10/05/2007

Tom Wileman, Managing Director of the Stagecoach-Scottish Citylink joint venture, said today: “We profoundly disagree with the Competition Commission's decision to press ahead with the break-up of the Scottish inter-city coach network.

“The Commission has clearly failed to listen to the voice of passengers, politicians and transport experts. There is universal agreement that these plans are seriously flawed and will work against the interests of the travelling public.

“We believe recent price cuts by First ScotRail on many Scottish rail routes prove that there is already vibrant competition on inter-city public transport network.

“We will take time to reflect on the Commission's detailed announcement and to consider what action we will take. This could include launching a formal appeal against today's ruling.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or mobile: 07764 774680

NOTES TO EDITORS

• On 12 September 2005, a new joint venture was created to operate the Scottish services of Stagecoach's megabus.com and Motorvator, and Braddell PLC's Scottish Citylink.



• Stagecoach acquired 35% of the share capital of Scottish Citylink Limited (“Citylink”) in return for transferring certain rights to the Motorvator and megabus.com operations in Scotland. Braddell PLC owns the remaining 65% of Citylink's share capital.



• The joint venture operates services under the megabus.com and Scottish Citylink brands, and is the leading provider of express coach services in Scotland.



• Under the Stagecoach-Scottish Citylink joint venture, the Scottish coach network has benefited from a simpler, integrated timetable, faster and more frequent journeys, and excellent value-for-money fares. Passengers have responded positively to the improvements, with the number of people on the Saltire Cross services up 41% compared to 2006.