Megabus Seating

[Deerfold]

Do many people look at airline schedules other than in journey planner format? No.

However there are journey planners for air which will tell me there's a Manchester to JFK flight if I search for Leeds Bradford to Newark, New Jersey.

 

[Clip]

I'd find them handy - I can get to several large towns and cities fairly easily. Knowing where Megabus operate to from each of them would be very useful. .

So you type in 'from'in the box and 'to' in the other box - select date and time and voila your journey details appear before you. simple and easy to understand.

 

[RT4038]

That's some use. Is it new? I've looked before and not been able to find one. It does lack some routes.

Fairly new, I believe. Whar routes does it lack (other than in the general sense that megabus services do not cover the whole country)?

 

[padbus]

Try https://uk.megabus.com/uk-network-map

I found this map the other day in a leaflet in amongst other tourist info in the Tesco Extra store in Exeter. Looks like Megabus is looking for business beyond its traditional student market.

 

[Deerfold]

So you type in 'from'in the box and 'to' in the other box - select date and time and voila your journey details appear before you. simple and easy to understand.

There's no need to treat me like an idiot. Do I have to try every nearby town to me to see which have a service? I did explain in the post before yours that some airline planners tell you about journeys between nearby airports without you having to try every combination.

Megabusplus ran for a while from Keighley. I believe it had been going some months before I knew about it, despite using the service from Leeds from time to time.

I thought the though fares from Keighley might be useful, but they seem to add anything up to £10 to the fare - 3x paying separately.

Fairly new, I believe. Whar routes does it lack (other than in the general sense that megabus services do not cover the whole country)?

It doesn't show Manchester - Sheffield/Loughborough/Leicester which is possible once a day each way on a Scotland to London service.

 

[Clip]

There's no need to treat me like an idiot. Do I have to try every nearby town to me to see which have a service?
.

Not treating you like an idiot just pointing out how simple it is. I have no idea where you exactly live but remember Leeds being that place.

I did explain in the post before yours that some airline planners tell you about journeys between nearby airports without you having to try every combination.​

And are they independent websites or say BA's website that wont show you Ryanair flights or prices?

​

 

[Butts]

The 0530 actually originates from Pembroke Dock (0155), and picks up in Cardiff beforehand, so you may find it's fairly well loaded. I imagine upstairs will be better, as the views are nicer from the top and downstairs tends to be taken quicker. There are also more seats upstairs anyway.

The timetables with stops is on Traveline South East.

I am pleased to report that I travelled from Newport to London on Tuesday at 0530. It turned up on time and was virtually empty upstairs on departure from Newport.
Had a two to myself all the way - seat facing stairs so no one could "recline on me". Not many got on at Bristol the only stop en-route.

I repeat my unanswered query - are there any "exit type" seats upstairs with extra legroom - in the gloom it was hard to see.

Also I have never been in a smaller toilet than the one upstairs - makes an NE one almost palatial. Is there another toilet downstairs as I can't envisage a disabled or really fat person getting into the one "on the stairs" ?

 

[Deerfold]

Not treating you like an idiot just pointing out how simple it is. I have no idea where you exactly live but remember Leeds being that place.

It's simple enough, but doesn't do what I asked for.

And are they independent websites or say BA's website that wont show you Ryanair flights or prices?

​

There are independent websites which show all prices and wide range of airline from a selection of airports. BA's own tool will do this too for just their flights. Unfortunately nothing exists like this for coaches as far as I know.

 

[philthetube]

So you type in 'from'in the box and 'to' in the other box - select date and time and voila your journey details appear before you. simple and easy to understand.

But if you want to travel with a friend joining part way on route it makes life difficult.

 

[Temple Meads]

I repeat my unanswered query - are there any "exit type" seats upstairs with extra legroom - in the gloom it was hard to see.

Also I have never been in a smaller toilet than the one upstairs - makes an NE one almost palatial. Is there another toilet downstairs as I can't envisage a disabled or really fat person getting into the one "on the stairs" ?

Don't think there are any seats with extra legroom on those coaches I'm afraid.

No, there's only the one toilet, which is indeed rather cramped - 'downstairs' consists only of the cab, a wheelchair space, and three seats directly behind next to the front set of stairs.

 

[Butts]

Don't think there are any seats with extra legroom on those coaches I'm afraid.

No, there's only the one toilet, which is indeed rather cramped - 'downstairs' consists only of the cab, a wheelchair space, and three seats directly behind next to the front set of stairs.

So that effectively prevents Disabled Travellers using megabus for long journeys - thought that would be discrimination ?

Mind you come to think of it how would they get down the aisle on a NE Coach ?

 

[extendedpaul]

So that effectively prevents Disabled Travellers using megabus for long journeys - thought that would be discrimination ?

Mind you come to think of it how would they get down the aisle on a NE Coach ?

The seats behind the driver on Megabus are primarily for disabled travellers and can be reserved in advance via customer services.

Megabus drivers do not seem to like customers occupying those seats if not reserved. I have seen complaints on twitter about drivers refusing to allow their use , to which the response was that if not reserved any passenger can ask to sit there.

 

[RT4038]

It doesn't show Manchester - Sheffield/Loughborough/Leicester which is possible once a day each way on a Scotland to London service.

Maybe there is an oversight of such an obscure connection, available (as you say) on one journey each way per day (during the small hours of the morning). Perhaps this will be rectified on a future edition. Don't think the link is provided as part of a Scotland to London service though.
I expect the map is intended as a guide to the general level of megabus services, rather than an esoteric enthusiasts publication.

 

[Butts]

The seats behind the driver on Megabus are primarily for disabled travellers and can be reserved in advance via customer services.

Megabus drivers do not seem to like customers occupying those seats if not reserved. I have seen complaints on twitter about drivers refusing to allow their use , to which the response was that if not reserved any passenger can ask to sit there.

There was "stuff" on those seats when I boarded - not that I wanted to sit there.

What about the disabled access to the toilet issue on coaches ?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I assume they would make toilet stops instead (as they might in the likely event of it not working), as with a coach being much smaller than a train adding a full accessible toilet would not be practicable.

 

[Butts]

I assume they would make toilet stops instead (as they might in the likely event of it not working), as with a coach being much smaller than a train adding a full accessible toilet would not be practicable.

Well there is no stop on Megabus other than to pick up passengers (in Bristol) on the 4 hour journey between Newport and Victoria. No stop between Victoria and Newport on National Express either (3 hours +)

I may have opened a can of worms here - any coach experts care to comment or have experienced "toilet stops" for the disabled?

 

[ValleyLines142]

I am pleased to report that I travelled from Newport to London on Tuesday at 0530. It turned up on time and was virtually empty upstairs on departure from Newport.
Had a two to myself all the way - seat facing stairs so no one could "recline on me". Not many got on at Bristol the only stop en-route.

I repeat my unanswered query - are there any "exit type" seats upstairs with extra legroom - in the gloom it was hard to see.

Also I have never been in a smaller toilet than the one upstairs - makes an NE one almost palatial. Is there another toilet downstairs as I can't envisage a disabled or really fat person getting into the one "on the stairs" ?

Fair play I'm surprised. Most if not all Megabus services I've been on have been full!

The upstairs seats in the front window normally have a bit of extra legroom but that's only on the Astromegas I think.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Unlike a train there isn't stacks of paperwork involved in pulling into the motorway services for 10 minutes for a wee, so they will just do that, as they would if the toilet was out of order, as coach toilets very often are. Coach schedules are a lot "woollier" than train ones because of the factor of traffic, so it won't necessarily mean a late arrival.

 

[Butts]

Unlike a train there isn't stacks of paperwork involved in pulling into the motorway services for 10 minutes for a wee, so they will just do that, as they would if the toilet was out of order, as coach toilets very often are. Coach schedules are a lot "woollier" than train ones because of the factor of traffic, so it won't necessarily mean a late arrival.

So if you are a smoker you are praying for a wheelchair user onboard as a stop at the services is the chance for a fag break.

 

[extendedpaul]

So if you are a smoker you are praying for a wheelchair user onboard as a stop at the services is the chance for a fag break.

The Megabus from Cardiff to London occasionally stops at Reading West services. One of the drivers told me that they are encouraged not to arrive at Victoria Coach Station more than 15 minutes early and the journey from there takes 60-70 minutes in normal traffic conditions. That said he was a smoker and I have often reached Victoria earlier than that with no stops, especially at the weekend... Only had a stop between London and Cardiff once and that was on a hired-in coach without a WC and have been up to 40 minutes early. I've also never been on a Megabus journey with a traveller in a wheelchair and that's in well over 200 trips between London and Cardiff.

 

[Butts]

The Megabus from Cardiff to London occasionally stops at Reading West services. One of the drivers told me that they are encouraged not to arrive at Victoria Coach Station more than 15 minutes early and the journey from there takes 60-70 minutes in normal traffic conditions. That said he was a smoker and I have often reached Victoria earlier than that with no stops, especially at the weekend... Only had a stop between London and Cardiff once and that was on a hired-in coach without a WC and have been up to 40 minutes early. I've also never been on a Megabus journey with a traveller in a wheelchair and that's in well over 200 trips between London and Cardiff.

That is interesting information - thanks.

For me personally I prefer National Express from London even if it is a bit dearer. I can often get a cheap ticket to Cardiff and get off in Newport providing the service stops there. Yesterdays was non-stop to Newport unlike megabus (which at least on the way) stops at Bristol on the way to London.

The biggest problem with Coaches to London is not getting there, it's the time it takes to Victoria from the outskirts.

 

[Deerfold]

Maybe there is an oversight of such an obscure connection, available (as you say) on one journey each way per day (during the small hours of the morning). Perhaps this will be rectified on a future edition. Don't think the link is provided as part of a Scotland to London service though.
I expect the map is intended as a guide to the general level of megabus services, rather than an esoteric enthusiasts publication.

Looks to have changed since I last caught it (a couple of years ago). Just London - Manchester (via Leeds...) now.

All sorts of people need all sorts of connections. I'm sure some would be willing to do this if they knew about it. I usually use overnight megabuses as it enables me to do journeys at times when there are no trains.

Manchester to Sheffield at 2345 after a gig for a couple of quid may be useful to some who don't care if it takes a while.[/QUOTE]

 

[extendedpaul]

National Express marketing specifies fares from £5 but they offer some at £2.40 between London and Cardiff and I too use them occasionally, also alighting in Newport as I can then reach Caerphilly about half an hour quicker. I only pay £1 per ticket on 90% of my Megabus journeys and book lots when they go on sale with only one 50p booking fee compared with the £1 fee for every single or return journey on National Express. I avoid the Megabus services that go via Bristol which are generally busier and, of course, take longer.

Yesterday evening there was a sign indicating that the A4 was closed towards central London. The Megabus driver did a very impressive, though perhaps risky, U turn on the main road in heavy traffic and got us to Victoria only a few minutes late

 

[Bletchleyite]

The biggest problem with Coaches to London is not getting there, it's the time it takes to Victoria from the outskirts.

That's the argument behind copying some other cities and having a few coach stations at the outskirts, I guess, though it does break connections. Old Oak was certainly being mooted for services from the west, and Golders Green is popular from the north.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

That's the argument behind copying some other cities and having a few coach stations at the outskirts, I guess, though it does break connections. Old Oak was certainly being mooted for services from the west, and Golders Green is popular from the north.

All I say about the idea of VCS closing in improving coach travel was that a) it was nothing about improving coach travel, b) it was all about capitalising on the value of the property and c) BoJo was one of the proponents for it.

Of course, I'd believe the benefits if he slapped it on the side of a bus......

 

[Butts]

National Express marketing specifies fares from £5 but they offer some at £2.40 between London and Cardiff and I too use them occasionally, also alighting in Newport as I can then reach Caerphilly about half an hour quicker. I only pay £1 per ticket on 90% of my Megabus journeys and book lots when they go on sale with only one 50p booking fee compared with the £1 fee for every single or return journey on National Express. I avoid the Megabus services that go via Bristol which are generally busier and, of course, take longer.

Yesterday evening there was a sign indicating that the A4 was closed towards central London. The Megabus driver did a very impressive, though perhaps risky, U turn on the main road in heavy traffic and got us to Victoria only a few minutes late

If a Megabus and National Express journey were the same price (incl booking fee) which one would you choose and why ?

 

[extendedpaul]

If a Megabus and National Express journey were the same price (incl booking fee) which one would you choose and why ?

Interesting question. I like the upstairs travel on Megabus and I find the legroom adequate (I'm 5' 11"). I favour the seat immediately in front of the middle stairs which I think has a little extra legroom and allows quick exit, though occasionally there is "toilet use awareness" there. I don't sit at the front as I prefer not to see just how close to other vehicles in the middle lane drivers sometimes go to encourage them to move over.... I'm not a great fan of the leather seating on National Express. I did use National Express for many years while they had £1 Fun Fares with no booking fees. I've saved so much money travelling on Megabus in the last few years that I feel a brand loyalty towards them. That said I think if the costs were exactly the same I would use whichever operator served Newport better simply because of the time saving to and from Caerphilly to complete my journey.

 

[Deerfold]

If a Megabus and National Express journey were the same price (incl booking fee) which one would you choose and why ?

For me it'd come down to when they run and how long they take (sometimes I'll go for the more expensive one if it's timed well for me).

 

[GusB]

If a Megabus and National Express journey were the same price (incl booking fee) which one would you choose and why ?

I think with the more modern vehicles that Megabus has these days, I don't suppose there would really be much in it, but certainly when they first started out they had a very mixed bag of vehicles. My first Megabus journey was a good few years ago when I was travelling from Inverness to Glasgow. The first leg from Inverness to Perth was on a fairly bog-standard high floor Volvo coach, and it was comfy enough, but you can imagine my dismay when an ex-Hong Kong Olympian turned up at Perth for the second leg of the journey. That was probably the closest I've ever come to believing in God!

 

[carlberry]

All I say about the idea of VCS closing in improving coach travel was that a) it was nothing about improving coach travel, b) it was all about capitalising on the value of the property and c) BoJo was one of the proponents for it.

Of course, I'd believe the benefits if he slapped it on the side of a bus......

Surely it also provides a cheap place for the construction crews for Cross Rail 2 as well!