I'm Mega Satisfied (Megabus)

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	Megabus
Date:	03/01/09 (265 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap. Relaxing journey.

Disadvantages: Drivers can be moody or incompetent. Bus can be smelly.

I live near Newcastle Upon Tyne and I often go to London to visit relatives, friends or to see a show. I have used every transport available to get there: train, plane, car and finally bus. I initially used National Express years ago and found the experience traumatising after getting to my destination two hours late.

I decided to use Mega Bus this year because I was on a budget. The fare was £6 both ways. I booked online via the company website. When you book you are given a numerical code which you can print direct from the webpage or print via a confirmation email which is sent. You can also have this code sent in a text message to your mobile phone. You must show this code to your driver when you board the bus.

The Mega bus stops outside Central Station train station at Newcastle's Neville Street. It stops at the first bus stop in the line of stops directly outside the station. You need to be there early to get a place in line and also should be there at least ten minutes early to board in time.

You can store your luggage in the side of the bus. The bags are organised according to which stop you are disembarking at. You must make sure your bag is in the right compartment as the driver unloads the bags in each corresponding compartment at every stop.

When I boarded I sat at the back a few rows infront of the on board toilet. This was a mistake. I recommend sitting as near the front as possible as the aromas emerging from a frequently used toilet are unpleasant!

I managed to get a double seat to myself at first. There were racks above to keep coats and bags. There were several stops on route - from Sunderland to Leeds to Sheffield and a few others.

You are not allowed hot food on board although this did not stop someone from eating something very garlic-based which pervaded the entire atmosphere! I had taken a packed lunch with me. I advise anyone travelling to take food and drink as the bus does not stop anywhere.

The journey takes around six an a half hours. The final stop is Victoria Station. The bus was exactly on time and the estimated time of arrival was correct.

On my return journey I sat near the front. Our driver seemed to be in a bad temper and when two passengers showed up a little late he gave them a lecture about how he could just leave them behind. I didn't think this rant was necessary as he hadn't even started his engine.

The journey was uneventful until we stopped just outside of Sheffield to change drivers. We stopped at a service station and the driver told us we had 15 minutes spare so we could go inside and use the services if we liked. Most of us got off the bus. Ten minutes later I returned to the bus. The new driver said he'd count those aboard to see if we were ready to leave. He counted us then said to his colleage "Yes, that's everybody!" and started the engine. Just then five or six people came running out of the service station and jumped on the bus! Now, I can understand miscounting 1 or 2 people but 5 or 6 is plain daft!

When we reached Sheffield I began to notice we were taking an odd route - right through the suburbs. Our new driver was actually taking our old driver back to his home - he dropped him literally at his front door! In spite of this detour we still arrived at Newcastle ten minutes earlier than expected.

We also had a problem when we reached Sunderland interchange. There is a tiny roundabout near the station and our driver managed to turn a bit wider than he should have done and almost plough through the metal railings alongside the pavement. He then had to reverse and do a one hundred point turn to get us out of there! I have to say that I found it more amusing than worrying, though.

I do find Megabus a preferable mode of travel. It is peaceful unlike the train where people are walking down the aisles and gettting on or off or the plane where stewards are trying to sell you things! It feels much more relaxed and there is time to see the scenery!

I also feel safer about my luggage staying put as on a train I often have to sit far away from where I've left it. The toilet on board the bus is a lot cleaner (but less spacious) than any I've been in on a train and about the same as a plane toilet. The bus is a lot cleaner and the seating in a better condition than the majority of trains I've travelled on. It is also warmer and easier to sleep.

Megabus beats National Express in my opinion as the journey time (from Newcastle to London) is around 2 hours less than the National Express journey. The National Express normal prices are much more expensive too (at around £27) , although they do 'funfares' which match Mega buses £6 for a one way ticket. I recently booked and managed to get my return journey totally free - making it only £3 each way. You can't beat that!

Summary: The cheapest ride around!