First buses and passengers in Norwich. Photo: Bill Smith

The travel giant behind bus services across East Anglia and the King’s Lynn to King’s Cross train line saw rising income from its road and rail passengers over the last three months as the price of fuel appeared to persuade more motorists to leave their cars at home.

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First Group said it had seen its nationwide rail revenues rise by 8.5pc in the three months to June 30 as this year’s rising fuel prices increased the cost of motoring.

The travel group’s income from bus operations rose at a slower rate - a modest 0.7pc growth - over the same period.

Speaking ahead of today’s annual general meeting in Aberdeen, Tim O’Toole, First Group chief executive said: “I am pleased to report trading during Q1 of the new financial year is in line with our expectations. We are encouraged by improving trends in UK Rail and Greyhound and the continued steady performance in UK Bus and First Transit.”

Mr O’Toole added: “We will continue to build on our record of strong cash generation and are targeting a net cash inflow of £150m in 2011/12.

“The board is committed to its key priorities of increased cash generation to support capital investment, debt

reduction and dividend growth of at least 7pc per annum.”