NATIONAL EXPRESS
National Express, which was founded in 1972 is a coach operator that provides services through the whole of Great Britain. Importantly, they carry out their movements between cities and regions. Their services are largely rented out to local coach companies in Great Britain. The company’s headquarter can be located in Birmingham. Their hubs include Birmingham, London, Manchester, Gatwick Airport, Southampton and Leeds.
In line with the Transport Act 1968, the National Bus Company was created to own shares for many state-owned local bus companies. Several of the bus companies were similarly into operating coach services but were branded as National from the onset. The National Express brand had her first operation in 1974 even though, the coach services continued to be operated by individual companies.
The National Express network connects more than 540 locations, not to mention of 59 of the UK mainland’s 64 cities with 1,800 plus services operating every day, increasing to over 1,900 on Fridays. Over 1,000 airport services a day run direct to the terminal for all major UK airports.
National Express, as part of her features, offers several routes to landing places across the country. What’s more? Shuttle and airport services are also operated. Many National Express coach routes pass through several town centres, which accelerates journey times for longer journeys considerably. A smaller number of shuttle services operate at least once an hour over faster direct routes.
National Express tickets are ready for sale through a range of methods, including on-line and telephone booking, and varied pricing structures. Traditionally, tickets are sold through National Express ticket offices at coach stations, or by third-party agents at bus stations and travel agents. These sell tickets generally at the ‘Standard Fare’ or the ‘Advance Fare’ when booking in advance. A similar ticketing structure applies with the telephone booking service. Since 2013, tickets have also been available for purchase from the Post Office. Other ticket types include ‘Season Tickets’ and ‘Multi-rides’, aimed at frequent travellers, although in many cases FunFares are cheaper; and BritXplorer, which allows foreign tourists unlimited travel for a specified period.
National Express offers several discounts to customers. There is the Young Person Coachcard which is available for people between the ages of 16 to 26 years. This card offers a third off standard and fully flexible fares, in addition, 15% off events services.
There is also the senior Coachcard. National Express introduced a Senior Coachcard after the government threw out the concessionary half-price fares for the over-60s in October 2011. This discount gives a third off standard and fully flexible fares.
Lastly, there is also the Disabled Coachcard. National Express introduced a Disabled Coachcard which is available to adults registered as disabled, this gives a third off standard and fully flexible fares.
National Express and its franchisees uses different vehicle types for operations. The primary coach type on the network is the Caetano Levante. The most recent Levante III was introduced onto the network in July 2018. There are also other vehicles used on the network that includes Plaxton Elite and Caetano Boa Vista.
National Express Coaches now make available, free WiFi on most coaches. Passengers can connect to a digital entertainment service, VUER, and watch hours of films and TV for free.
Read more about National Express Group PLC
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