Arriva short-listed for InterCity East Coast franchise

Arriva, the leading European passenger transport group, todaywelcomed the Department for Transport's announcement that it hasbeen short-listed for the InterCity East Coast franchise.

Receipt of the tender documents is expected within the next fewweeks, with the franchise award expected during the summer, foroperations to start in late 2007.

David Martin, chief executive of Arriva plc, said:

We are pleased to have pre-qualified for the InterCityEast Coast franchise, and look forward to receiving the Departmentfor Transport's franchise specification. We have already begunconsultation with stakeholders and look forward to working furtherwith them to ensure that we understand their needs for dependable,high quality service on this important franchise.