Passenger numbers up at TransPennine operator

FIRST Group, the bus and train operator that runs the TransPennine Express, said passenger numbers have increased across all its rail services.

In a trading update covering the half-year to September 30 the Aberdeen-based group said like-for-like passenger revenues grew by 4.4%, despite the reduction in regulated fares from January 2010.

“Across all of our franchises we continue to focus on lowering the addressable cost base which has achieved substantial savings in direct costs and reduced overheads,” said the company.

Earlier in the year First said passenger growth had been driven by the development of services between Manchester Airport and Scotland. The TransPennine Express also runs services from Liverpool to the North East via Leeds.

In December it increased the number of weekday services on the airport route which also stimulated higher passenger demand. Today the company said its was trading in line with management expectations and is on track to deliver moderate earnings growth for the full year.

First also runs bus services across the region. It said the division has performed steadily with passenger numbers up 1.3%.