• Stagecoach Group has a market-leading reputation for innovation and operational expertise across a wide range of transport modes. On rail, our practical ideas to improve integration on the UK network have been adopted by Government and Network Rail, the organisation responsible for the track.
• Integrated control centres are being set up to improve communications and reduce the impact of network disruption for customers. The first of these centres – jointly operated by South West Trains and Network Rail – is in place at London Waterloo Station. Infrastructure maintenance has also been taken in-house by Network Rail, ensuring a swifter track modernisation programme and fewer delays for passengers.

South West Trains

• Stagecoach is introducing a new £1 billion fleet of 665 state-of-the-art air-conditioned Desiro carriages – the UK's largest single order for new rolling stock – to replace old slam-door trains and meet increased demand on the South West Trains network. More than 100 units have already been put into service, providing a step-change in the journey experience for passengers.
• South West Trains is one of the best-performing commuter rail operators in the country. Following the introduction of a new timetable in December 2004, the biggest change since 1967, punctuality has further improved and around 90% of trains are arriving on time within five minutes of the scheduled timetable.
• The company has invested in major station refurbishments and innovative personal security initiatives and has significantly improved services and facilities for passengers.

Island Line

• Stagecoach operates the only vertically integrated franchise in the UK and has responsibility for signalling and track maintenance in addition to train operations.
• Island Line consistently tops the performance charts published by the Strategic Rail Authority.
• The company has also received two Government Charter Marks for excellent customer service.

West Coast

• Virgin Rail Group, in which Stagecoach has a 49% shareholding, kick-started the much needed modernisation of the West Coast Main Line by investing £2 billion, with Railtrack funding the rest of the project.
• A £1.2 billion fleet of Pendolino tilting trains has successfully entered passenger service at 125mph on what is one of the main arteries of the UK rail network. Journey times for passengers on the fastest trains are being cut by more than 20%.
• Despite the continuing twin challenges of infrastructure work and introducing new trains, performance is improving and West Coast is regularly achieving over 75% punctuality.

CrossCountry

• Through Virgin Rail Group, we have completely revamped the former “Cinderella” of the inter city network by introducing 78 new state-of-the-art trains worth over £1 billion.
• VRG also funded a £30 million maintenance depot and £200 million of infrastructure improvements at key locations.
• Punctuality on CrossCountry is now topping 83% and, while we are working hard to improve further, this is one of the best performances on the long-distance UK rail network.
• The improvements helped transform travellers perceptions, with passenger numbers increasing by 40% and CrossCountry being named the top performer in the InterCity sector of the SRA commissioned National Passenger Survey last year.