On the right track
TRANSPORT group Go-Ahead has said rail passenger numbers continued to surge despite price hikes earlier this year. The Newcastle-based group, which operates Southern and Southeastern rail services, saw passenger volumes increase by nearly 13% in the three months to September. The numbers outstripped expectations despite commuters being hit with 6.3% fare increases on Southeastern trains and 4.3% on Southern journeys in January. The company, which employs around 25,000 people, posted underlying pre-tax profits of £110.1m in the year to June 30.
Iconic welcome
PASSENGERS arriving at Durham Tees Valley Airport will now be welcomed with striking images of iconic regional landmarks. Stunning shots featuring well-known Tees Valley sights, including mima, Hartlepool Marina and Roseberry Topping, now appear on walls throughout the airport. The joint scheme between regional development agency One NorthEast’s Regional Image campaign and the airport aims to improve the passenger experience of people coming to the region, whether for the first time or as a regular visitor. Almost 900,000 people pass through Durham Tees Valley Airport every year and the adverts will be seen both in the arrival and departure lounges.
Abbey warning
BANKING group Abbey says it expects a further increase in arrears levels as households feel the strain from recent interest rate hikes. The business, owned by Spain’s Santander, said the number of homeowners in arrears by three months or more stood at 7,365 in the quarter to the end of September, up 42 on a year earlier. Repossessions also rose by 38 to 498, but Abbey said both measures were at historically low levels.
