Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2005

PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2005

Highlights

• Strong performance from mainland Europe operations
  • 37 per cent increase in operating profit* with revenue up 18 per cent
  • Contract wins and acquisitions provide a platform for continuing growth
• UK Bus operating profit* increased by 7 per cent despite cost pressures
• Improved strategic focus and additional resources for core business growth provided by vehicle rental disposal
• Adjusted EPS* at 45.0p (2004: 45.1p)
• Basic EPS increased to 43.7p (2004: 42.6p)
• EBITDA excluding vehicle rental up 8 per cent
• Final dividend up by 5 per cent to 14.77p, giving a total dividend for the year of 19.84 pence

Commenting on the results, chief executive Bob Davies said:

The strong performance of the businesses and the resilience of our strategy have enabled us to bridge the gap left by the end of our Northern Trains franchise and the impact of rising fuel costs. With the increasing pace of market liberalisation, our r evenue from mainland Europe has doubled in three years and margins have increased.

The business is in good shape. Our acquired businesses are delivering profitable growth and Arriva has significant opportunities for further strategic investment in Europe. I am confident the Group will continue to thrive under David Martin's leadership.

*excluding goodwill impairment, intangible asset amortisation and exceptional items

Note to editors

Arriva is one of the largest transport services organisations in Europe with operations in Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. With some 30,000 employees, Arriva provides more than one billion passenger journeys every year through an extensive range of public transport services including buses, trains, commuter coaches and water buses. In the UK, the Group is also engaged in bus and coach distribution.

High resolution images are available for the media to view and download free of charge from www.vismedia.co.uk