Group Strengths
UK focus and devolved structure
Our UK focus and devolved structure differentiates us from the other major public transport groups. Our operations are located in high density commuter markets, predominantly in the South East of England, where there is strong demand for public transport. We believe that public transport is best provided locally. All of our bus and rail companies are locally branded and form an integral part of the communities they serve. We empower our local managers to deliver services to their own markets in the way they best see fit. This local focus and understanding of culture means that we are able to provide high quality services and can respond quickly to passenger needs.
A leader in the London bus market
We have around 21% of the London bus market which makes us the capital's largest operator. We have 15 strategically located London depots which means we are well placed to benefit from London's growing network, including the regeneration of London and the 2012 Olympic developments. We continually rank highly in Transport for London's league tables, resulting in additional payments under the Quality Incentive Contract (QIC) scheme.
Did you know? We have one of the strongest depot networks in London with nearly 90% of our capacity owned as freehold. View a map of our London bus depots.
Strong position in local bus market
Outside of London, our operations are focused on high density commuter markets where demand for bus travel is high. Our devolved management structure and local branding distinguishes us from the other large transport groups in the UK. Our bus companies are locally branded run by local managers and form an integral part of the communities in which they operate.
Did you know? An innovative partnership with the local council has resulted in 5% year-on-year bus passenger growth in Brighton & Hove since 1993.
Busiest rail operator
Our operations make us the busiest rail operator in the UK, responsible for nearly 30% of all UK passenger rail journeys. Our strategy is to operate urban intensive commuter franchises centred around London. In December 2009 we began operating the UK's first high speed domestic rail service between Kent and London, significantly reducing journey times. This service will play a key role in the development of the 2012 Olympic site and drive significant regeneration in Kent. View high speed video.
Did you know? It takes only 37 minutes to travel from Ashford in Kent to London St Pancras on our high speed trains. Previously it took 1 hour 24 minutes.
UK's greenest bus fleet
Through sustained investment we have been recognised as having the youngest and greenest bus fleet of the major UK operators. We are also improving our fuel efficiency through bus driver training and engine monitoring systems and work closely with the Carbon Trust to reduce our site energy consumption. As concern over the environment grows so does the awareness that a strong and growing public transport network is key to tackling climate change. Bus and rail transport play a vital role in meeting challenges such as reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Did you know: We were the first public transport company to have been officially certified with the Carbon Trust Standard after taking action on climate change. The Carbon Trust Standard is the world's first carbon award scheme that requires an organisation to measure, manage and reduce its carbon footprint and actually make real reductions year-on-year.
Strong balance sheet, cashflows and progressive dividend policy
Our businesses are highly cash generative and we converted
£173.3m of EBITDA* to £233.4m of operating cashflow to
27 June 2009.
Our annual dividend has grown by 69% since 2005 and we will
continue to prioritise a progressive dividend policy through the
cycle.
* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
Fundamental sector strengths
Go-Ahead firmly believes in the fundamental long-term strengths of UK public transport. The private car is getting less attractive financially and environmentally and the quality of public transport is increasing.
As concern over the environment grows so does the awareness that a strong and growing public transport network is key to reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. All major political parties support and recognise the importance of public transport for the UK's present and future needs.
And, in the long-term as the population grows and becomes wealthier, the demand for travel increases.
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