A BUS operator says it has built on improved financial results after increasing reliability on its regional services.

Stagecoach North-East, which runs buses across Teesside, Hartlepool, Sunderland and Newcastle, says it achieved a 99 per cent reliability rate across its 475-strong vehicle fleet, and saw 70 million people use its services in the last 12 months.

Earlier this year, Stagecoach, whose 8,000 buses and coaches nationally take 2.5 million passengers every day, said its UK revenues were up by 3.3 per cent, with underlying profits standing at £218m from £202.5m.

Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach North-East managing director, said the company was committed to further improvement, with £6m plans to introduce 38 new buses in Sunderland and five further vehicles in Stockton.

It has also invested £500,000 in staff training and taken on 10 engineering apprentices at depots across the North-East.

Mr Medlicott, who last year took over from the retiring John Conroy, said: “This is proof of our dedication to provide an outstanding service across the North-East, and next year is set to produce even better results.”