First Group was today named as the preferred bidder to run Scotland's rail service.
Three firms had submitted bids to run the service, which is currently run by National Express.
The franchise, established in 1997, will see Aberdeen-based First Group operate 95% of rail services in Scotland as well as the sleeper service link to London.
The group, which already carries 180 million people a year on its 1,700 buses, is expected to improve reliability and reduce overcrowding on trains across Scotland.
The new contract includes a government subsidy of more than £200 million annually, which works out at around 10p for each kilometre travelled by every passenger.
Friday June 11, 2004
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