29th May 2007 07:02
Stagecoach Group PLC29 May 2007 29 May 2007 STAGECOACH SIGNS MANCHESTER METROLINK CONTRACT Stagecoach Group plc is pleased to confirm that it has signed a contract withGreater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive ("GMPTE") to operate andmaintain the Manchester Metrolink tram network. GMPTE announced on 3 April 2007 that Stagecoach Metrolink had been selected asits preferred bidder for a combined contract to operate and maintain the 37kmManchester Metrolink system and the associated infrastructure. The 10-year contract, which is expected to commence in July, will includemanaging a number of special projects sponsored by GMPTE to improve the tramsand infrastructure to benefit passengers. Stagecoach Metrolink will also beresponsible for operating tram services on the new Metrolink lines to Oldham,Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton. Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group's Rail Division, said: "We aredelighted to have signed the contract to run Manchester's Metrolink network,making Stagecoach Britain's biggest tram operator. "We are working closely with the existing operator, Serco, and GMPTE to ensure asmooth transition for employees and our customers. "We believe there is significant potential for growth on the Metrolink networkand we will be working hard on our detailed plans to improve further the highquality of service provided to the thousands of customers who use the systemevery day." ENDS For further information, please contact:Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications, Stagecoach GroupTel: 01738 442111 or mobile 07764 774680 NOTES TO EDITORS Metrolink Metrolink is currently operated by Serco and runs four routes: • Altrincham - Manchester City Centre - Bury • Altrincham - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station • Bury - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station •Eccles - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station Nearly 20 million passengers travel every year on the Metrolink network, whichgenerates an annual turnover of around £22million. Stagecoach Group Stagecoach Group is a leading international transportation group, with extensivebus and rail operations in the UK and North America. The Group's businessesoperate around 12,000 vehicles and rolling stock, and employ around 27,000people.Stagecoach currently operates more than 7,000 buses and employs around 20,000people at its UK Bus division, which includes 19 regional operating companies.Its network stretches from south-west England to the Highlands of Scotland,covering major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield, Hull,Oxford and Cambridge, as well as key shire towns and rural areas. Stagecoach Manchester operates around 660 buses in South Manchester, includingTrafford, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop. The company employs around 1,700staff and carries 82 million passengers a year. Stagecoach operates the Supertram network in Sheffield, a 29km tram systemincorporating three routes in the city, on a 27-year concession running until2024. Stagecoach operates the South Western rail franchise, which includes the SouthWest Trains and Island Line networks. South West Trains, the UK's biggestcommuter rail network, runs nearly 1700 trains a day in the south-west ofEngland out of London Waterloo. Island Line, on the Isle of Wight, has beendesignated a Community Rail Partnership. In addition, Stagecoach has a 49%shareholding in Virgin Rail Group, which operates the CrossCountry and WestCoast inter-city rail franchises. Stagecoach Group is shortlisted for the East Midlands rail franchise, which runsfrom November 2007. Virgin Rail Group has been shortlisted for the new Cross Country franchise, alsocommencing in November 2007. A Stagecoach-Virgin joint venture, inter city - railways ltd, has beenshortlisted for the InterCity East Coast rail franchise, which is expected tostart in autumn 2007. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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