Stagecoach Group PLC (LON:SGC) said it expects strong support from the government in promoting public transport for environmental reasons as it posted a small interim profit.
The bus operator said car trips in the UK during October 2020 were 80% to 90% of pre-COVID levels despite continuing restrictions, meaning people continue to prefer private transport in the short-term to avoid contact with others.
READ: Stagecoach keeps regional buses afloat with government support, London does well
In the six months to October 31, adjusted profit before tax collapsed 99% to £400,000 while revenue tanked 57% to £454mln as the company was hit by travel restrictions.
The firm said the regional bus segment has seen significant recovery in patronage and commercial revenue since May and it is now operating around 91% of prior year vehicle mileage, with commercial sales having recovered to around 54% compared to 2019 levels.
For the London buses, instead, contract payments are now at normal levels with full service restored.
In rail, the Sheffield Supertram business is receiving government payments for continuing the essential tram services it provides while Stagecoach continues to unwind its former train operating companies.
