£480m European boost for National Express

BIRMINGHAM-based public transport group, National Express, has grown its European business in a move which could be worth around £480m to the company.

The group’s Spanish business, ALSA, has been awarded two contracts tendered by the Diputacion Foral of Bizkaia (the government of Bizkaia). The contracts are for regional commuter coach services across the Bilbao metropolitan area.

The contracts have been awarded for 10 years with an option for a five-year extension. Together the contracts are worth over €40m in annual revenue, securing ALSA over €600m in total over the 15 years. They are due to start in the coming weeks.

This success has added significance as it not only includes one of the largest contracts ALSA currently operates – and the largest to have so far come up for renewal – it also adds new services and revenue.

This award also comes on the back of other notable successes this year, including: the retention of the Essex Thameside (‘c2c’) franchise for a further 15 years; the renewal of our largest Transit contract in North America – the RIDE paratransit services in Boston; and the recent award of a contract to its joint venture to run bus services in Bahrain, opening up the Middle Eastern region for further growth.

Dean Finch, Group Chief Executive of National Express, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to secure these significant contracts through the high quality of our bid. As the largest Spanish contract to have so far come up for renewal, I am delighted we have not only retained the service, but also grown the size of the contract. We look forward to continuing to serve the people of Bizkaia for many years to come.”