As Stagecoach introduces its bold new service to Greenwich, Peter Bradley examines the best London commuter coaches initiatives – and what they've done to survive
As Martin Dean mentioned in his column, Stagecoach Megabus has a new arrival on Sunday 21 July; a direct coach between Canterbury and London via Faversham, Hempstead Valley and Chatham, up to 15 times a day.
However, it is not central London the route is terminating in, but North Greenwich, for direct connections via the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Westminster and Bond Street.
Change en route
This is a very bold initiative. You are not taking customers to the heart of the city and west end of London, but expecting them to make a change on route.
But what is wrong with that? Many commuter and medium-distance coach journeys do not take customers directly to their final destination.
The journey times on the Jubilee line are impressive, much faster than a coach on London’s busy and (sadly) slow-moving streets.
So hopefully that is a win-win; a good journey for customers, and less resource required for the company to provide the service compared to a central London destination.
Steady journey times
Clarkes and Kings Ferry, both subsidiaries of National Express, took a similar bold decision in May by curtailing their 50 or so journeys from north Kent to Westminster and Victoria at Blackfriars.
The unpredictability of journey times on the section beyond Blackfriars was causing problems for commuters, especially in the evening peak, where those waiting in the City or Canary Wharf could be hit with varying arrival times day-to-day.
Some may see this as a negative move. However, restoring some reliability and potentially speeding up customers' journey times could be enough to kick-start these services and retain them for the long term.
Ticketing challenges
Commuter coaches provide a significant alternative to rail in terms of price, comfort, flexibility and convenience.
My one worry is whether the ticketing systems could be more joined up between the coach and the Underground.
I wonder if the commuter coach companies could sell tickets with the Underground transfer included, as an additional selling point and to encourage more usage?
I know a few years ago when this was looked at, technology was the main challenge.
Time has moved on though, and if more of these initiatives are to be encouraged then a through ticket could be a distinct advantage.
An old timer
And finally, let's celebrate a commuter service that started on 8 August 1983 and has been with us ever since.
Green Line route 748 runs one return journey from Hemel Hempstead and along the Finchley Road into London. It deviates from other Green Line services and serves Euston and King's Cross before running though Farringdon and Ludgate Circus, and serves Westminster on its way to Victoria.
It was devised by Clive King, who is still with Arriva after many years' faithful service, and it's remarkable that it has changed so little in its 36-year history.
It is good to see the commuter service survive and hopefully thrive in London. We wish all operators of commuter coach services into London well in their endeavours.
