Stagecoach Group is one of the UK's biggest and most experienced rail operators, involved in running around a quarter of the country's passenger network. The Group specialises in operating high-volume commuter rail services and long-distance operations.

Our business is committed to using our extensive experience to develop innovative bids that will deliver safe, reliable, punctual and value-for-money train services to passengers, backed up by first-class customer service.

 We already run the UK 's busiest commuter rail franchise, South West Trains. Centred on London Waterloo station, South West Trains operates more than 1,600 trains a day on a network in south-west England , ensuring more than 160 million people get to their destination every year. We also operate Island Line, the UK 's smallest rail franchise, on the Isle of Wight .

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that Stagecoach has been chosen to run the new 10-year South Western rail franchise, which combines the South West Trains and Island Line franchises, and which runs from February 2007.

 Stagecoach's rail business also includes our joint venture, Virgin Rail Group (VRG), which runs the West Coast and CrossCountry inter-city franchises, linking more than 130 stations across the country. Stagecoach Group has a 49% shareholding in VRG, whose other partner is the Virgin Group of Companies.

The DfT announced In September 2006 that Stagecoach Group was one of four pre-qualified bidders for the East Midlands franchise. VRG was among four shortlised bidders for the new Cross Country franchise. Both franchises will commence in November 2007.

In developing our plans for these new franchises, we are committed to carrying out extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders.

We believe our strong track-record, unrivalled operational expertise and innovative ideas will ensure we can build on our success, expand our rail portfolio, and set even higher standards of service for passengers.