National Express enhances services between Bristol and Birmingham via Cheltenham
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Published: 12th November 2024
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Coach firm providing nearly 200 journeys per week between Bristol and Birmingham
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Over 100 journeys per week for customers travelling to and from Bristol Airport and new transport hub at Cheltenham Arle Court
National Express has announced plans to enhance services connecting Bristol Airport with Birmingham, Gloucester, Cheltenham Arle Court park and ride, and Weston-super-Mare.
From Thursday 12 December 2024, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator is boosting direct transport for passengers heading to and from Bristol Airport, with over 100 journeys each week. Tickets start from £5.70 one-way and are available to book at www.nationalexpress.com.
Bristol Airport is currently going through a £400m upgrade, including the construction of a £60m Public Transport Interchange and car park, which will be one of the region’s largest coach and bus interchanges when complete, in summer 2025.
The enhanced route, which is being operated by National Express partner operator Edwards Coaches, will also serve Gloucestershire County Council’s new £33 million transport hub at Cheltenham Arle Court. The new park and ride site features comfortable waiting areas and accessible facilities including toilets and easy links to local bus services.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express, said:
“We continue to invest in our extensive coach network, including this newly enhanced service which is a welcome addition following the ongoing success of our existing routes to Bristol Airport, including journeys to and from South Wales, London, Plymouth and Birmingham.
“With soaring costs and disruption on the railways, more and more savvy customers are choosing National Express for reliable, great value travel and a guaranteed seat. We’re really pleased to be providing even more convenient and affordable journeys, especially as people start to make travel plans for the festive season.”
Ed Condon, Transport Development Manager for Bristol Airport, said:
“We’re really pleased to announce that we’ll be adding a new National Express route, improving sustainable connections for our customers to Gloucestershire and the West Midlands via Gloucester and Cheltenham, this Christmas and New Year and beyond.
“The new service will be welcomed by customers who live North of the Airport and will benefit from the timetable that has been crafted to match peak aircraft departures and arrivals. By next summer, when our new Public Transport Interchange is open, we’ll have more than doubled the number of coach bays, and as one of our longstanding transport partners, National Express will have a dedicated stop that customers can return to time and again.”
Cllr. David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said:
"This is exactly the kind of expansion we sought when we secured government funding to redevelop the hub, offering a significantly enhanced customer experience and reducing unnecessary traffic into Cheltenham town centre. It’s also providing more convenience for those wishing to take coach travel with a secure site to park.”
In addition to new stops at Bristol Airport and Cheltenham Arle Court, customers travelling between Bristol and Birmingham will benefit from an increase in service frequency, providing nearly 200 journeys each week.
From Thursday 12th December 2024 the following enhanced services and connections will be available:
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100 between Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham Arle Court park and Ride, Birmingham
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102 between Plymouth, Paignton, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court park and ride, Birmingham
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104 between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court park and Ride, Birmingham
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106 between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court, Birmingham
The coach operator’s investment in providing reliable, frequent and sustainable coach travel follows a 25% increase in customers turning to National Express last year, with 19 million customers travelling on its coach network during 2023.
Customers can expect a comfortable experience on board National Express’s modern coaches, including reclining leather seats, free wifi, charging sockets and a generous luggage allowance of one small soft hand luggage and one large suitcase weighing up to 20kg.
Visit www.nationalexpress.com to plan your journey and book tickets.
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National Express UK businesses:
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