British bus company Stagecoach announced a rise in profits today, as passenger numbers continued to recover.
Despite this, passenger numbers are still below their pre-pandemic levels.
Increased bus ticket sales were due to the reopening of schools and workplaces as well as the easing of covid restrictions.
Stagecoach said its passenger numbers were now more than 70% of pre-pandemic levels in November 2019.
Despite this, storm Arwen had also negatively impacted numbers and hardening of restrictions in the run-up to Christmas is expected to also have an impact.
Last week, the mandatory wearing of face masks was reintroduced and the government is expected to announce further measures at a press conference later today.
Stagecoach is currently in talks with rival National Express over a potential takeover, with Stagecoach valued at around half a billion pounds.
National Express was recently granted and extension its negotiations with Stagecoach saying: "Discussions between Stagecoach and National Express have continued, with respective management teams and advisers working constructively to progress reciprocal due diligence."
Its pre-tax profits were £18m, a big rise from the £0.4m announced last year.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
