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National Express Coaches Discussion

JonathanH

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It's ridiculous that NX don't operate deckers, other than the Bristol to London route. Look at Megabus; most of their services are operated by deckers, & they are well loaded too.
Most of the Megabus services in England and Wales are run by 'interdeck' vehicles, not double deckers - indeed I think Anglo-Scottish and internal Scottish services are now the only place that double dcckers are used by Megabus.

Since longer coaches have been allowed, the benefit of using double deck vehicles has diminished in any case.
 
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route101

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Parks used to have Plaxtons on some NX services. Do Parks still do NX work?
 

Eyersey468

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Parks used to have Plaxtons on some NX services. Do Parks still do NX work?
Yes they do, though they have Levantes now. I believe NX let them use Elites as they made it very clear they didn't want Levantes and said if they couldn't use Plaxton they would hand the contracts back, which NX didn't want so relented.
 

philthetube

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It's ridiculous that NX don't operate deckers, other than the Bristol to London route. Look at Megabus; most of their services are operated by deckers, & they are well loaded too.
Ridiculous is the wrong word, they have looked at loadings, including luggage and decided that they are not suitable for most routes, therefore they are not used.

Luggage is a big issue as unless all passengers are travelling end to end then having a driver climbing in and out of the boot, where he/she is unable to stand correctly while lifting is not a good idea.

Side luggage lockers are also not available due to the height constraints with having two layers of passengers.


Look at the picture of the Megabus decker in the link and imagine loading the luggage in the area at the back of the bus.
 

RT4038

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It's ridiculous that NX don't operate deckers, other than the Bristol to London route. Look at Megabus; most of their services are operated by deckers, & they are well loaded too.
Very few megabus services are operated with Double Deckers. Interdecks yes, but they are not double deckers.
 

route101

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Very few megabus services are operated with Double Deckers. Interdecks yes, but they are not double deckers.
The megabus van hools used to tow luggage dollies. What made them change that?

I suppose the double deck levantes would suit a higher frequency non airport routes. 032 London to Southampton is one, often daytrippers using it.
 

JonathanH

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I suppose the double deck levantes would suit a higher frequency non airport routes. 032 London to Southampton is one, often daytrippers using it.
To what end? Are you suggesting thr use of double deckers to reduce frequency? How well loaded is the 032? Does it regularly require duplicates?
 

Lewlew

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To what end? Are you suggesting thr use of double deckers to reduce frequency? How well loaded is the 032? Does it regularly require duplicates?
It did back in 2015 when I used to drive it. They have tri axles on it now though.
 

route101

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It did back in 2015 when I used to drive it. They have tri axles on it now though.
I've never seen any duplicates on the 032. It's fairly frequent, but not quite hourly. I reckon there is scope to go hourly. Megabus have not really got a decent frequency on the M3.
 
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cambsy

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There are major timetable changes affecting the south West and Exeter-London routes from late May. I know this because I have had my booking on Sat 28th changed from 01.05 to 01.00 on the 404, and 23.00 London-Exeter. It was 404 now 406, and arriving at 03.20, so below I'll summarise the changes, that i know of:

404 Penzance to London again and vice versa, and now after Exeter, goes via Taunton-Bridgwater-Weston-Heathrow-London, no longer via Bath and Chippenham. So Bath and Chippenham no longer have overnight to and from South West, ending a long run of going via Bath and Bristol area,

406 Penzance to London and vv, after Exeter, it's Exeter Honiton Road-Heathrow only and vv, now arriving Heathrow 05.30 and Victoria coach station 06.20. From London its 23.00. Exeter Sidwell St 03.20, etc.

106 Penzance-Birmingham running again to similar times as before, with connection at Bristol, for London on 040.

504 03.35 Plymouth-London, via Exeter 04.40 then Taunton-Bridgwater-Heathrow, arrives Heathrow 08.25 then Victoria 09.20, this on Saturdays, during week will run earlier from Plymouth-Exeter etc.

I'm pleased with these changes, especially the fast 406 Heathrow only service, and the 106 with good connection at Bristol for london, and the 504 early morning service via Taunton etc. I was surprised to see the 404 not operating via Bath and Chippenham any more, as there has been a long running overnight service this way, but I suppose the passenger numbers from Bath etc, made it not worthwhile going that way.
 
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route101

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there’s major timetable changes, affecting the south West, and Exeter-London routes, from late May,I know this, because have had my booking, on Sat 28th changed, from 01.05 to 01.00 on the 404, and 23.00 london-Exeter,was 404 now 406, and arriving at 03.20, so below ill summarise the changes, that i know of:

404 Penzance to London again and vv, and now after Exeter, goes via Taunton-Bridgwater-Weston-Heathrow-London, no longer via Bath and Chippenham, so Bath and Chippenham no longer have overnight to and from South West, ending a long run of going via Bath and Bristol area,

406 Penzance to london and vv, after Exeter, its Exeter honiton Road-Heathrow only and vv, now arriving Heathrow 05.30 and Victoria coach station 06.20, from London its 23.00. Exeter Sidwell St 03.20, etc,

106 Penzance-Birmingham running again to similar times as before, with connection at Bristol, for London on 040,

504 03.35 Plymouth-London, via Exeter 04.40 then Taunton-Bridgwater-Heathrow, arrives Heathrow 08.25 then Victoria 09.20, this on Saturdays, during week will run earlier from Plymouth-Exeter etc,

Im pleased with these changes, especially, the fast 406 Heathrow only service, and the 106 with good connection at Bristol for london, and the 504 early morning service via Taunton etc. Was surprised to see the 404 not operating via Bath and Chippenham any more, as there has been a long running overnight service this way, but suppose the passenger number from Bath etc, made it not worthwhile going that way.
When the 404 goes via Bath and Chippenham, does this go on the A roads from the M5 to the M4?
 

cambsy

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The 404, with current stops at Bath and Chippenham, can go M5 then A38 towards Bristol airport, past Bristol Airport, through Knowle, A4 to Bath, A4 to Chippenham, through Box, which is where famous Box tunnel is, then on A roads to M4, or M5 and M4, to M4 jct 18, then A46 to Bath, then same as before. When it used to serve Bristol airport, it then always went via A38 etc. If you want to sample this way, then you only few days left to try and do it, as the 404 will go via Taunton-Bridgwater-Weston and the 406 non stop Exeter-Heathrow.
 
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dan5324

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It’s a long running myth that National Express has shares in Caetano. We don’t. We never have. National express simply put out a blueprint of what it wants ie wheelchair lift at the front, toilet at the back. And of course, a price. And Caetano stepped forward. That being said, rumblings around the company suggest they are now “tired” of the Levante and its many issues over the years and are now looking out to other manufacturers for the next model of coach, due to be announced late 2023/2024.
 
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Eyersey468

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It’s a long running myth that National Express has shares in caetano. We don’t. We never have. National express simply put out a blueprint of what it wants ie wheelchair lift at the front, toilet at the back. And of course, a price. And caetano stepped forward. That being said, rumblings around the company suggest they are now “tired” of the levante and its many issues over the years and are now looking out to other manufacturers for the next model of coach, due to be announced late 2023/2024.
I was told by my supervisor that they were sticking with Caetano, although a lot of operators said they don't want Caetanos. Build quality of the Levante 2 isn't too bad but our Levante 3s feel like they were thrown together at 6pm on a Friday night.
 

dan5324

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Nothing has been confirmed yet as to the next manufacturer. The contract with Caetano has expired. The company want to move away but there isn’t really any manufacturer out there that’ll match Caetano's prices.
 

Blindtraveler

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Nowhere near enough to a Pacer :(
Why do they not just draw up a specification list? Things like wheelchair lift at the front, toilet at the back, USB point for every passenger, specific onboard systems and monitoring for drivers, seating type etc and operators then go away and buy their own preferred body and chassis or integral combination? Or does National express give money to its subcontractors to buy vehicles for National work assuming that they will buy their standard model?
 
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Eyersey468

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Why do they not just draw up a specification list? Things like wheelchair lift at the front, toilet at the back, USB point for every passenger, specific onboard systems and monitoring for drivers, seating type etc and operators then go away and buy their own preferred body and chassis or integral combination? Or does National express give money to its subcontractors to buy vehicles for National work assuming that they will buy their standard model?
In answer to the last question its the operators that directly pay for the coaches
 

dan5324

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As above, it’s the third parties that own the coaches. Not National Express. Hence why we see ex National Express operators now running levante 2 coaches in Flixbus livery and even some Megabus. National Express actually own very few coaches. A bit surprising from someone claiming to be the UK’s largest coach company..
 
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route101

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As above, it’s the third parties that own the coaches. Not national express. Hence why we see ex national express operators now running levante 2 coaches in flixbus livery and even some megabus. National Express actually own very few coaches. A bit surprising from someone claiming to be the UK’s largest coach company..
Was surprised to see Yellow Bus operate NX and Megabus services.

Do Bluestar operate anything for NX?
 

Titfield

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As above, it’s the third parties that own the coaches. Not National Express. Hence why we see ex National Express operators now running levante 2 coaches in Flixbus livery and even some Megabus. National Express actually own very few coaches. A bit surprising from someone claiming to be the UK’s largest coach company..

With respect its not who "owns" the vehicle but who "operates" the vehicle ie on who is the O Licence (disc) holder for that vehicle.

The words used are often a bit misleading when describing businesses that use (what in effect are) sub contractors or franchisees in the business model.
 

Eyersey468

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With respect its not who "owns" the vehicle but who "operates" the vehicle ie on who is the O Licence (disc) holder for that vehicle.

The words used are often a bit misleading when describing businesses that use (what in effect are) sub contractors or franchisees in the business model.
Some third party operators do own the coaches, such as my employer, others lease them.
 

Mikw

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It’s a long running myth that National Express has shares in Caetano. We don’t. We never have. National express simply put out a blueprint of what it wants ie wheelchair lift at the front, toilet at the back. And of course, a price. And Caetano stepped forward. That being said, rumblings around the company suggest they are now “tired” of the Levante and its many issues over the years and are now looking out to other manufacturers for the next model of coach, due to be announced late 2023/2024.
Just out of interest which issues has it had? I used to travel a lot on them and i thought they were ok, but a bit squeaky.
 

Eyersey468

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Just out of interest which issues has it had? I used to travel a lot on them and i thought they were ok, but a bit squeaky.
The extractor fans in the roof for the air conditioning are a known weak spot on all Levantes, on Levante 3 the bonnet release regularly fails, poor build quality with bits falling off or stopping working quite regularly. Parts availability from Caetano is terrible as well.
 

Mikw

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The extractor fans in the roof for the air conditioning are a known weak spot on all Levantes, on Levante 3 the bonnet release regularly fails, poor build quality with bits falling off or stopping working quite regularly. Parts availability from Caetano is terrible as well.
Thanks, very interesting as they were a big part of my travelling life at one point. I liked the legroom, and never had a bad journey. But they did squak a lot.

And now very interesting to hear about the rest of the issues that a passenger wouldn't notice.
 

Titfield

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Some third party operators do own the coaches, such as my employer, others lease them.
Precisely. In the case of National Express the real question is who owns / controls the network of routes and makes decisions as to the consumer offering and quite clearly it is National Express.
 

dan5324

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Just out of interest which issues has it had? I used to travel a lot on them and i thought they were ok, but a bit squeaky.
First off. They arrived with offside mirrors that were way too big and caused huge dangerous blind spots. You could miss pedestrians crossing or at the side of the road. Some drivers even said entire lorries could be hidden. Alternators failing. Or charging the batteries at too high a voltage. Causing shorts and in rare cases, destroyed/melted batteries. Demsisters not Demisting, toilet alarms going off for no reason, USB port wiring exposed causing possible shorts and mini fires. Interior blue led lighting too bright causing issues for drivers at night. Creseat footrest coming lose from its internal docking, meaning everytime a corner was turned you’d hear a loud bang making you think you’ve collided with something. Just some of the first issues with the fleet.
 
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Mikw

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First off. They arrived with offside mirrors that were way too big and caused huge dangerous blind spots. You could miss pedestrians crossing or at the side of the road. Some drivers even said entire lorries could be hidden. Alternators failing. Or charging the batteries at too high a voltage. Causing shorts and in rare cases, destroyed/melted batteries. Demsisters not Demisting, toilet alarms going off for no reason, USB port wiring exposed causing possible shorts and mini fires. Interior blue led lighting too bright causing issues for drivers at night. Creseat footrest coming lose from its internal docking, meaning everytime a corner was turned you’d hear a loud bang making you think you’ve collided with something. Just some of the first issues with the fleet.
Blimey! Not good at all.

Hope they sort out their act for further orders
 

matt_splat

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Was surprised to see Yellow Bus operate NX and Megabus services.

Do Bluestar operate anything for NX?
Yellow Bus are back on the network, i was told that the NX south coast operation has had a rather a lot of drivers leave to rivals and lorries so Yellows were asked to come back and help.

The 160 Solent leg was being operator by Park's for a while.
 
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