Go-Ahead H1 Operating Profit Up 17%

The Go-Ahead Group, a public transport group that operate bus, rail, car-parking and aviation support services, has reported that its operating profit rose by 16.8% to GBP64.5 million for the half year ended December 29, 2007, compared to GBP55.2 million for the same period in 2006.

Revenue increased by 12.3% to GBP1.02 billion for the half year ended December 29, 2007, compared to GBP915.2 million for the same period in 2006. Profit before tax, exceptional items and amortization increased by 14.5% to GBP58.3 million, compared to GBP50.9 million in the first half of 2006.

Sir Patrick Brown, chairman of Go-Ahead, said: “To date, demand trends remain favorable. We intend to make further progress in our bus division, although this is likely to be adversely affected by increased fuel costs. In rail, whilst passenger growth continues, reduced subsidies and increased profit share are expected to result in a full year operating profit below 2006.”