Trading Statement

National Express Group PLC
2 July 2002



                           National Express Group PLC

                            Pre-close Trading Update


National Express Group today reports on trading for the six months to the end of
30 June, prior to entering its close period, and confirms that trading remains
in line with market expectations.

In the UK our bus and coach divisions continued to make good progress.

Passenger revenues in the trains division remained variable, with the
performance of our regional train operating companies, particularly ScotRail
following industrial action, showing no improvement on levels reported at the
year end stage.  Patronage across our London and South East TOCs was stable and
good patronage growth was achieved by our long-distance TOC, Midland Mainline.
Services on the WAGN franchise have now returned to normal following the tragic
incident at Potters Bar.

In North America, we are pleased with the outcome of the 2002/03 school bus
contract bidding season despite the competitiveness of the marketplace. In mid
June we announced the acquisition of Canadian school bus operator, Stock
Transportation for a total consideration of C$170 million (£74.3 million) with
completion scheduled for early July.  Trading in our US public transit division
continued to be affected by increasing insurance claims.

In Australia, constructive discussions with the Victorian Government continue in
relation to our train and tram businesses.

National Express will be announcing its interim results on 17 September 2002.



                              - E N D S -

For further information, please contact:

William Rollason, Finance Director
Nicola Marsden, Director of Group Communications
National Express Group PLC                          020 7529 2000

Steve Jacobs/Ben Foster
Financial Dynamics                                           020 7831 3113


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