A Comfortable Ride Home....not

[pastafreak]

Daughter is on her way back to London on a National Express coach. She'd originally come down on Mega bus...but it was appallingly bad. So she thought she'd spend a bit more for more comfort......
Non of the sockets for computers work...the toilets are filthy(as usual),the lights are out....the heating is on full blast.....
I think a cattle car would be more comfortable. :-(

[baza]

is that why coaches are so cheap, they don't spend money on cleaning and maintaining them.

[EcclesCake]

It is years since I've travelled by coach.

My only memory is of travelling on Stagecoach in its infancy and receiving a 'lunch box', half a ham sandwich, a biscuit and a carton of juice. I can't remember the fare from Glasgow to London but it was very cheap.

I think things have changed a tad in the intervening 25yrs!

[barney4444]

Understand you feeling annoyed but as a coach driver I feel for him as he is probably getting mega earache. No matter how many times we try and explain that the toilet is only suitable for "emergency use" and cannot cope with number 2`s, but stops are made where proper facilities are available invariably someone will then block the toilet, the driver cannot then help as it needs to be dumped and cleaned. computer sockets and lights should of course be working and I can only imagine that he has the heating set to try and please everyone but of-course some will be to warm while others to cold! Not easy job I assure you. .

[pastafreak]

I'm sure its not easy being the driver...she felt driver should apologise for bad conditions. Oh...and there was neither running water or paper in the loo. Good thing I supplied her with hand wipes and gel, and andrex wipes....
I don't care if it is considered a cheap means of transport...it should still be clean and comfortable.

[Eve]

I've not ventured on a coach for a while, I think my record was Leeds to Brighton and back in a day, 8 hours each way...never again!

Last time I used one was on Boxing Day and a 5 hours journey turned into 8 hours due to a broken coach and delays, just so very glad they had done up Digbeth Coach station in Birmingham and could at least huddle in there for a bit, so much better than the shed it used to be.

I must admit though the coaches I went on were all nice and clean, can't say I tried the "facilities" though so can't comment on that.

[fairycakes69]

My hubby took the mega bus from Dundee to London and back the next day. Never again, yes it was very cheap, but so not worth the very long uncomfortable journey.

[DaisyNonna]

Once took a coach from South Coast to Peterlee (Co.Durham). The most miserable journey of my life (have made quite a few). At one point had to change fro coach to Double Decker bus. Obviously no loo, no lights, no heating and no stops. (Running late.)
It sounded quite civilised when I booked.

[pastafreak]

At least my daughters coach arrived 49 minutes early. I joked that the driver was desperate to get to a clean loo.

[237SJ]

I`ve used the National Express quite a bit in the past. I used to go from London to Devon every Friday night on it when I first moved away. They had the hostess on it in those days. I use it about once a year now but I`ve never had any complaints. It`s a pain when they occasionally break down but that can happen anywhere. It`s a darn sight cheaper than the train, that`s for sure.

[giveup]

Once went to Slovenia on a coach---god it was awful

[craft1948]

Been to Italy and Spain by coach..............excellent facilities. When we came back from Italy the coach was supposed to end up in Leeds but the driver told me and my mate to stay on the bus. He then drove us to my house in York!!

[glenbar]

Have used National Express for years, Coventry to Portsmouth. Have never used the loos and have no complaints, in fact I think they are great value for money.