National Express will add more services to its scheduled coach timetables after reporting higher than expected demand after operations were restarted on 1 July.
From Monday 13 July, 12 new routes will be introduced. Nine others will see their frequencies increased and over 40 stops will be added to the network. “The level of requests for travel meant that we decided to add to our timetable sooner than anticipated,” says Chris Hardy, Managing Director of National Express UK Coach.
Data collated by National Express has revealed that there has been a switch from spontaneous treavel to more planning ahead and booking in advance by customers. There is also an increased expectation of flexible booking.
To accommodate that, National Express introduced an option to amend the date, time and journey origin and destination free of charge if customers’ circumstances change.
Journey requests are being monitored, with a short survey having been added to its website to capture that information. The results will be used to make informed decisions as to where National Express introducess more services and where frequencies are increased, adds Mr Hardy. Coach capacities are currently reduced as part of measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Picture above: MICHAEL BEVAN
