National Express has announced enhancements on a number of routes. The operator is promising faster journey times on its service 540 between Manchester and London, reduced by up to 30 minutes, and enhancing its trans-Pennine coach network with services to and from central Manchester and Manchester Airport.
From Friday 17 May an enhanced service 170 between Manchester, Manchester Airport, Liverpool and Leeds will begin, also adding Warrington (Hulme) to the network. Local journeys will be available, including between central Manchester and Manchester Airport. From the same date, its service 171 between Manchester, Liverpool, Bradford and Leeds will also see enhancements.
The company reports that it has seen a year of passenger growth, with over 19 million customers travelling on its coach network in 2023, representing a 25% increase and up from 15 million in 2022. It also expects to introduce 150 brand new coaches this year.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express UK and Ireland, said: “With continued investment in our coach network, including these improved, faster journeys to and from Manchester, we are making it even easier for savvy travellers to save their money for their holidays, with convenient, great value travel and a guaranteed seat. More and more people are choosing to travel with National Express as a reliable, affordable and sustainable way to get around, and we’re responding by investing in new vehicles and services while delivering a brilliant customer experience for a relaxing, comfortable journey.”
National Express is also amending other services during May, including an increased daily service on route 131 between Birmingham and Yorkshire with a new early morning journey from Birmingham and new early evening journey from Yorkshire, and revised daily services on route 460 between Rugby, Coventry, Heathrow Airport and London with more journeys to and from Heathrow Airport, while also reintroducing Leamington Spa and Banbury to the network.
From the end of May, route 465 will also see revisions to its daily overnight service between Yorkshire, East Midlands and London, whilst adding a Loughborough stop.
