National Express back behind the wheel

The first National Express coach departed from Manchester and set off for London at the start of this week, ending an 11-week full suspension of services in response to the national lockdown.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “It 's a great feeling to be getting hundreds of drivers back behind the wheel. We 're excited to play our part in the UK public 's safe return to travel. ”

The restart comes with a significant number of changes that promise customers a better overall experience when booking and travelling with National Express in 2021.

The initial limited timetable, equivalent to around 15% of the standard intercity network, will be expanded quickly.

A new full UK-wide timetable will offer quicker journey times, increased punctuality and improved connectivity as restrictions are lifted and customer demand grows.

This will include a reduction in journey times between London and Manchester and an increase in journeys to all major UK holiday destinations as more people are predicted to take domestic holiday 's this year.

“We want to make coach travel more convenient and with even greater value in 2021, ” Chris added.

“We 've removed the booking fee for any purchases made through a National Express online account and included more options to claim a refund or amend a journey if circumstances change*. ”

“This is just the beginning of a better National Express. We 've always focused on doing the right thing for customers and by continuing to do so, we will grow back quicker and stronger. ”

This includes significant investment in making the iconic white coaches the greenest fleet on the road. The average age of a vehicle is only three years old and every one meets the highest possible engine emission standard (Euro VI).

For now, significant covid-secure measures will remain, including;

• A reduction in the number of seats available on all coaches and social distancing in both stations and on vehicles.
• Enhanced cleaning in both stations and on coaches, including regular aerosol based disinfection
• An additional filter on the air conditioning systems of all coaches to reduce bacteria and corona type viruses; and improve air quality.
• Temperature screening before allowing travel with anyone with a high temperature reading not allowed to travel and given a full refund.
• Provision of PPE and use of protective screens on vehicles and in coach stations
• The requirement for customers to wear face coverings when in stations and travelling on coaches, in line with Government guidelines.

Chris Hardy concluded: “This is a challenging but exciting time for us. Like the rest of the population, we look forward to being able to see friends and family, go on holiday, attend events and visit attractions again.

"National Express has always helped make this happen and we look forward to doing it once more. ”