Re: Central Trains

National Express Group PLC
18 October 2005


18 October 2005



                           National Express Group PLC

                    DfT's Central Trains Franchise Remapping





National Express Group PLC ('the Group'), the UK's largest train operating
company, welcomes this morning's announcement by the Department for Transport ('
the Department') relating to the remapping of the Central Trains franchise.



The strategy, as outlined, is in accordance with the Secretary of State's
announcement a year ago that Central Trains' services would be remapped, in line
with Network Rail's regional and route structure. We look forward to further
discussions with the Department to confirm the arrangements regarding the
franchise extensions for Central Trains and Silverlink through to Autumn 2007.





                                    - ENDS -


For further information, please contact:
Nicola Marsden/Georgina Parkes                                Tel: [phone]
National Express Group PLC

Andrew Dowler/Ben Foster
Financial Dynamics                                            Tel: [phone]




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