Arriva H1 profit flat after rail bidding costs

LONDON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - British bus and rail firm Arriva (ARI.L) reported a marginal increase in first-half operating profit on Thursday after absorbing the costs of bidding for three rail franchises and rising fuel prices.

Underlying operating profit was 52.9 million pounds ($106.4 million) in the six months to June 30, compared to 52.6 million a year earlier.

((Reporting by Pete Harrison; Reuters Messaging: pete.harrison.reuters.comreuters.net; +44 207 542 7975))

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