Arriva hails growth in the UK and EU as markets "advance and liberalise"

Transport operator Arriva has hailed a year of growth and said its success in the UK and across the EU "positions us to take advantage of transport markets as they advance and liberalise".

The Deutsche Bahn-owned Arriva achieved revenue growth of over seven per cent in the year to the end of December, winning new contracts, including a £1.1bn deal in the Netherlands, and contract extensions, including to its Grand Central franchise in the UK.

The operator is now eyeing the Northern Rail franchise and plans to submit a bid after the General Election, and the opportunities presented by the EU's fourth railway package to create a single rail market.

The firm said it had also strengthened its position in bus markets, including with a £45m investment programme to upgrade its UK fleet to roll-out 230 more carbon-efficient vehicles.