29 MARCH 2021

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Article from BTNews 29 MARCH 2021

National Express returns

The familiar sight of National Express white coaches will return to the UK roads today with the UK’s largest coach operator promising its customers more in 2021.
The first coach would have departed Manchester for London at 00:01, 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.”

An initial limited timetable, equivalent to around 15% of the standard intercity network, will be expanded quickly; adding new locations and routes and increasing frequency as restrictions are lifted and customer demand grows.

A new full UK-wide timetable will offer quicker journey times, increased punctuality and improved connectivity.

For example the average journey time between Birmingham and Manchester has been reduced by 20min.

There will be 12 daily journey options from Leeds to Bristol (was previously four) with an overall quicker journey time of 30-60min.

And with more people predicted to take a domestic break this year, the new schedules will include all major UK holiday destinations.

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

“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.”

From the onset of the pandemic, a no quibble amendment or full refund within 28 days was offered to all customers and over 100,000 coachcards have been extended by 12 months.

Chris Hardy continues: “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).

The significant Covid-secure measures put in place last year will remain, including:

•    A reduction in the number of seats available on all coaches and social distancing in both stations and on vehicles.

•    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 adds: “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.”

www.nationalexpress.com

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