Rotala results as expected
Full results for transport management company Rotala are expected to be in line with management expectations, the business said today (27 January 2012).
It added that trading for the current year has started well and in line with budget.
The Birmingham-based company, which bought Preston Bus in January last year for £3.2m, said it was encouraged by the developments in its commercial bus operations so far this year, despite the pressure on local authority transport budgets.
Rotala expects to continue to win new business in the private bus network market.
As a result of its participation in the government's Green Bus Fund, Rotala has received its first four hybrid power buses. The vehicles have been used in Preston and have shown an improvement in fuel consumption, depending on route served, of up to 50 per cent, the company said.
The remaining 11 buses currently on order are set to be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2012.
Rotala plans to make a further bid for more hybrid buses in the third round of Green Bus funding.
The level of fuel duty rebate the group gets will be reduced in April when the government implements its cut in Bus Services Operators' Grant.
As a result of the rise in fares in some areas and the likely rise in others, the company's board does not expect a big impact on its results from the reduction.
The results for the year ended 30 November 2011 will be released in March.
