

Stagecoach Group plc ("Stagecoach") is pleased to confirm that its subsidiary, East Midlands Trains Limited, has agreed a new short-term rail franchise with the Department for Transport ("DfT"). The new franchise will commence on 3 March 2019 and run until at least 18 August 2019. The DfT has the discretion to extend the franchise by up to 24 weeks on terms that have been agreed.

Under the new agreement, customers and communities will continue to benefit from a range of improvements, including:

-- Supporting the delivery of the GBP1.5bn Midland Main Line upgrade to improve capacity and reduce journey times.

-- Continuation of the investment programme to improve stations and trains, which includes accessibility improvements at stations and on trains.

   --    Roll out of smart ticketing in March 2019 as part of the wider programme on National Rail. 

In addition, East Midlands Trains will be focused on ensuring readiness for the new franchise, including helping to put in place plans for extra seats from 2020.

Under the terms of the new contract, revenue risk will sit primarily with the DfT. East Midlands Trains expects to earn a modest profit under the contract and a profit sharing arrangement with the DfT will apply.

East Midlands Trains remains the UK's most punctual long distance railway, a position it has held for the last ten years. Last year saw East Midlands Trains work with Network Rail to successfully deliver a GBP200m re-signalling and upgrade project at Derby. Over the last 11 years, customers have benefited from millions of pounds of investment to improve services, whilst taxpayers have benefited from substantial premium payments to Government.

For further information, please contact:

Stagecoach Group plc

www.stagecoachgroup.com

Investors and analysts

   Ross Paterson, Finance Director                                                       01738 442111 
   Bruce Dingwall, Group Financial Controller                                       01738 442111 

Media

   Steven Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications                  07764 7746800 

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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