Nations Expectance- national express. (National Express)

Member Name: cocorocky

Product:	National Express
Date:	12/09/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap

Disadvantages: not comfortableish

National Express

Service 035 Poole/Swanage to London Victoria.

First of all I have only been using the national express for a period of two months, therefore if you find any details inaccurate I'm very sorry, I don't think that you will lose any sleep over it- but tell me all the same via dooyoo messenger and I would gladly change the review to suit you. However, if you get too fussy, I'm sorry I may not comply.


First trip:

I was using the mobile tickets in order to get onto the coach with my return ticket. I must admin I do like the mobile tickets. However, because I am a panicky person I feel as though my phone will randomly delete the ticket- however, this is not possible.
I waited at Ringwood bus stop and waited for the coach to take me to the memorising London City. When a national express coach turnt up I assumed it was the 035 however it was a different one, late, as well as my coach. We waited for a total of 5 minutes before the coach turnt up, which is not a bad time to be waiting, really. The coach driver was VERY friendly and provided a positive and laid back atmosphere. As soon as we set off for our journey he introduced himself via loudspeaker, he brought a good sense of humour to the role by stating we were to 'behave ourselves', which is a bonus if you are anxious about the trip anyway. Anyway, the journey continued and we arrived at our destination half an hour early which certainly made up for being 5 minutes late. It was a pleasant journey and the coach wasn't crowded which is one thing I hate about the national express, when it's full, it's FULL and very cramped. The only criticism I have about the journey there was the fact that the driver did like his harsh breaking a bit too much for my liking...
The seats were relatively comfortable; however, as it was a long journey I couldn't stay in the same place for a long time without re-adjusting my positioning due to back injuries. The coach contained the older seats (non-leather) which I feel are more

On the way back:

Surprise, surprise, the tubes were running over half an hour late meaning that I would miss the coach. As soon as I knew I rang the national express to get me onto another coach, this would be possible however it wouldn't have left until 9pm which isn't a bad time, however it would arrive at it's destination at around 3am, the journey only takes two hours. This was another thing that disappointed me about the NE, however, it may not of been their fault. Therefore my darling partner was forced to get his hands in his pocket and pay for a train ticket, once again, thanks. Still a bit pissed off I arrived at my chosen destination, and starving.

Last trip:
Leather seats this time, very uncomfortable. You would have thought that if it's leather it would be comfortable- well so did i! I did like how it updated the whole coach looked.
However, waiting for the coach on the way home it took twenty-five minutes for it to show. This is a new record according to my partner; whose maximum wait has been 10 minutes for the same coach.

Overall, I feel that national express do give a good service for the price that you pay as it's much cheaper than the train and these days if you're lucky enough you can get a card which gets you money off of your trip, which is always a bonus. However as from yesterday (11/9/09) NE are providing services from Southampton to London for a 99p one way fun fare, which looks good: watch this space.

Summary: need to get somewhere fast- don't choose these.