TRANSPORT group Stagecoach has benefited from a 13% uplift in passenger volumes on Virgin Trains’ West Coast mainline route.

Stagecoach owns a 49% stake in Virgin Trains, which links Liverpool’s Lime Street station with London.

And it revealed the growth in passenger levels has helped drive an 18.7% increase in like-for-like sales on the Virgin franchise in the 12 weeks to July 25.

Rail revenues were also boosted by a trading revival on its two other major commuter routes run by South West Trains and East Midlands Trains, a company update confirmed.

A Stagecoach spokesman said: “The UK rail network in general has seen better revenue trends as a result of the improving economy.

“But the Virgin franchise has continued to benefit from additional capacity from the high-frequency timetable that came in during 2009.”

He said average fares in the UK went down last year, but sales were boosted by the high level of leisure passengers the West Coast line attracts and “some exceptional deals” available to customers who book tickets in advance.