NatEx to help Cheltenham Racecourse goers during rail strikes

National Express is to provide transport for The Festival event at Cheltenham Racecourse to ease any travel disruption caused by rail strikes.

The rail strikes announced by the RMT are set to include industrial action on Thursday 16 March, St Patrick’s Thursday at The Festival, as well as Saturday 18 March, the day after The Festival concludes.

With the industrial action highly likely to impact rail services on the days leading up to 16 and 18 March, National Express will be offering increased coach services directly to Cheltenham Racecourse for all four days of The Festival (Tuesday 14 March to Friday 17 March inclusive).

Services direct to Cheltenham Racecourse are available from over 70 locations across England and Wales. Services will arrive at and depart from Archery Field, a short walk from Cheltenham Racecourse. Stewards will be on hand to direct racegoers to the pop-up coach park for their return journeys.

“We are expecting over 20,000 passengers to travel on our coaches throughout Festival week” – Ed Rickard, Service Delivery Director at National Express

Ed Rickard, Service Delivery Director at National Express, said: “In addition to our national scheduled coach network, we also provide dedicated services to festivals and events.

“Having served The Cheltenham Festival for over ten years now we are well-positioned to help thousands of racegoers get to The Festival with minimum hassle.

“We are expecting over 20,000 passengers to travel on our coaches throughout Festival week, so we recommend that customers plan ahead and book their tickets early to guarantee a seat.”

Ian Renton, Regional Director at the Jockey Club (Cheltenham and South West), said: “We have a longstanding and excellent working relationship with National Express and the extra coach services they are providing should help ensure that racegoers’ plans are not significantly impacted by the RMT action.

“I would like to extend our thanks to National Express for their assistance in helping to make this happen.”