Stagecoach's rail revenues leap

The Government's rail franchising shambles may be dragging on, but back at the tracks Stagecoach yesterday enjoyed an 8 per cent rise in revenues at its rail division, which includes South West Trains, in the four months to October.

Revenues at Virgin Rail, which it owns with Virgin Group, rose 2.7per cent.

The duo have been asked to continue operating the West Coast Line for up to 13 months from December.