National Express has announced its latest expansion and development plans to further enhance its UK coach network.
This follows the addition of 15 new routes last year, announced in April 2023.
Now, National Express has confirmed plans to deliver faster journeys between Manchester and London, enhanced services to and from Liverpool, and a new route between Yorkshire, Birmingham and London.
The company also continues to invest in its fleet, with 150 new vehicles set to hit the roads this year.
National Express is reducing journey times on its 540 coach service between Manchester and London by up to 30 minutes. This is a frequent route that already runs frequently throughout the day; however, journeys will now be more efficient where possible.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express UK and Ireland, said:With continued investment in our coach network, including these improved, faster journeys to and from Manchester, we are making it even easier for savvy travellers to save their money for their holidays, with convenient, great value travel and a guaranteed seat.
In addition, National Express is enhancing its 170 and 171 Trans Pennine coach network between Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford and Leeds.
This includes the introduction of Warrington (Hulme) to the network and commencing the service of Manchester Airport on this route.
The revised 170 and 171 timetables will be introduced on 17 May 2024. This follows enhancements to its 550 service between Liverpool and London, which now calls at Birmingham and Milton Keynes.
What’s more, National Express is further increasing its coach network coverage across the UK to include a new overnight service from Bradford to London.
The new daily 466 service connects major cities across Yorkshire with Birmingham Airport, Heathrow Airport and London.
Departing from Bradford, the 466 service calls at Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Birmingham Airport, and Heathrow Airport prior to London.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express UK and Ireland, said:More and more people are choosing to travel with National Express as a reliable, affordable and sustainable way to get around, and we're responding by investing in new vehicles and services while delivering a brilliant customer experience for a relaxing, comfortable journey.
These announcements come as National Express celebrates a year of passenger growth, with over 19 million customers travelling on its coach network in 2023. This represents a 25 percent increase in passengers, up from 15 million in 2022.
