UK transport firm reports strong revenue growth

Bus and trains operator FirstGroup today said strong rail revenues had helped the firm make a "good start" to its financial year.

The Aberdeen-based group, which holds the First Great Western, First ScotRail, First Capital Connect, First TransPennine Express and Hull Trains franchises, said like-for-like passenger revenues had grown 9% in the six months to September 30.

First, which carries nearly 260 million rail passengers a year, added that it was confident of further growth in the business after completing the refurbishment of its high-speed train fleet early next year.

The company said: "The group has made a good start in the first half of the year, in line with management expectations."