Virgin Trains Outpaces the Recession

LONDON, July 29, 2010 - Official figures released today (29 July) show spectacular growth in the
number of customers choosing to travel with Virgin Trains.

Across the rail industry, passenger growth is a very moderate 0.8%
(comparing 2009/10 with 2008/09), and a number of train operators have seen
their passenger numbers shrink. By contrast, Virgin Trains has attracted
almost 16% more customers to its services.

The figures also show Virgin Trains receiving the top scores among
long-distance franchisees for both overall satisfaction and value for money.

Tony Collins, Virgin Trains' Chief Executive said:

'Customers are turning to rail on the West Coast in record numbers. It's
no accident that, despite the recession, Virgin Trains is seeing such
spectacular growth - it's because we have invested heavily in improving our
services.

This growth is good news for the destinations we serve. In difficult
economic times fast and frequent rail services using modern trains help
sustain local economies and provide a foundation for recovery.'

    Notes for editors:

    Official figures for Virgin Trains

    Journeys 2009/10                                                 26.6m

    Difference in journeys 2009/10 compared with 2008/09            +15.8%

    Customers satisfied or very satisfied with
    overall journey (spring 2010)                                    90.0%

    Customers satisfied or very satisfied with
    value for money (spring 2010)                                    63.5%

The Office of Rail Regulation's National Rail Trends 2009 - 2010 Yearbook
can be viewed here.

www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026

Virgin Trains company information

Virgin Trains is the brand name of Virgin Rail Group, which is owned 51
percent by Virgin Group and 49 percent by Stagecoach.

Virgin Trains has operated the West Coast passenger train franchise since
1997; the current franchise runs to March 2012.

Images of Virgin Trains and the company's operations are available in the
Image Library on the online Media Room website
www.virgintrains.co.uk/about/media-room/ where you can also subscribe
to receive alerts to new press releases.

For further media information contact the Virgin Trains Press Office on +44(0)845-000-3333 or visit our Media Room website at www.virgintrains.co.uk/about/media-room/