Bus and train operator Go-Ahead said today that its expectations for the current year remaind unchanged following a “robust” first quarter.

The group’s regional bus division, which in the East includes the Hedingham, Chambers and Anglian Bus fleets, recorded a flat performance in terms of passenger journey numbers in the period from June 29 to October 20 but revenues were 5% ahead, largely driven by increased contract revenue.

Revenues for its London bus business were ahead by a similar margin despite a fall in mileage which is expected to be offset by new contracts later in the year.

Go-Ahead’s Southern, Southeastern and London Midland rail franchises recorded revenue growth of 6.5%, 10% and 2.5% respectively, with growth in passenger numbers across all three operations.

Group chief executive David Brown said: “Trading in the first quarter has been robust and our full year expectations for both bus and rail operations remain unchanged.

“This has been a busy period for our rail business, during which we launched GTR and began Southeastern’s direct award contract. Our experienced teams are focused on working closely with industry partners to deliver high quality services for our passengers.

“Delivering excellent levels of customer service is important to us and I’m proud our bus division achieved its highest ever satisfaction score of 92%. Even at these levels, there is always room for improvement and we will continue to listen to customers and local community groups to keep on improving our services.”

He added: “Our London and regional bus operations continue to perform well and we remain on course to achieve our operating profit target of £100m by 2015-16.”