Well I rate them.... (National Express)

Member Name: MichaelR

Product:	National Express
Date:	27/01/01 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, clean, comfortable, reliable

Disadvantages: Lack of hostess service on some routes

I must say that I am very surprised to see all the negative comments about National Express.

I use National Express an awful lot, and frequently over long distances (Particularly the Edinburgh to Penzance run, I travel on this coach between Glasgow and Exeter up to ten times a year)

The main reason I use them, I have to say, is the price.

The fares on National Express are very low, and in my opinion, represent excellent value for money.

The fare for the journey I mentioned would cost more than double the amount on the train, and I would also have the inconvenience of having to change trains several times, and the problems of overcrowding, lateness, etc etc.

I have never known National Express to be late on that particular route, I have travelled on some other routes where National Express coaches have been late. The only time I can remember one being severely late (i.e. over half an hour) though was when I waiting for a connecting coach in Lancaster for a journey from Dundee to Kendal.

The only real gripe that I have is that some of the long distance services do not have hostess service, and as the coach does not stop often, there is very little chance to purchase food or refreshments during the long journey.

Now, I know that National Express is by no means perfect, but I do feel that everyone else has been rather unfair to slate it in such a way.

The rail system is in total disarray at the moment, it is overpriced, trains are ALWAYS late, you invariably have to make many connections which often end up being missed due to the lack of co-ordination, the transportation is dirty, and often overcrowded, and I think that travelling by rail represents very poor value for money, is inconvenient, and poor in almost every respect.

The only viable alternative for long distance public transport is National Express, which offers sensible prices, services which run on, or very close to (in my experi
ence) time. Any changeovers are well coordinated, the vehicles are clean and comfortable, and you'll always get a seat. (if there are no seats, an extra vehicle is brought out)

National Express also has the advantage that it serves a large range of locations all over the country, including many that do not have railway stations....

I think that what you really need to consider before you book your next long-distance journey within the UK is whether you would rather pay £100 for the train service, or £40 for National Express....

I know which I would choose anyway.....

Summary: