National Express says it is boosting its network with additional services on key intercity and airport routes following the announcement by rival operator megabus that it is to scale back services in England. From 4 December, the date from which many megabus English services will cease, National Express says it is adding over 16,000 seats per week on some of its most popular services between London and Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Leicester, London Heathrow, Newcastle, Newport, Nottingham and Manchester.
The company says that demand for affordable intercity travel remains strong, enabling it to enhance capacity on its network in response to the megabus announcement. Network Director at National Express Ed Rickard said: “We recognise the growing need for reliable, affordable and convenient public transport options. By increasing capacity and frequency on our key intercity and airport routes, we’re making it even easier for people to get to where they need to be. We’re expecting to see strong demand and have the flexibility to add more capacity when needed, especially as people start to make travel plans for the festive season.”
The coach operator reports a 25% increase in customers turning to its services last year, with 19 million customers travelling on its coach network during 2023.
