National Express Group PLC (“the Group”), the leading international passenger transport company, welcomes today’s announcement from the Strategic Rail Authority confirming that the Group has been shortlisted to bid for both the new Greater Western and Thameslink/GN rail franchises.

Commenting, David Franks, Chief Executive of the UK Trains Division said:

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for both these franchises. We have experience and success in managing a complex mix of inter-city, commuter, cross-country and local services, combining business, commuter and leisure services. We also have strong roots in the West Country through our Wessex Trains franchise and in London through our Wagn (GN), c2c, Silverlink and ‘one’ train franchises. In addition, we have a successful record of smoothly amalgamating train franchises to bring benefits for our customers and stakeholders. We have a demonstrable track record in improving performance. In the latest Strategic Rail Authorities National Rail Trends survey, our two inter-city businesses were the best performing long distance operators and all of our London operations featured in the top of the London and South East league.”

“We place great emphasis on listening to the views of stakeholders in preparing our bids. With this in mind, we have already commenced our consultation programme for both franchises and this will continue as the bid process continues. We look forward to receiving the Invitation to Tenders for the two franchises in June.”

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Notes to Editors:

• National Express Group is the most experienced operator of train franchises in the UK operating a mix of inter-city, rural, commuter and airport services. Its train brands include c2c, Central Trains, Gatwick Express, Midland Mainline, ‘one’, Silverlink, Wagn and Wessex Trains, which will become part of the Greater Western franchise.
• A dedicated website and brochure have been created for the bid, the brochure can be downloaded at www.nationalexpressgroup.com/tlgn/ or www.nationalexpressgroup.com/gwf/
• The Greater Western franchise is due to commence in April 2006 for a period of ten years.
• The Thameslink/GN franchise is due to commence in April 2006 for a period of up to nine years.

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