LONDON, Feb 20 (Reuters) - British transport group Go-Ahead said it believed it had excellent growth prospects forthe future after posting a 21 percent rise in first-halfoperating profit, driven by record passenger numbers in bus andrail.
The operator reported operating profit of 51.1 millionpounds ($85.41 million) for the six months to December 28, 2013,off revenue which was up 5.7 percent at 1.37 billion pounds.
The company, which operates Southern, Southeastern andLondon Midland rail franchises, said its results had beenboosted by its core bus division, which posted operating profitsup 14.7 percent to 40.6 million pounds.
However the group said its rail division, while moreprofitable, was not expected to generate material profits in thesecond half of the year partly due to an "unprofitable"seven-month extension of the Southeastern franchise which is dueto begin.
Go-Ahead maintained a 25.5p half-year dividend.
"With record passenger numbers, effective cash managementand a strong balance sheet, Go-Ahead is in good shape withexcellent growth prospects," Group Chief Executive David Brownsaid.
The group said its full-year expectations were unchanged.