Our Markets
The Go-Ahead Group operates primarily in the UK bus and rail markets.
* Before amortisation and exceptional items.
2009 operating loss for our aviation services division was
£(4.5) million.
** In order for Go-Ahead to focus on its core bus and rail
operations, the Group announced on
9 February 2010 that it had completed the
sale of the majority of its aviation ground and cargo handling
operations. The Group continues to provide car parking services
through Meteor Parking.
Peers
There are five main publicly listed transport groups in the UK - Arriva, FirstGroup, National Express, Stagecoach, and Go-Ahead.
Fundamental Sector Strengths
“A well-functioning public transport system is
crucial to the UK: it plays a key role in building a strong economy
and is an essential means of creating a fair society. Public
transport also has a central part to play in helping to reduce
carbon emissions. Put simply, by encouraging the travelling public
out of their cars and onto the lower carbon alternatives of public
transport, congestion can be reduced and emissions can be
cut.”
Lord
Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport,
June 2009
We believe the following fundamental strengths of UK public transport will drive long-term growth in the sector:
Improved Quality
Sustained investment in public transport from operating companies and the government has resulted in high quality vehicles and rolling stock and safer, more reliable, frequent and punctual services, making public transport an attractive alternative to the private car.
Political Support
All major political parties support and recognise the importance of public transport for the UK's present and future needs. Given the high cost of building new road infrastructure, investing in public transport remains the lowest cost alternative to reducing congestion and the loss of economic output. With record investment in the sector, the Government continues to maintain a clear commitment to a growing public transport network.
Environmental Awareness
As concern about the environment grows so does the awareness that public transport is key to the sustainable future of the UK. Public transport plays a vital role in meeting environmental challenges such as reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Government policies such as the UK Climate Change Act promote the use of public transport.
