DFT approval for East Anglia franchise extension

14 September 2010

National Express Group PLC

National Express receives Department of Transport approval for East Anglia franchise extension

National Express Group PLC is pleased to note that the Department for Transport ("DfT") has called a seven period extension under the East Anglia rail franchise agreement. As outlined in the agreement, this is a straightforward 28 week extension beyond the original expiry date of 31 March 2011.

Dean Finch, National Express Group Chief Executive, said: "We're pleased to have been given this initial extension and to be able to continue to serve our customers on the East Anglia franchise. We continue to explore opportunities to deliver our industry-leading rail performance across both our franchises beyond 2011.

Enquiries:

National Express Group PLC

Jez Maiden, Group Finance Director 0121 460 8657

Stuart Morgan, Head of Investor Relations 0121 460 8658

Nicole Lander, Group Director of Communications 0121 460 8401

Maitland

Neil Bennett/George Hudson 020 7379 5151