NatEx to boost network as Megabus withdraws

National Express is boosting the number of services on key intercity and airport routes in response to Megabus’ recent withdrawal.

From 4 December, the coach operator is adding over 16,000 seats per week on some of its popular services between London and Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Leicester, London Heathrow, Newcastle, Newport, Nottingham and Manchester.

The announcement follows Megabus’ decision to pull out of running services within England and Wales on 4 December.

“We’re expecting to see strong demand and have the flexibility to add more capacity when needed, especially as people start to make travel plans for the festive season” – Ed Rickard, Network Director at National Express

Ed Rickard, Network Director at National Express, said: “We recognise the growing need for reliable, affordable and convenient public transport options. By increasing capacity and frequency on our key intercity and airport routes, we’re making it even easier for people to get to where they need to be. We’re expecting to see strong demand and have the flexibility to add more capacity when needed, especially as people start to make travel plans for the festive season.”

National Express says it had a 25% increase in customers last year, recording 19 million customers travelling on its coach network during 2023.