National Express has seen its rail profits fall by 43 per cent following the loss of the East Anglia franchise.
The group’s rail profits slid from £27.1 million to £15.5 million in the first half of 2012.
Dean Finch, National Express Group chief executive described the group’s underlying performance as “resilient”.
He said: “The first half of 2012 has seen a resilient underlying performance across the group, considering the headwinds we have faced.
“Across the Group, we continue to drive operational efficiency, cost control and incremental revenue growth, focusing on improving returns on invested capital and creating long term economic value for shareholders.
“Our new North American transit business and emerging opportunities in Continental Europe will support this. National Express owns and operates some high quality assets in a number of different markets and is well placed to exploit the emerging opportunities in these difficult times and continue to grow the business.”
National Express is in the process of bidding for Essex Thameside and Great Western franchises, as well as pursuing opportunities in Germany.
