Rail giant reports first class recovery

Demand for first class train travel is recovering to levels not seen since the recession struck, according to transport giant FirstGroup.

The Aberdeen-based firm reported “encouraging signs” for all its more expensive rail fares – helping train passenger revenues rise 4.4 per cent in the first half of its financial year despite a reduction in regulated fares in January.

Advance sales of first class tickets, flexible and anytime tickets have seen a boost in particular as travellers continue to look for value.

A FirstGroup spokesman said: “Demand is coming back to where it was two years ago – it’s an indicator of people changing the way they travel.

“They are increasingly wanting to go back to having more ­flexibility.”

It runs services including First Great Western, First ScotRail and First Hull Trains.

The firm also revealed yesterday that like-for-like bus passenger revenues have risen by 1.3 per cent since the end of March.

The division is Britain’s largest bus operator with a fleet of 8,500 buses carrying around three million passengers a day in more than 40 towns and cities.

FirstGroup is also the largest provider of student transport in North America with a fleet of around 60,000 yellow school buses, as well as the Greyhound US intercity coach business. Both these businesses have been squeezed by recession and spending cuts, with the student service impacted by pressure on school board budgets.

But the Greyhound operation delivered a 1.6 per cent rise in half-year passenger revenues thanks to a “relentless and rigorous management” of the network.