National Express has opened work around marking the 50th anniversary of its white coaches. The operator will first launch an appeal to staff, customers and enthusiasts to submit their memories in preparation for what it describes as “a summer of celebration.”
Those recollections will be collated and archived, and a selection of them will be used in an online storybook that is being created to mark the milestone. Other activities being planned include the publication of a commemorative hardback book, events across the UK to showcase both National Express’s history and modern coach travel, and a 50-day giveaway.
Says National Express UK Coach Managing Director Chris Hardy: “We have clocked up 3.8 billion miles in the last 50 years. That is a lot of journeys and a lot of people travelling with us. We want passengers and staff, past and present, to get in touch with their stories. It could be a couple who met on the coach and fell in love, a driver who dealt with an unusual item of lost property, or one of the famous hostesses referenced in the classic Divine Comedy song.”
Mr Hardy adds that National Express would also be pleased to hear from owners of coaches that were previously part of its fleet, including those that are heritage vehicles and in the hands of preservationists. Collectors of National Express memorabilia have also been invited to make contact.
“I am excited to see what the future brings as we rebuild after a difficult two years, and I can’t wait to hear what stories are submitted,” adds Mr Hardy.
Submissions to the 50th anniversary project may be made via a dedicated page on the National Express website, by email, or by post to 50 Years Appeal, National Express House, Mill Lane, Birmingham, B5 6DD.
