National Express’ (NX) own in-house UK coach operations, better known as ‘owned ops’ has acquired six new Caetano Levante-bodied Scania tri-axle coaches to operate new journeys from south London to Stansted airport.
NX confirmed to CBW that the coaches were 57-seater wheelchair-accessible Euro 6 models, which are based at its Start Hill depot, near the airport.
Launched on Monday (April 11), the new services will see NX serve Stansted for the first time from new stops at Paddington, Waterloo and Southwark. NX said the news is likely to be particularly welcomed by travellers journeying from areas south of the River Thames – which have traditionally faced a lack of direct public transport links to the to the Essex airport. Additionally, stops at Golders Green, Marble Arch, Baker Street and Victoria Coach Station will also all benefit from enhanced frequencies, with some journey times slashed by up to 20 minutes. The move significantly strengthens NX presence at Stansted Airport.
Andrew Cowan, Stansted’s Divisional CEO said: “We’re delighted NX is launching new routes to Paddington and Waterloo stations, as well as now serving Southwark, building on its long and successful relationship with Stansted. These services provide passengers with even more affordable and convenient options for accessing the airport, especially those travelling from areas that traditionally haven’t been well served and cements Stansted’s position as the number one major UK airport for public transport.”
