National Express has marked the 100th anniversary of the first long-distance coach service with en-route stops by uniting old and new vehicles in celebration of the Bristol-London service.
The Greyhound Motors service between Bristol’s Prince Street and London Hammersmith Broadway was inaugurated on 11 February 1925.
The Greyhound name remained as Bristol Omnibus’s coach services until 1972 when it operated as National Express.
In collaboration with Bristol Omnibus Vehicle Collection, National Express arranged for a heritage Greyhound coach, preserved by Mike Walker, to be pictured alongside a Caetano Levante 3A coach from partner operator Edwards Coaches.
The journey on the pioneering service took eight hours and a round-trip cost £1, which is £50 in today’s money. National Express notes its current services – of which there are more than 30 every day, all operated by Edwards – start from just £4.90 one-way.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express, says: “We’re celebrating this significant milestone to recognise that Greyhound Motors made a bold move launching their express coach service 100 years ago, at a time when a return ticket from Bristol to London cost the equivalent of £1.
“In today’s money that would be over £50, yet here we are today offering more great value services between Bristol and London than any other coach company and demonstrating how those in the know can enjoy frequent and reliable travel compared with other public transport options.”
