National Express steps up services to the South West

National Express is stepping up its services to the South West in a bid to help stranded rail passengers.

In light of the damage to rail lines in the South West caused by the recent storms, the UK’s largest coach operator has added five new express services to cope with extra demand already seen from the region,

Starting from Monday (10 February), the new express services will run directly between Plymouth, Heathrow and London, maintaining a transport link for passengers who normally rely on the train.

The fastest services will reach London in four hours – quicker than the rail replacement alternatives.

Meanwhile with coach passenger numbers already forecast to be at least a third higher this weekend, the UK’s largest coach operator is ready to add more services if necessary.

With the disruption to the railway from Cornwall and parts of Devon likely to continue for many weeks, National Express has also committed to add as many coach seats to its existing services as are needed to meet demand, and keep its prices fixed at standard rates.

National Express UK Service Delivery Director Kevin Gale said: “Many people in the South West have been left with no other way of getting to work or to see their friends and family, so we have added new services, made a commitment to keep adding seats to ensure everyone can travel and are keeping our standard fares”.

“While no one can control the weather, we are going to do everything we can to help people and will be reviewing our services to make sure they meet the needs of the region.”

The national coach operator runs a Birmingham-based 24 hour support centre which is continually monitoring roads across Britain.

Visit the website www.nationalexpress.com to book tickets or for the most up to date service information.