I think one thing about coach travel is demonstrated so well in these videos. I watched the video of flixbus and anxiously booked one last Sunday from Nottingham to London (early start following the rail strike). The coach was on time, took a little over 3h to get to Finchley Road, and an easy onward underground journey. All for £7. The bus was owned by Tiger European, in flixbus livery, immaculately clean, the driver was friendly and humorous. I really couldn't fault it. The main risk seems to be variability of the quality of service.
Hi Andrew, yep totally agree with your last point though I reckon now I’ve had more good journeys than bad. One of the key issues I’ve noticed appears to be the over-selling of tickets and/or double-booking seats. Any complaints of course, the driver gets the brunt of it though it’s not his/her fault. Your Flixbus trip seemed a lot better than mine but I will be travelling with them again soon. Watch this space!
This was something I tried b/c of the frugal cost of going from Bham to LHR in early September during a week day in the mid morning departure. I could see the train station I'd used before, but chose this method because of your recommendations. I did not have a good experience this time. The bus was late and the toilet was broken. I used the train for a medium price to travel in November from Bham to Euston, but it was such a better experience and wasn't that much more costly. Thanks for enduring these experiences for us to make good decisions.
The reason (probably) why the driver put up a 'not in service' sign is because he doesn't want people to get on the bus yet. Either because he wanted to have his breakfast/lunch/dinnner, because he had to clean the bus first, or simply because it's easier to keep track of both passengers and luggage if they all board the bus at about the same time. Or maybe he just doesn't like passengers. Yep, that's the one ! Trust me, I'm a busdriver. :)
I can’t believe there are bus drivers around that don’t like passengers! 😂😂 yeh, not sure here it had come from but it was definitely nice and clean when I got on. And everyone needs to have lunch don’t they.
Lol I'm one for not liking passengers. Majority of them are rude and ignorant but then it's nice change when you get a nice passenger. I do nights and deal with loads of road closures and get nothing but constant abuse because I'm late not only that passengers trash your coach even when you put bin bags out.
I use national express or megabus. Both good service. Main reason is I find motorway driving tiring then driving around city or towns. Plus as he mentioned u can kick back relax sleep. Charge your phone. (I have my own power bank in case)
Hi nirvanafan500 and thanks for the kind words. Much appreciate the comment and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel (great band Nirvana were btw). Cheers 😊👍
We tend to send a lot of our drivers down the A435 too. Especially during peak times when the motorways around Birmingham are pretty bad. M6 By J6 and the Airport Junctions in particular. May be slower to start with but end up joining a much quieter part of the network 👍
Cheers Ashley, yep going by the comments I've had on here it seems to be generally the preferred option. I'm glad I asked tbh because all the answers I've had do make sense - especially if there's snarl-ups on the M6, M42 which I think was the case on the day I travelled anyway.
Absolutely brilliant video mark thanks for sharing mate ❤ also you’ve gone that way to avoid the chaos on the M6 and such route I think also you had a coach pass you of same design 6:40 that was bound for Southampton as they have the contract for the cruise liners for most of north west I think taking them and bringing them home cheers mark 🤜🤛
Cheers Rocky, tell you what that would be a great trip with something to look forward to at the end! Might have to try a cruise at some point, not sure it’s me but you never know!
My only non-charter coach trip from London to Birmingham was in the 1980s/90s when London Transport and West Midlands Transport set up a joint venture with MCW Metroliner double deck coaches. from Victoria Bus Station to Colmore Road. It was £5 then with use of all WMT buses for the day. The last time I used it was on a December day when on the trip back there was a delay as the nominated coach wouldn't start and a reserve that had been standing in the cold was used. It hadn't heated up much and didn't do so until half way back. The driver tried to make up time and the film that was being shown on TV screens around it hadn't finished when we got to Victoria so it must have taken between 2 and 3 hours. A Megabus trip from Exeter to London via Bath service station ( to change drivers) was so early back to Victoria coach station and I managed to get he train home (2 stops) and get to my front door by the time the coach had been due to get to London.
Sound like great memories Brian. I must admit, they’re becoming some of my best memories too, sometimes in a good way, occasionally in a really bad way 🤣 This was one pretty good overall. I won’t bore you with it now but 48 hours on Greyhounds from Toronto to St Pete’s, Fl (then back again) was definitely an endurance test. Couldn’t do it these days!
Cheers Tim, yeh, same here. I think if you’re already sat there, it’s harder to just get up and move when someone else comes and sits next to you as it just feels a bit rude. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me and I don’t want to risk causing offence. If I was the other person though, it wouldn’t have felt like that. Does that make sense? Maybe it’s just me 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTripit makes perfect sense. I agree, if the person decides to sit next to me then I would find it very awkward to make my excuses and move. On the other hand if I'm boarding I'd never purposefully look to sit next to someone when there's a coach load of empty seats.
Great video. I live in Birmingham, and it is handy having the Megabus stop on Brunel Street. I won a competition to name one of the Buses Jenson Busson.
Wow, amazing! I saw that one on the list earlier on but I’d never have thought one of my esteemed subs would have named it. Brilliant and congratulations! 😊👏👏👏
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thankyou. I won 2 return fares on any Megabus trip in the Uk. I only went to Leeds from Birmingham, as can't go too far on a Coach, as I get Coach sick.
I am mate, hope you are too! Yep, really enjoyed this Megabus trip and I wasn't in much of a rush so no worries about it being late. That was traffic anyway so it would have affected anyone taking that route.
Well done , Mark . Megabus ( like Wetherspoons and Ryanair ) are frequently knocked - sometimes deservedly so . However , that was a smooth journey . If it hadn't been for the 48 minute delay it would have been almost perfect . Decent price for a trip to a majot airport . Prices from London generally seem to be a real bargain with Megabus . Mind you , departing some northern cities ( Leeds to Glasgow for example ) it is a different story . Food for thought ! Many thanks and good health .
Thanks mate, yep I enjoyed the journey and I’m glad I tried them again after the last one! Probably still go to LHR by train-underground in the future but if I’ve got time to spare I’ll definitely consider the coach again. All the best, Mark 😊👍
Heh, love the name, and is so like what Linburg's (Derby / Nottingham / Sheffield, was previously with Flixbus, but due to a contractual issue, they now drive for Megabus, mostly on the Nottingham route) often do on their coaches. I can remember rather comically referring to a driver as Baldric on the last Flixbus I took (Was the coach's name, which was an ex Sheerings Merc, and fantastic it was too), much to the guy's amusement.
Cheers John, yep absolutely fine this coach no probs at all. Yes and I think, we’ll I got the impression, the driver enjoyed his job - he was friendly and helpful (as were the staff in Birmingham).
Hi Angela, thanks for the comment. I haven’t tried that particular route but I am interested in the Citylink service - supposed to have really nice buses. I’ll hopefully get up there again soon so watch this space 😊👍
We generally check on Google whatever way is quicker before deciding which way to go out of Birmingham. It usually takes around 30 mins from Brunel St to the M40 whether it’s A435 or M6/M42 we use. I usually choose the 435 as if I get stuck in traffic there I can find an alternative but the motorway can be brutal if traffic grinds to a halt.
Hi Andrew - good point about the flexibility non-motorway routes give you. I commuted to Birmingham for 3 years and I must’ve tried every which way out of the centre and ultimately, they were all much the same! Fortunately I don’t have to do that anymore 👍
I travelled on the M10 service between Heathrow and London Victoria with Megabus and not only the WiFi wasn't working, but even the charging ports. Yet at least I had booked an upper deck seat and could enjoy the view. The interdecks are indeed amazing coaches and I'd love to have another one on my next trip. It is cheap, but at the same time it has often good value for money Next Megabus trip I will have will be between Manchester and Leeds next week, then I'll be trying Itabus between Florence and Bergamo Airport in Italy next month
Itabus, hmm interesting. I think the WIFI thing now is just a non-starter for me. No success whatsoever 🤣 but everything else worked tbf. Yes it’s basic but this time round I was happy with what I got for the price. Leeds is somewhere I’d like to go by coach, maybe Flixbus 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip The WiFi on Flixbus kind of worked for me, as did the charging ports. Yet what was a bit unplanned in that case with Flixbus was the stop to drop off a member of staff somewhere in Alsace, which delayed us by 30 minutes, but to be fair, it was a good journey
I bloody love your channel , it helps no end, i'm planning my next trip to thailand in 2024, i always fly LHR/BKK direct with thai or eva airways, flight departure times are 11.50 am and 21.30 pm,.ive done the national express trip from telford @11.50 with eta LHR@18.00,.good service and good price , but i dont want to go into londons victoria coach stn to have to return to LHR, so this megabus route might be my solution, i could get train from gobowen station to b,ham new st and get the megabus to LHR, it would be ideal for catching the 21.30 flight and would leave an ample time for any en route delays,. The earlier flight times a different mater, i usually travel to stay at my sons house in barnes the night before, i dont like chancing an early morning trip from home, to many variables to go wrong and i like to be at airport at least 3 hours before flight,.cheers,.
Haha, yeh ngl I thought I’d go for an easier option this time and it was nice to get on a proper branded Megabus. Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised because as well as the coach itself, it was a lot cheaper than NX.
There *was* two that made me laugh - Bussy Galore and Octobussy, both owned by MP Travel on behalf of Megabus. They’ve since been sold and don’t do megabus services anymore. Good video!
Love the way you inspect the loos. Many of the long coach trips I have been on, the driver implores us not to do Number two's.! Seemed like a pleasant trip.! Yes, I would have moved seats once I knew nobody else was getting on. I suspect your next door companion was a stickler for the 'rules'. Probably had braces on his underpants.
Haha, yes Keith, probably was. I haven’t experienced the delights of someone visiting the loo for an ‘extended period of time’ yet, I’m sure it will happen at some point. All I would say is it’s probably the main reason you wouldn’t want to sit near them! Cheers for the comment.
Interesting watch I used to drive both Bussy Galore & Octobussy on the megabus network, the A435 is sometimes taken as an alternative in/out of Birmingham when traffic data on the likes of national highways is showing the M42 is at a standstill between junctions 3A-7 which can give a quicker journey time to the northern end of the M40
Hi Jonny, cheers for the comment. Both great names those I thought and yes I think there were one or two comments about problems on the M42 that day. Glad I asked the question because I've had a few comments from drivers as a result and got a bit of an insight into what goes on in this respect. Tbh, I trust you as professional drivers to choose the best route for the conditions on the day which is what happens by the looks of it. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip no worries, checking what the traffic is like ahead when it’s safe to do so can aid with a more pleasant and hopefully punctual journey. Although traffic has its other ideas at times which can be rather annoying from both a passenger & driver perspective
honestly i agree ive really come around to coach companies the prices they offer are so much better than the trains and once you get on you can just sit back and relax. no stress of changing trains or ticket inspectors
Hello. Lovely scenery again and such good value. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Are u planning trips to Norfolk at all. Music was very soothing too. Do u have your wife on some trips now the weather is getting better. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, I’m actually in Norwich atm! Heading up to Cromer and then back down to Manningtree before taking the train to Harwich later this evening for the night boat 👍
Great trip. Your bus model/type in some countries called Low Drive, meaning only the driver cab is occupied the lower floor, meanwhile the higher floor is dedicated for passengers only. This type of the bus has advantage to bring huge luggage or even cargo inside the bagage compartment, suitable for bus company who also run cargo delivery. In my country, this type of the bus has various name, depend from body builder it manufactured, but mostly we called it UHD (Ultra High Deck). To be honest, if I have reserved seat but when the coach has plenty unoccupied seat, I will seat on it for a while until the original owner came or until onboard tickets checking (rare moment).
Thanks very much for the comment, very interesting to hear what these are called in different countries too 👍 agree about the seating and yep, I’ve yet to see any ticket inspections as in my experience, they’re just done before entering the coach. Cheers 😊
I remember when Mega Bus first started and they advertised Birmingham to London for £1 plus 50p booking fee. Their first fleet were just old stock double decker buses (possibly West Midland Travel) spray painted blue.
The driver was on a break and the reason we go through kingsheath is the traffic on the m6 and m42 out of Birmingham can be like a carpark but I am glad you enjoyed your journey
Due to ridiculous train prices my partner and I used Megabus from Preston to Birmingham in January. On the way out it was over an hour late, coming back no complaints though.
Note the standard Stagecoach patterned seats and flooring! With Citylink there isn’t a seat reservation, just sit wherever you fancy, in Scotland Citylink and Megabus are combined in the same vehicle. Nice scenery in your video
Didn't register the seat moquette being Stagecoach. As you know, I'm itching to get up there and try Citylink out - just got to find the time (as per usual)! 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it is hit and miss with Citylink, when you book tickets online it will generally say who is actually operating the particular service usually Stagecoach, Parks of Hamilton, or someone else Inverness South, if it’s the modern double decker they amazing and very comfortable, the single deck coaches are older and don’t have the modcons but still comfortable. The drivers are also some real characters with Glaswegian humour thrown in!
@@LetsMakeaTrip I had that experience of the Citylink coaches strangely at Derby in summer 2018, where I was working on the resignaling project, where Stagecoach sent a number of their Scottish units down, registered out of their Barnsley / Lincoln site, said units being displaced by new Plaxtons in Scotland at the time.
That was one big thing to be said for social distancing; you didn't have people squeezing next to you. But freezing cold air or heating up to the absolute maximum seems to be a major problem with coach travel; that and the vogue for seats to be as firm as possible (also s major complaint on trains)
The good old days of social distancing! Yep, you could at least move to the aisle seat in those days though I would have on this trip if the guy sitting next to me had fancied two seats to himself somewhere else on the coach. It wasn’t exactly rammed!
Hi Simon, thanks for the comment good to hear people (most people I think) enjoy the coach trips and yep, tbh, they tend to get consistently more views than my other stuff though I’ve got no idea why! This means I’m going to be doing a few more I guess! Megabus do have a live tracker, not sure if it tells you the reason for the delay or not. Didn’t cross my mind to use it tbh (probably because I wasn’t in any particular rush). I don’t think I’d ever book a coach trip if I had a tight connection at the other end - unnecessary stress!
@@LetsMakeaTrip You commented about turning off the motorway at Oxford and heading down through country roads to Reading. There was probably a reason for this, as I have found on other Megabus services over the years, ie, drivers can be updated by their Control Centre as to road delays or holdups due to accidents ahead on the original route, allowing drivers to take alternative diversionary routes to avoid delays. On several trips using the M6 north from Birmingham, closures miles ahead due to accidents, were updated to the driver, who was then able to divert onto relatively parallel routes. Yes, it did mean travelling through town centres and rural roads but at least we kept moving. On a separate note, Megabus uses Brunel St in Birmingham as the city doesn't have a major Coach Station of its own (Digbeth is exclusively for National Express as they own it and have their UK Head Office there too!). But gaining the stands on Brunel Street is a plus, as it's only a 2 minute walk to New Street Station and further on from there, Moor Street Station is only another five minutes walk. Tip: If you walk down to the foot of Brunel Street, look across the road and you'll see a Sainsbury's Store, where you can buy all your snacks, drinks etc for the journey. Much cheaper than purchasing everything at the over-priced outlets in nearby New Street Station.
@@iainjones5002 cheers Iain for all this useful info. Definitely right about the quickest route these days I guess they’ve got the technology on the dash as well to advise on route conditions. Like you said, interesting routes sometimes but so long as it gets there safe and reasonably efficiently I don’t mind either way. And yes, I used that sainsbury’s before boarded - very handy. Cheers 😊👍
Nice one. So a much better experience than the last Megabus! I noticed the Pokémon McDonald's Happy Meal box on the floor - did it belong to the kids in front, or just rubbish that hadn't been cleaned up?
Thanks mate - yes a smile of relief tbh and it was just slightly quieter than the last one! Yep, mother and her child in the front row - couldn't help thinking that must have been a fantastic trip for the youngster. They sounded like they really enjoyed it too 🙂
If you want to know anything cool, Sir Brian Souter the guy that founded stagecoach made his mark in NZ. With his investment company in 2015 and with stagecoach in 1999-2003. Story short he basically did Megabus in New Zealand and ran some local bus services. He made the competitors run cheaper services and only stopped when he got bought out. Do this day his fleet of buses still run intercity except with lower quality services. (Cracked windscreens, no stops for 12 hour rides).
The big Gold Intercity buses are 2 deckers,, very Business class downstairs, wi fi all over .. the roam the main routes of the country.. they have toilets I believe,, and in the absence of affordable trains ( ie not charging tourist prices)... or any trains, in fact... are as good a way as you'll find to explore the country with knowledgeable drivers. ..... Was he the guy who ran the big red Megabuses..long gone now..
I drove the NX 160 service for a while (which is what you showed going in the other direction) I found that that way was the best way in and out of Brum if heading to the South..
Interesting Dave, thanks. I guess it depends on the time of day (and day too) to a certain extent how busy the road's going to be. And I presume with coach travel, potential delays are factored into the journey times? That seems to be my experience anyway. Cheers for the comment - much appreciated.
The reason why Megabus is so cheap is because it takes a longer route so it takes longer to get to your destination! Having said that in all honesty I don't mind that although I'm yet to take a megabus.thank you for your video I really appreciated learning more about how Megabus operate. Positivity peace and love ♥️
To recline the seat, you push the button forward and push your back backwards. It doesn't go far. The AC always seems to blow cold down over the windows. I've done a nimber of trips Newcastle on Tyne to Brum - 6 hours, and a few back! I also have an hours bus trip either side of it to get to and from, so eight hours on the road altogether, but I'm not complaining. It's cheaper than the car, and someone else is doing the driving!
Thanks Julie. Yep, it's all about not being in a rush really and trying to relax. If you can do that, coach should be preferred option for low cost travel.
Yes I’ve done that trip for a similar price then paid a bit extra for the front seat (see my earlier video) Well worth the money and best coach I’ve taken in the UK so far. Cheers.
Nice vid as always.megabus are a steady bus company never had probs with them but the worst is definatly flixbus shocking bus company.where were you flying to?
Hi John, out to Zagreb. I’ll be putting out a couple of train videos from that trip shortly. I’m also going to be doing another Flixbus video soon so yep, let’s see if they’ve improved since my last one! Cheers.
Megabus has it's place. When I couldn't afford other popular coaches to go anywhere or Trains, the Megabus was my rescue as I didn’t drive for a longtime. Now I can drive I avoid public transport unless car is in the garage. I think the Megabus is cost efficient on your pocket if you have no other means of getting to somewhere or if your on a tight budget, which was why they came in effect in the first place.
Yep totally agree. And like I say, this was a pretty decent service down to LHR. Providing you're not on a tight connection, it'll be fine (and cheap).
Lol, we’ve all had that annoying passenger next to us, with a reserved ticket, but doesn’t budge - because it’s reserved despite the bus or train being empty!!!😅
A Lucketts Travel coach on the way out of Birmingham, parked . I work for them. The coach marked out of service as may of been changing Drivers , using the Toilet, cleaning g coach or just having a short break
Cheers HC, yes I think all of the above could have applied to the out of service coach based on the comments I've seen on here. Didn't know you worked for Lucketts Travel, maybe I'll see you on a trip sometime!
I've been on the NE 210 Brum to Heathrow, and back on return, absolutely sound service but of course it was around £28-30 return iirc. Never tried the train for Heathrow trips. As much as I prefer trains it seems much easier via the coach.
I think you’re right in so much as once you’re on the coach, it takes you straight there. You don’t have to fight your way through the tube. Time-wise, it takes a bit longer though even with that.
I had that situation at the cinema with the seating, my boyfriend and I were in our seats and a couple sat tight next to us, the cinema was practically empty 🙄🙄
I can answer the ventilation question as well. The Plaxtons for some reason blow continuous cold air out the sides to keep an ambient temperature as the Plaxton has underfloor heating ......it's supposed to keep it at a steady 22 degrees....Been a Coach driver for 31 years i'm a huge Plaxton fan....The Fainsa seats fitted are indeed some of the most comfortable seats you wil ever sit in
Hi Lee, yep, I thought it was more than comfortable- some great views from the higher seating position too. If I had a spare seat next to me, I would have moved across out of the way of the window and the cold air but, yep, all-in-all a really positive experience.
I took them overnight from London to Manchester which took the route you are taking in reverse with a stop at Heathrow, Reading, Birmingham Airport before Birmingham. I paid £2 extra for extra leg room which was generous. The coach was very good but the seat was not as comfy as National Express. Having said that I did sleep quite a bit. It would have been nice to stop at a services but unlike NE Megabus don’t.
I agree, NX seats seem to be a bit more comfortable though I didn't have any real issue with Megabus and the leg room was pretty good. I wish I could sleep on these coaches but have struggled a bit so far!
After your last experiences on the bus I didn't think I would ever see you on one again, it would only be dire poverty and urgent need that would get me on one again, stay safe and cheers.
Funny you thought that the other person in number 7 didn't want to move, you could have moved too. 🙂Great video but the traffic does make me think twice about doing coach.
Yeh but don’t you think it would be weird to just get up and move? Maybe it’s just me but I’d think I was causing offence - for example moving because he was giving off a bad odour or something 😂 I dunno, maybe it’s a ‘British thing’ 🤷♂️
I'm watching this on 19/9/22, and have made a return trip with Megabus this weekend. Norwich (home) to Brunel St Brum on Friday, back home on Sunday, and had a very similar experience. Coincidentally, it was the same coach both ways, but different drivers, both of whom were pleasant and efficient. Fridays Norwich to Brum leg was delayed by 20-25 minutes, most likely by traffic and roadworks on the Brum to Norwich leg (one return journey per day, with the Lye based driver (Although branded Megabus, this service is run by Stagecoach of Lye) having to take his statutory/legal 45 minute break in Norwich, irrespective of arrival and departure times, during which time he should be permitted to do as he pleases, including legitimately refusing passengers access to the bus, when they automatically become his responsibility, and therefore classed as work by definition of drivers hours laws, meaning that he would have to start afresh his 45 minute break, causing even more delay!. Everyone is entitled to an uninterrupted lunch break, and the driver would be in breach of regulations if he were to perform any of his work tasks during that time. Plus, who of us like our breaks being interrupted?! Some passengers were understandably disgruntled by the delay, and I could've done without it, but as a former HGV driver of 28yrs working under the same hours regulations, I twigged the situation and waited patiently, despite the blooming cold and rain!). We arrived at Brunel St at 2045, 35 minutes behind schedule, but in one piece, and courtesy of a driver who did all he could to make up a little time in circumstances beyond his control, and who, understandably, probably wanted to be getting home after a long day as much as we wanted to reach our final destinations. We experienced heavy traffic a couple of times on that journey. Typical Friday afternoon/evening stuff. Sundays return leg left Brunel St on time (1110) and arrived at Norwich bus station a couple of minutes before the scheduled time (1510 or 1515, can't remember already!). Spot on. Both legs include en route stops at Coventry Pool Meadow, Cambridge Jesus College, and Norwich UEA. From Lye back to Lye, that's a big day for the driver, and almost certainly getting close to the standard legal limit of 9hrs driving per day, which can be extended 2x a week to 10hrs which must include 2x45min breaks (4.5hr maximum constant or accumulated driving before 45 mins must be taken),, but then there is a fortnightly limit of 90hrs driving. eg: This week, 5 trips @ 3x9 + 2x10hrs driving (heavy traffic days) = 56 hrs. That means that last and next week's totals cannot be more than 34 hrs each.... They must rotate the drivers between short and long haul. Tricky business, given the nationwide shortage of all kinds of drivers. At a guesstimate, the drivers will be working 11-12 hours a day minimum. I hope that anyone reading this takes into account the long hours the drivers work next time one unintentionally snaps or causes offence when asked a daft question or given lip by a petulant passenger... (Edit 21/9/22: my mathematics are shamefully awry. 3x9 + 2x10=47.... Explanation in subsequent comment...) Had exactly the same issue both ways re the aircon. No idea what that's about, and along with slightly uncomfortable seats, the only gripe. Amusement was provided on the Norwich to Brum leg by a chap a couple of seats behind me who was obviously listening to a favourite songs mix and decided to practice his karaoke skills. Shame he was a key or two out! On the brum to Norwich leg, the driver treated us to commercial radio, including Smooth, Heart, and probably 1.5 hrs worth of ads on the 4 hr journey! £33.10 return, including reserving a window seat (unnecessarily, as it turned out) for £1 on the return journey. Would I do it again? Yup. Way cheaper than the train, and for my occasional social visits to the Midlands where time isn't life or death, no hassle. Thanks for another great video, and apologies for the essay!🤣😉👍
Hi Simon, many thanks for the comprehensive reply. Appreciate you putting all this in writing because it certainly helps me to understand the amount of driving regulations out there and how strictly they must be adhered to (and that’s a good thing right!). I hope as many people read this as possible and yep, I haven’t encountered many irritating passengers yet on my somewhat limited ‘coach voyages of discovery’ but I would imagine they would be either just social idiots and/or in a rush. The one thing I have learnt (which you also allude to here) is that you don’t want to be in a rush to get anywhere on the coach. I know when I board a coach that it’s probably not going to be the fastest way of getting to where I want to go but when I can just sit back and not worry if we’re late, I enjoy the journey much more. And of course the price helps! I’ll be doing a few more coaches in future as they seem to do well on the channel so if you have any recommendations (good or bad), please let me know. Cheers again, Mark 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks for the reply Mark. I just read my comment again and noticed an error with the drivers' hours calculations..... I stated that 3x9 + 2x10= 56hrs! Let's try 47! 56hrs is the maximum permitted if the driver works 6 shifts per week, also the maximum permitted. 45hrs rest must be taken between weekly shifts, which can be reduced to 24hrs, provided the 21hr reduction is compensated for en bloc by the end of the third week following. Not complicated at all!🤣😉 And a small insight into the volume of work these guys endure. Those 6 days could also include the maximum of 3x13hrs + 3x15hrs daily duty periods (9-11hrs rest in 24)! 84hrs p/w! Their salaries sound pretty good until you consider the hours involved. And are probably at best equal to, but likely less than those of the train drivers currently disputing over pay..... My coach trip experience is also quite limited, and travel is currently dictated by finances and no personal vehicular transport at the moment (mind you, the fuel would've cost more than 2x the coach fare!). I would've preferred to take the train to Brum, primarily for comfort reasons, but it was almost 3x the cost of the coach. One thing I forgot to mention about the weekends journeys was inability to connect to the onboard wifi, something other people have already mentioned in the comments, and seemingly quite common. It's the same on the buses locally. Thanks again Mark 👍
Not really comparison, but, I took Megabus from Detroit to Chicago in 2018, because Amtrak (which I usually take) was several times as much at that time, and I got a front row seat for only $8 (about 6+ quid) because I booked several months ahead! I liked the comfort of the seat and the WIFI did work well, we only stopped once on the four + hour trip, outside Ann Arbor. The bus stopped just 2 blocks below Union Station (rail) and a block from the Clinton Street CTA Blue Line (subway) which I take to O'Hare. I would have taken again but Megabus dropped Detroit when the COVID craziness hit, and they haven't returned. Sad I lost an alternative way to get to Chi-town cheap. I just have Amtrak, Greyhound takes forever, for some reason, to get from Detroit to Chicago, it takes a circuitous route, I suppose. Cheers!
There better be a Coachy McCoachface..... Well I'm glad you saw the good side of Megabus after the last shocking experience 😆👍🏻 and you could have always moved seats mate 😂
spot on mark the person sitting next to you was strange , no problem moving if the bus is not full strange indeed , notice that eavesway coach that passed you was empty , long way from st helens to be going around empty .
Yeh, I would've moved once the coach had started on its way and just said to whoever was already sitting in the seat that I was just doing it to give us both more space. I've done that on the plane before - it's nothing personal, just helps both of us out! Weird really but there you go. I thought that Eavesway coach was on a charter somewhere but tbh, I didn't notice whether it was empty or not - well spotted!
I think some people have a mindset it’s my seat and I’ll sit on it. Or they think it’s a bad thing to move from their reserved seat. That’s why I don’t bother with the seat reservation and sit and back
Yes I never tried the Megabus gold service - that would’ve been something! NX do have a larger network and tbh I’ll probably tend to take more of those journeys than any other in the future too.
I took the Megabus from Edinburgh to Durham and back a couple of weeks ago as train services are currently such a mess. I'm not a big fan of coach travel, but the coach was nice enough - it looked identical to the one in this video - and it was bearable for the just over three hours it took each way. I wouldn't dream of doing the full 10+ hour journey from Glasgow to London that the coach was doing though, unless there was absolutely no alternative and I really really had to be there. The service bears similarities to the EasyJet Edinburgh-London flights; OK for short journeys but you wouldn't want to spend an extended time on them.
I’ve done about three hours on Easyjet - no probs with that. I’m going to try another couple of long coach journeys and I’ve no doubt if one is a Megabus, it will be similar unless it’s contracted out. I like the branded ones, very good experiences so far 👍
Taken Megabus from and to Manchester and London Victoria Coach station. Overall not bad. You might get there a bit late, wherever it is. Coach broke down once. And they NEVER give refunds. They say that if they gave refunds, they'd lose money. So if for any reason you can't get there on time. Or want to changed your reservation. Just tough.
Something for the record: We do not have any premium coach services in the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Spain and now the United States, have woken up to the fact that premium coach services are what the car drivers' is looking for interms of alternatives to the use of the car. The premium coach services, are proving extremely popular, across the globe.
Yep, the closest I reckon we’ve got atm is maybe Berry’s Superliner service between Devon, the West Country and London. Check out their website, I’m gonna be travelling with them next month to see what it’s like. I’ve heard good things so I guess we’ll see! 😊👍
Great coach video mate the reason why you didn't go on the m6 is because the was a petrol leak from a vehicle near Junction 10 I think so that's why an alternative route through Birmingham to the M42.
Thanks FG, I was wondering if there was something going on which could also have caused some of the build-up around the M42/M40 junction? Nice one, appreciated 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it’s alright people would of took that route that the megabus driver did as it’s quite easy that’s why there was a pile up of traffic when you got on.
Unbeatable price but taking the train need not cost £50 as you mentioned. Just now (2200 hrs Thursday) I checked Chiltern Trains from B'ham (Moor Street) to Marylebone for two weeks ahead (Friday October 7) and you can buy an Advance ticket for a mere £12. Price sourced from Chiltern's website.
Hi Alex, yes undoubtedly there are cheaper rail fares - especially if you’re flexible. I was looking at around the same time and adding on the underground fare to LHR but yep appreciate you can get it cheaper. And Chiltern would definitely be my goto company for that even with the walk from New St to Moor St. Cheers for the comment as always 👍
It had not in service showing because the driver has every right to a break between journeys and he displays the details of the next service when he is ready to commence boarding.
Top Tip for Megabus to make it cheaper. But a ticket to London Victoria but get off at Heathrow. The last time I went to London it cost £4 for Bristol to London Victoria but £12 for Bristol LHR. The bus goes through Heathrow before Victoria.
Digbeth isn't far to walk from New Street,10 minutes if you know where you are going.When I first went to Digbeth it also use to be a bus depot for the Midland Red and was quite scruffy but it's much nicer now better than bus stops in the street and easier to find.The Megabus in Newcastle stops in the street but the National Express uses a little bus station which replaced the old United one at Gallowgate.I use to live in Oxford and that road you went on is probably the quickest way the other way is down the green sign motorway called the A34 but it comes out west of Reading nearer to Newbury.
National Express tend to use the bus stations don't they. I wonder if there's some kind of cost implications or rules that stop the likes of Megabus or Flixbus in that respect or maybe it's just capacity as you get plenty of them down at Victoria in London?
@@LetsMakeaTrip it's because National Express own many of the bus stations like Digbeth, Newcastle, Manchester and others so they won't let other rival bus companies use them.They inherented them from the former National Bus Company.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yep it will be on cost. Case in point with the reopened Nottingham Broardmarsh (Drivers from TrentBarton especially hate the place, as it's poorly designed), barring local operator TrentBarton and NX, all coaches pick up from Greyfriar Street, next to the NCP carpark, Maid Marian Way.
I think one thing about coach travel is demonstrated so well in these videos. I watched the video of flixbus and anxiously booked one last Sunday from Nottingham to London (early start following the rail strike). The coach was on time, took a little over 3h to get to Finchley Road, and an easy onward underground journey. All for £7. The bus was owned by Tiger European, in flixbus livery, immaculately clean, the driver was friendly and humorous. I really couldn't fault it. The main risk seems to be variability of the quality of service.
Hi Andrew, yep totally agree with your last point though I reckon now I’ve had more good journeys than bad. One of the key issues I’ve noticed appears to be the over-selling of tickets and/or double-booking seats. Any complaints of course, the driver gets the brunt of it though it’s not his/her fault. Your Flixbus trip seemed a lot better than mine but I will be travelling with them again soon. Watch this space!
This was something I tried b/c of the frugal cost of going from Bham to LHR in early September during a week day in the mid morning departure. I could see the train station I'd used before, but chose this method because of your recommendations. I did not have a good experience this time. The bus was late and the toilet was broken. I used the train for a medium price to travel in November from Bham to Euston, but it was such a better experience and wasn't that much more costly. Thanks for enduring these experiences for us to make good decisions.
The reason (probably) why the driver put up a 'not in service' sign is because he doesn't want people to get on the bus yet. Either because he wanted to have his breakfast/lunch/dinnner, because he had to clean the bus first, or simply because it's easier to keep track of both passengers and luggage if they all board the bus at about the same time. Or maybe he just doesn't like passengers. Yep, that's the one ! Trust me, I'm a busdriver. :)
I can’t believe there are bus drivers around that don’t like passengers! 😂😂 yeh, not sure here it had come from but it was definitely nice and clean when I got on. And everyone needs to have lunch don’t they.
Lol I'm one for not liking passengers. Majority of them are rude and ignorant but then it's nice change when you get a nice passenger.
I do nights and deal with loads of road closures and get nothing but constant abuse because I'm late not only that passengers trash your coach even when you put bin bags out.
@@mikeyboy200606 shows up the kind of passenger who uses the coach unfortunately, demographic thing.
@@mikeyboy200606 yep, you get that on the trains too - especially late at night. I wonder why 🤔
I use national express or megabus. Both good service. Main reason is I find motorway driving tiring then driving around city or towns. Plus as he mentioned u can kick back relax sleep. Charge your phone. (I have my own power bank in case)
Found your channel recently and glad of it. Great to see your journeys you’ve documented. your commentary’s are great too. Look forward to more.
Hi nirvanafan500 and thanks for the kind words. Much appreciate the comment and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel (great band Nirvana were btw). Cheers 😊👍
Thank you for sharing. Much appreciated. I was thinking about taking the coach from London up north. Looking forward to more videos 🙌
Pleasure’s all mine. Glad you enjoyed it and cheers for the comment 😊👍
Excellent review, and a great insight into the alternative to train travel.
Cheers Scorpion, thanks for the comment!
We tend to send a lot of our drivers down the A435 too. Especially during peak times when the motorways around Birmingham are pretty bad. M6 By J6 and the Airport Junctions in particular. May be slower to start with but end up joining a much quieter part of the network 👍
Cheers Ashley, yep going by the comments I've had on here it seems to be generally the preferred option. I'm glad I asked tbh because all the answers I've had do make sense - especially if there's snarl-ups on the M6, M42 which I think was the case on the day I travelled anyway.
Absolutely brilliant video mark thanks for sharing mate ❤
also you’ve gone that way to avoid the chaos on the M6 and such route I think also you had a coach pass you of same design 6:40 that was bound for Southampton as they have the contract for the cruise liners for most of north west I think taking them and bringing them home cheers mark 🤜🤛
Cheers Rocky, tell you what that would be a great trip with something to look forward to at the end! Might have to try a cruise at some point, not sure it’s me but you never know!
Very impressed with Megabus, thanks for sharing your trip.
No probs Susan, thanks for the comment 😊
Enjoyed that as always …
cheers for now 😉
Thanks Gareth, cheers for now 🤣
My only non-charter coach trip from London to Birmingham was in the 1980s/90s when London Transport and West Midlands Transport set up a joint venture with MCW Metroliner double deck coaches. from Victoria Bus Station to Colmore Road. It was £5 then with use of all WMT buses for the day. The last time I used it was on a December day when on the trip back there was a delay as the nominated coach wouldn't start and a reserve that had been standing in the cold was used. It hadn't heated up much and didn't do so until half way back. The driver tried to make up time and the film that was being shown on TV screens around it hadn't finished when we got to Victoria so it must have taken between 2 and 3 hours.
A Megabus trip from Exeter to London via Bath service station ( to change drivers) was so early back to Victoria coach station and I managed to get he train home (2 stops) and get to my front door by the time the coach had been due to get to London.
Sound like great memories Brian. I must admit, they’re becoming some of my best memories too, sometimes in a good way, occasionally in a really bad way 🤣 This was one pretty good overall. I won’t bore you with it now but 48 hours on Greyhounds from Toronto to St Pete’s, Fl (then back again) was definitely an endurance test. Couldn’t do it these days!
A very entertaining and informative video as always. Personally, if I’m travelling alone it’s the seat on my own option every time.
Cheers Tim, yeh, same here. I think if you’re already sat there, it’s harder to just get up and move when someone else comes and sits next to you as it just feels a bit rude. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me and I don’t want to risk causing offence. If I was the other person though, it wouldn’t have felt like that. Does that make sense? Maybe it’s just me 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTripit makes perfect sense. I agree, if the person decides to sit next to me then I would find it very awkward to make my excuses and move. On the other hand if I'm boarding I'd never purposefully look to sit next to someone when there's a coach load of empty seats.
@@Timstravels01 exactly Tim!
Great vid and thanks for showing Kings Heath as it's where I spent the first 8 years of my life 🙂.
Cheers Matt, no problem. Looks like there was some filming going on as well. Don't know what for but would be interested to find out!
I've been thinking about moving there but it's kinda pricey!
Great video. I live in Birmingham, and it is handy having the Megabus stop on Brunel Street. I won a competition to name one of the Buses Jenson Busson.
Wow, amazing! I saw that one on the list earlier on but I’d never have thought one of my esteemed subs would have named it. Brilliant and congratulations! 😊👏👏👏
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thankyou. I won 2 return fares on any Megabus trip in the Uk. I only went to Leeds from Birmingham, as can't go too far on a Coach, as I get Coach sick.
@@gemmarie7683 well if I ever get to ride on Jenson Busson, I’ll think of you 😊
I wondered who came up with the names! Jenson was the first one I noticed.
Hi Marc hope u R well. I have been with Megabus and they are really good. Great video btw.
I am mate, hope you are too! Yep, really enjoyed this Megabus trip and I wasn't in much of a rush so no worries about it being late. That was traffic anyway so it would have affected anyone taking that route.
Well done , Mark . Megabus ( like Wetherspoons and Ryanair ) are frequently knocked - sometimes deservedly so . However , that was a smooth journey . If it hadn't been for the 48 minute delay it would have been almost perfect . Decent price for a trip to a majot airport . Prices from London generally seem to be a real bargain with Megabus . Mind you , departing some northern cities ( Leeds to Glasgow for example ) it is a different story . Food for thought ! Many thanks and good health .
Thanks mate, yep I enjoyed the journey and I’m glad I tried them again after the last one! Probably still go to LHR by train-underground in the future but if I’ve got time to spare I’ll definitely consider the coach again. All the best, Mark 😊👍
Heh, love the name, and is so like what Linburg's (Derby / Nottingham / Sheffield, was previously with Flixbus, but due to a contractual issue, they now drive for Megabus, mostly on the Nottingham route) often do on their coaches.
I can remember rather comically referring to a driver as Baldric on the last Flixbus I took (Was the coach's name, which was an ex Sheerings Merc, and fantastic it was too), much to the guy's amusement.
Great video worked for megabus out of Glasgow for 3 years when they 1st started good times cheers
Cheers John, yep absolutely fine this coach no probs at all. Yes and I think, we’ll I got the impression, the driver enjoyed his job - he was friendly and helpful (as were the staff in Birmingham).
Didn’t they use George square or north Hannover st in Glasgow for there services?
Yeah north Hannover street back in 2003 when I drove them
Nice to see you got the Stotts coach in the video at Birmingham.
Just for you mate 😊👍
Thanks for a very informative video,
No probs, glad you enjoyed it 😊
Good film as always.
Thank you so much 😊
I used megabus for years when travelling between Glasgow and Aberdeen. Cheap and cheerful
Hi Angela, thanks for the comment. I haven’t tried that particular route but I am interested in the Citylink service - supposed to have really nice buses. I’ll hopefully get up there again soon so watch this space 😊👍
We generally check on Google whatever way is quicker before deciding which way to go out of Birmingham. It usually takes around 30 mins from Brunel St to the M40 whether it’s A435 or M6/M42 we use. I usually choose the 435 as if I get stuck in traffic there I can find an alternative but the motorway can be brutal if traffic grinds to a halt.
Hi Andrew - good point about the flexibility non-motorway routes give you. I commuted to Birmingham for 3 years and I must’ve tried every which way out of the centre and ultimately, they were all much the same! Fortunately I don’t have to do that anymore 👍
I travelled on the M10 service between Heathrow and London Victoria with Megabus and not only the WiFi wasn't working, but even the charging ports. Yet at least I had booked an upper deck seat and could enjoy the view. The interdecks are indeed amazing coaches and I'd love to have another one on my next trip. It is cheap, but at the same time it has often good value for money
Next Megabus trip I will have will be between Manchester and Leeds next week, then I'll be trying Itabus between Florence and Bergamo Airport in Italy next month
Itabus, hmm interesting. I think the WIFI thing now is just a non-starter for me. No success whatsoever 🤣 but everything else worked tbf. Yes it’s basic but this time round I was happy with what I got for the price. Leeds is somewhere I’d like to go by coach, maybe Flixbus 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip The WiFi on Flixbus kind of worked for me, as did the charging ports.
Yet what was a bit unplanned in that case with Flixbus was the stop to drop off a member of staff somewhere in Alsace, which delayed us by 30 minutes, but to be fair, it was a good journey
I bloody love your channel , it helps no end, i'm planning my next trip to thailand in 2024, i always fly LHR/BKK direct with thai or eva airways, flight departure times are 11.50 am and 21.30 pm,.ive done the national express trip from telford @11.50 with eta LHR@18.00,.good service and good price , but i dont want to go into londons victoria coach stn to have to return to LHR, so this megabus route might be my solution, i could get train from gobowen station to b,ham new st and get the megabus to LHR, it would be ideal for catching the 21.30 flight and would leave an ample time for any en route delays,. The earlier flight times a different mater, i usually travel to stay at my sons house in barnes the night before, i dont like chancing an early morning trip from home, to many variables to go wrong and i like to be at airport at least 3 hours before flight,.cheers,.
Mark I never thought I’d see you travelling on a megabus again after last time haha
Haha, yeh ngl I thought I’d go for an easier option this time and it was nice to get on a proper branded Megabus. Like I said, I was pleasantly surprised because as well as the coach itself, it was a lot cheaper than NX.
@@LetsMakeaTrip lovely I’m glad you enjoyed your trip this time
There *was* two that made me laugh - Bussy Galore and Octobussy, both owned by MP Travel on behalf of Megabus. They’ve since been sold and don’t do megabus services anymore. Good video!
Haha, yep I just caught your comment over on Facebook (apologies I missed it!) and yeh I was thinking there must be a list somewhere??
@@LetsMakeaTrip I've sent you the list over on facebook.
Awesome video
Thanks 😊
Love the way you inspect the loos. Many of the long coach trips I have been on, the driver implores us not to do Number two's.! Seemed like a pleasant trip.! Yes, I would have moved seats once I knew nobody else was getting on. I suspect your next door companion was a stickler for the 'rules'. Probably had braces on his underpants.
Haha, yes Keith, probably was. I haven’t experienced the delights of someone visiting the loo for an ‘extended period of time’ yet, I’m sure it will happen at some point. All I would say is it’s probably the main reason you wouldn’t want to sit near them! Cheers for the comment.
Hey, with the reclining leaver next to your seat, you have to pull it up and lean back in your seat so it can recline.
Duly noted, thanks 👍
Interesting watch I used to drive both Bussy Galore & Octobussy on the megabus network, the A435 is sometimes taken as an alternative in/out of Birmingham when traffic data on the likes of national highways is showing the M42 is at a standstill between junctions 3A-7 which can give a quicker journey time to the northern end of the M40
Hi Jonny, cheers for the comment. Both great names those I thought and yes I think there were one or two comments about problems on the M42 that day. Glad I asked the question because I've had a few comments from drivers as a result and got a bit of an insight into what goes on in this respect. Tbh, I trust you as professional drivers to choose the best route for the conditions on the day which is what happens by the looks of it. All the best, Mark
@@LetsMakeaTrip no worries, checking what the traffic is like ahead when it’s safe to do so can aid with a more pleasant and hopefully punctual journey. Although traffic has its other ideas at times which can be rather annoying from both a passenger & driver perspective
Not sure why you did not move seats when it became clear that the person next to you wasn't minded to relocate?
Great video
Cheers mate.
honestly i agree ive really come around to coach companies the prices they offer are so much better than the trains and once you get on you can just sit back and relax. no stress of changing trains or ticket inspectors
Exactly Emmq and I think they know the trains are crap/overpriced in this country and are increasing their services as demand increases.
I got delayed on the 900 , mins from Glasgow due to a Deliveroo on an e scooter, whilst on the m8. The words I could describe him by
Hello. Lovely scenery again and such good value. Looking forward to seeing your next video. Are u planning trips to Norfolk at all. Music was very soothing too. Do u have your wife on some trips now the weather is getting better. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, I’m actually in Norwich atm! Heading up to Cromer and then back down to Manningtree before taking the train to Harwich later this evening for the night boat 👍
great video as always thanks! Maybe your travelling companion knew who you were and wanted to be in your video too haha?!
Haha, I’m not sure about that 😂
Great trip. Your bus model/type in some countries called Low Drive, meaning only the driver cab is occupied the lower floor, meanwhile the higher floor is dedicated for passengers only. This type of the bus has advantage to bring huge luggage or even cargo inside the bagage compartment, suitable for bus company who also run cargo delivery. In my country, this type of the bus has various name, depend from body builder it manufactured, but mostly we called it UHD (Ultra High Deck). To be honest, if I have reserved seat but when the coach has plenty unoccupied seat, I will seat on it for a while until the original owner came or until onboard tickets checking (rare moment).
Thanks very much for the comment, very interesting to hear what these are called in different countries too 👍 agree about the seating and yep, I’ve yet to see any ticket inspections as in my experience, they’re just done before entering the coach. Cheers 😊
Needs to be emphasised these types of buses are not accessible for those with disabilities or of the older age group, no one mentions this.
Awesome video buddy from Alan in Lowestoft
Cheers Alan, thanks for taking the time to comment.
I remember when Mega Bus first started and they advertised Birmingham to London for £1 plus 50p booking fee. Their first fleet were just old stock double decker buses (possibly West Midland Travel) spray painted blue.
Yes I remember that vaguely, certainly the price anyway 👍
The driver was on a break and the reason we go through kingsheath is the traffic on the m6 and m42 out of Birmingham can be like a carpark but I am glad you enjoyed your journey
I did! Cheers David and thanks for the info.
Due to ridiculous train prices my partner and I used Megabus from Preston to Birmingham in January. On the way out it was over an hour late, coming back no complaints though.
Note the standard Stagecoach patterned seats and flooring! With Citylink there isn’t a seat reservation, just sit wherever you fancy, in Scotland Citylink and Megabus are combined in the same vehicle. Nice scenery in your video
Didn't register the seat moquette being Stagecoach. As you know, I'm itching to get up there and try Citylink out - just got to find the time (as per usual)! 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it is hit and miss with Citylink, when you book tickets online it will generally say who is actually operating the particular service usually Stagecoach, Parks of Hamilton, or someone else Inverness South, if it’s the modern double decker they amazing and very comfortable, the single deck coaches are older and don’t have the modcons but still comfortable. The drivers are also some real characters with Glaswegian humour thrown in!
@@LetsMakeaTrip I had that experience of the Citylink coaches strangely at Derby in summer 2018, where I was working on the resignaling project, where Stagecoach sent a number of their Scottish units down, registered out of their Barnsley / Lincoln site, said units being displaced by new Plaxtons in Scotland at the time.
That was one big thing to be said for social distancing; you didn't have people squeezing next to you. But freezing cold air or heating up to the absolute maximum seems to be a major problem with coach travel; that and the vogue for seats to be as firm as possible (also s major complaint on trains)
The good old days of social distancing! Yep, you could at least move to the aisle seat in those days though I would have on this trip if the guy sitting next to me had fancied two seats to himself somewhere else on the coach. It wasn’t exactly rammed!
Cheap can be good! Having compared prices for a trip I’m planning to Manchester this makes me think again about far cheaper coach travel!
Cheers Joe 😊👍
I love this trip report and think your coach reports are particularly strong. Can you live track MegaBus in the event of delays?
Hi Simon, thanks for the comment good to hear people (most people I think) enjoy the coach trips and yep, tbh, they tend to get consistently more views than my other stuff though I’ve got no idea why! This means I’m going to be doing a few more I guess! Megabus do have a live tracker, not sure if it tells you the reason for the delay or not. Didn’t cross my mind to use it tbh (probably because I wasn’t in any particular rush). I don’t think I’d ever book a coach trip if I had a tight connection at the other end - unnecessary stress!
@@LetsMakeaTrip You commented about turning off the motorway at Oxford and heading down through country roads to Reading. There was probably a reason for this, as I have found on other Megabus services over the years, ie, drivers can be updated by their Control Centre as to road delays or holdups due to accidents ahead on the original route, allowing drivers to take alternative diversionary routes to avoid delays.
On several trips using the M6 north from Birmingham, closures miles ahead due to accidents, were updated to the driver, who was then able to divert onto relatively parallel routes. Yes, it did mean travelling through town centres and rural roads but at least we kept moving.
On a separate note, Megabus uses Brunel St in Birmingham as the city doesn't have a major Coach Station of its own (Digbeth is exclusively for National Express as they own it and have their UK Head Office there too!). But gaining the stands on Brunel Street is a plus, as it's only a 2 minute walk to New Street Station and further on from there, Moor Street Station is only another five minutes walk.
Tip: If you walk down to the foot of Brunel Street, look across the road and you'll see a Sainsbury's Store, where you can buy all your snacks, drinks etc for the journey. Much cheaper than purchasing everything at the over-priced outlets in nearby New Street Station.
@@iainjones5002 cheers Iain for all this useful info. Definitely right about the quickest route these days I guess they’ve got the technology on the dash as well to advise on route conditions. Like you said, interesting routes sometimes but so long as it gets there safe and reasonably efficiently I don’t mind either way. And yes, I used that sainsbury’s before boarded - very handy. Cheers 😊👍
Kings Heath I guess because of congestion elsewhere. Nat Ex usually use expressway but one came thru Kings Heath the other way
Yh the state of that cabin was shocking 😮 we used Regiojet when traveliing to Cesky Tesin from Prague a few times and its always been a great service
Yep, a real shame as it could be so much much better. Cheers 👍
Nice one. So a much better experience than the last Megabus! I noticed the Pokémon McDonald's Happy Meal box on the floor - did it belong to the kids in front, or just rubbish that hadn't been cleaned up?
Thanks mate - yes a smile of relief tbh and it was just slightly quieter than the last one! Yep, mother and her child in the front row - couldn't help thinking that must have been a fantastic trip for the youngster. They sounded like they really enjoyed it too 🙂
If you want to know anything cool, Sir Brian Souter the guy that founded stagecoach made his mark in NZ. With his investment company in 2015 and with stagecoach in 1999-2003. Story short he basically did Megabus in New Zealand and ran some local bus services. He made the competitors run cheaper services and only stopped when he got bought out. Do this day his fleet of buses still run intercity except with lower quality services. (Cracked windscreens, no stops for 12 hour rides).
Cheers Joshua, appreciate the info. Sounds a bit ‘Freddie Laker’ to me.
The big Gold Intercity buses are 2 deckers,, very Business class downstairs, wi fi all over .. the roam the main routes of the country.. they have toilets I believe,, and in the absence of affordable trains ( ie not charging tourist prices)... or any trains, in fact... are as good a way as you'll find to explore the country with knowledgeable drivers.
..... Was he the guy who ran the big red Megabuses..long gone now..
LOL at the guy in seat 7 not wanting to move to obvious unused seats elsewhere
I drove the NX 160 service for a while (which is what you showed going in the other direction)
I found that that way was the best way in and out of Brum if heading to the South..
Interesting Dave, thanks. I guess it depends on the time of day (and day too) to a certain extent how busy the road's going to be. And I presume with coach travel, potential delays are factored into the journey times? That seems to be my experience anyway. Cheers for the comment - much appreciated.
Shame that nx160 is only one service in each direction now.
Looks a nice way to travel I use it no rush
You definitely don’t want to be in a rush or on a tight schedule no!
The reason why Megabus is so cheap is because it takes a longer route so it takes longer to get to your destination! Having said that in all honesty I don't mind that although I'm yet to take a megabus.thank you for your video I really appreciated learning more about how Megabus operate. Positivity peace and love ♥️
Thanks for the comment Charisse, peace and love to you too 😊
You sure?
M11X goes straight to Glasgow then to Edinburgh no other stops
To recline the seat, you push the button forward and push your back backwards. It doesn't go far. The AC always seems to blow cold down over the windows. I've done a nimber of trips Newcastle on Tyne to Brum - 6 hours, and a few back! I also have an hours bus trip either side of it to get to and from, so eight hours on the road altogether, but I'm not complaining. It's cheaper than the car, and someone else is doing the driving!
Thanks Julie. Yep, it's all about not being in a rush really and trying to relax. If you can do that, coach should be preferred option for low cost travel.
The prices on these coaches vary so much! I took the National Express from London to Bristol for £3.90!
Yes I’ve done that trip for a similar price then paid a bit extra for the front seat (see my earlier video) Well worth the money and best coach I’ve taken in the UK so far. Cheers.
I did Bristol to London for £1.50 😃
the aircon on the windows are to stop the windows misting up
Why didn't you move, then reclaim seat no. 8 when he left at Reading?
Checkout the city of Frostproof Florida someday, especially during the winter!!
Sell it to me Will!
Nice vid as always.megabus are a steady bus company never had probs with them but the worst is definatly flixbus shocking bus company.where were you flying to?
Hi John, out to Zagreb. I’ll be putting out a couple of train videos from that trip shortly. I’m also going to be doing another Flixbus video soon so yep, let’s see if they’ve improved since my last one! Cheers.
Superb 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you Derisley 😊🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌✈️✈️✈️
Megabus has it's place. When I couldn't afford other popular coaches to go anywhere or Trains, the Megabus was my rescue as I didn’t drive for a longtime.
Now I can drive I avoid public transport unless car is in the garage. I think the Megabus is cost efficient on your pocket if you have no other means of getting to somewhere or if your on a tight budget, which was why they came in effect in the first place.
Yep totally agree. And like I say, this was a pretty decent service down to LHR. Providing you're not on a tight connection, it'll be fine (and cheap).
I've never used the Megabus, I travel to London quite often using National Express, although I have seen Megabus in the coach station.
Worth a try. I prefer National Express tbh but Megabus (the proper ones) are fine and probably cheaper.
Lol, we’ve all had that annoying passenger next to us, with a reserved ticket, but doesn’t budge - because it’s reserved despite the bus or train being empty!!!😅
Yep,could have sat in a double. All the seats are the same on these. 😂
If you have the time and are on a budget it makes a lot of sense
Yep, agree.
A Lucketts Travel coach on the way out of Birmingham, parked . I work for them. The coach marked out of service as may of been changing Drivers , using the Toilet, cleaning g coach or just having a short break
Cheers HC, yes I think all of the above could have applied to the out of service coach based on the comments I've seen on here. Didn't know you worked for Lucketts Travel, maybe I'll see you on a trip sometime!
I've been on the NE 210 Brum to Heathrow, and back on return, absolutely sound service but of course it was around £28-30 return iirc. Never tried the train for Heathrow trips. As much as I prefer trains it seems much easier via the coach.
I think you’re right in so much as once you’re on the coach, it takes you straight there. You don’t have to fight your way through the tube. Time-wise, it takes a bit longer though even with that.
I had that situation at the cinema with the seating, my boyfriend and I were in our seats and a couple sat tight next to us, the cinema was practically empty 🙄🙄
Yep that’s exactly the thing isn’t it. Just odd imo 😂
I can answer the ventilation question as well. The Plaxtons for some reason blow continuous cold air out the sides to keep an ambient temperature as the Plaxton has underfloor heating ......it's supposed to keep it at a steady 22 degrees....Been a Coach driver for 31 years i'm a huge Plaxton fan....The Fainsa seats fitted are indeed some of the most comfortable seats you wil ever sit in
Hi Lee, yep, I thought it was more than comfortable- some great views from the higher seating position too. If I had a spare seat next to me, I would have moved across out of the way of the window and the cold air but, yep, all-in-all a really positive experience.
@@LetsMakeaTrip Discovered your channel yesterday so subscribed
I took them overnight from London to Manchester which took the route you are taking in reverse with a stop at Heathrow, Reading, Birmingham Airport before Birmingham. I paid £2 extra for extra leg room which was generous. The coach was very good but the seat was not as comfy as National Express. Having said that I did sleep quite a bit. It would have been nice to stop at a services but unlike NE Megabus don’t.
I agree, NX seats seem to be a bit more comfortable though I didn't have any real issue with Megabus and the leg room was pretty good. I wish I could sleep on these coaches but have struggled a bit so far!
Doing Plymouth to London soon, overnight coach , it's a long ride , and as you pointed out the train was way too expensive !
It is. Wouldn’t mind trying that myself though so I’ll be interested in how you get on.
After your last experiences on the bus I didn't think I would ever see you on one again, it would only be dire poverty and urgent need that would get me on one again, stay safe and cheers.
Well, I like to give them a chance! I'm almost starting to enjoy them, I'm definitely looking at doing some more!
@@LetsMakeaTrip I will look forward to seeing them when you post them, cheers and stay safe.
You seemed to be very generous there! The sitting next to you was weird, maybe they recognised you from the videos.
Funny you thought that the other person in number 7 didn't want to move, you could have moved too. 🙂Great video but the traffic does make me think twice about doing coach.
Yeh but don’t you think it would be weird to just get up and move? Maybe it’s just me but I’d think I was causing offence - for example moving because he was giving off a bad odour or something 😂 I dunno, maybe it’s a ‘British thing’ 🤷♂️
I'm watching this on 19/9/22, and have made a return trip with Megabus this weekend. Norwich (home) to Brunel St Brum on Friday, back home on Sunday, and had a very similar experience.
Coincidentally, it was the same coach both ways, but different drivers, both of whom were pleasant and efficient.
Fridays Norwich to Brum leg was delayed by 20-25 minutes, most likely by traffic and roadworks on the Brum to Norwich leg (one return journey per day, with the Lye based driver (Although branded Megabus, this service is run by Stagecoach of Lye) having to take his statutory/legal 45 minute break in Norwich, irrespective of arrival and departure times, during which time he should be permitted to do as he pleases, including legitimately refusing passengers access to the bus, when they automatically become his responsibility, and therefore classed as work by definition of drivers hours laws, meaning that he would have to start afresh his 45 minute break, causing even more delay!. Everyone is entitled to an uninterrupted lunch break, and the driver would be in breach of regulations if he were to perform any of his work tasks during that time. Plus, who of us like our breaks being interrupted?! Some passengers were understandably disgruntled by the delay, and I could've done without it, but as a former HGV driver of 28yrs working under the same hours regulations, I twigged the situation and waited patiently, despite the blooming cold and rain!). We arrived at Brunel St at 2045, 35 minutes behind schedule, but in one piece, and courtesy of a driver who did all he could to make up a little time in circumstances beyond his control, and who, understandably, probably wanted to be getting home after a long day as much as we wanted to reach our final destinations. We experienced heavy traffic a couple of times on that journey. Typical Friday afternoon/evening stuff.
Sundays return leg left Brunel St on time (1110) and arrived at Norwich bus station a couple of minutes before the scheduled time (1510 or 1515, can't remember already!). Spot on. Both legs include en route stops at Coventry Pool Meadow, Cambridge Jesus College, and Norwich UEA. From Lye back to Lye, that's a big day for the driver, and almost certainly getting close to the standard legal limit of 9hrs driving per day, which can be extended 2x a week to 10hrs which must include 2x45min breaks (4.5hr maximum constant or accumulated driving before 45 mins must be taken),, but then there is a fortnightly limit of 90hrs driving. eg: This week, 5 trips @ 3x9 + 2x10hrs driving (heavy traffic days) = 56 hrs. That means that last and next week's totals cannot be more than 34 hrs each.... They must rotate the drivers between short and long haul. Tricky business, given the nationwide shortage of all kinds of drivers. At a guesstimate, the drivers will be working 11-12 hours a day minimum. I hope that anyone reading this takes into account the long hours the drivers work next time one unintentionally snaps or causes offence when asked a daft question or given lip by a petulant passenger... (Edit 21/9/22: my mathematics are shamefully awry. 3x9 + 2x10=47.... Explanation in subsequent comment...)
Had exactly the same issue both ways re the aircon. No idea what that's about, and along with slightly uncomfortable seats, the only gripe. Amusement was provided on the Norwich to Brum leg by a chap a couple of seats behind me who was obviously listening to a favourite songs mix and decided to practice his karaoke skills. Shame he was a key or two out! On the brum to Norwich leg, the driver treated us to commercial radio, including Smooth, Heart, and probably 1.5 hrs worth of ads on the 4 hr journey! £33.10 return, including reserving a window seat (unnecessarily, as it turned out) for £1 on the return journey. Would I do it again? Yup. Way cheaper than the train, and for my occasional social visits to the Midlands where time isn't life or death, no hassle.
Thanks for another great video, and apologies for the essay!🤣😉👍
Hi Simon, many thanks for the comprehensive reply. Appreciate you putting all this in writing because it certainly helps me to understand the amount of driving regulations out there and how strictly they must be adhered to (and that’s a good thing right!). I hope as many people read this as possible and yep, I haven’t encountered many irritating passengers yet on my somewhat limited ‘coach voyages of discovery’ but I would imagine they would be either just social idiots and/or in a rush. The one thing I have learnt (which you also allude to here) is that you don’t want to be in a rush to get anywhere on the coach. I know when I board a coach that it’s probably not going to be the fastest way of getting to where I want to go but when I can just sit back and not worry if we’re late, I enjoy the journey much more. And of course the price helps! I’ll be doing a few more coaches in future as they seem to do well on the channel so if you have any recommendations (good or bad), please let me know. Cheers again, Mark 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks for the reply Mark. I just read my comment again and noticed an error with the drivers' hours calculations..... I stated that 3x9 + 2x10= 56hrs! Let's try 47! 56hrs is the maximum permitted if the driver works 6 shifts per week, also the maximum permitted. 45hrs rest must be taken between weekly shifts, which can be reduced to 24hrs, provided the 21hr reduction is compensated for en bloc by the end of the third week following. Not complicated at all!🤣😉 And a small insight into the volume of work these guys endure. Those 6 days could also include the maximum of 3x13hrs + 3x15hrs daily duty periods (9-11hrs rest in 24)! 84hrs p/w! Their salaries sound pretty good until you consider the hours involved. And are probably at best equal to, but likely less than those of the train drivers currently disputing over pay.....
My coach trip experience is also quite limited, and travel is currently dictated by finances and no personal vehicular transport at the moment (mind you, the fuel would've cost more than 2x the coach fare!). I would've preferred to take the train to Brum, primarily for comfort reasons, but it was almost 3x the cost of the coach.
One thing I forgot to mention about the weekends journeys was inability to connect to the onboard wifi, something other people have already mentioned in the comments, and seemingly quite common. It's the same on the buses locally.
Thanks again Mark 👍
@@simonlatham5110 cheers mate, I continue to live in hope with the WIFI. One day I guess 😂
Not really comparison, but, I took Megabus from Detroit to Chicago in 2018, because Amtrak (which I usually take) was several times as much at that time, and I got a front row seat for only $8 (about 6+ quid) because I booked several months ahead! I liked the comfort of the seat and the WIFI did work well, we only stopped once on the four + hour trip, outside Ann Arbor. The bus stopped just 2 blocks below Union Station (rail) and a block from the Clinton Street CTA Blue Line (subway) which I take to O'Hare. I would have taken again but Megabus dropped Detroit when the COVID craziness hit, and they haven't returned. Sad I lost an alternative way to get to Chi-town cheap. I just have Amtrak, Greyhound takes forever, for some reason, to get from Detroit to Chicago, it takes a circuitous route, I suppose. Cheers!
That's a nice t shirt ;)
Haha, cheers guys. Got it from one of my favourite TH-cam channels 😉
I’d definitely sit next to you all the way to Reading - I’d share my food… 😂
Aw thanks Peter, maybe next time? Chicken nuggets would be nice 😜
Nice video, there are loads of megabus coaches named on the coaches
Do they name them all then? This could turn into a dangerous hobby!! 🤣
@@LetsMakeaTrip Not all of them are named. I know the older examples aren’t named. The majority of the 65/66/67 and 68 plate ones are named
There better be a Coachy McCoachface..... Well I'm glad you saw the good side of Megabus after the last shocking experience 😆👍🏻 and you could have always moved seats mate 😂
What Tim said, just feels awkward if you’re the one already sitting there 🤷♂️ There’s a Mega McMegaface apparently 👍
spot on mark the person sitting next to you was strange , no problem moving if the bus is not full strange indeed , notice that eavesway coach that passed you was empty , long way from st helens to be going around empty .
Yeh, I would've moved once the coach had started on its way and just said to whoever was already sitting in the seat that I was just doing it to give us both more space. I've done that on the plane before - it's nothing personal, just helps both of us out! Weird really but there you go. I thought that Eavesway coach was on a charter somewhere but tbh, I didn't notice whether it was empty or not - well spotted!
Them eavesway coaches are often in the M40 , they are often seen on cruise charters to and from Southampton.
I think some people have a mindset it’s my seat and I’ll sit on it. Or they think it’s a bad thing to move from their reserved seat. That’s why I don’t bother with the seat reservation and sit and back
@@s125ish interesting just seemed a long way from there base , but they do the charters at Liverpool cruise liner port so it makes sense 👍👍👍👍
They do a lot of cruise work, Eavesway, you often see them en route to Southampton
Did it have loos? You could get train to Reading then the Heathrow bus?
Yes Andrew, 11:04
The New Street Power Signal box at 1:15, brutalist concrete with white tiles at ground floor level.
Iconic symbol of Birmingham New St! Never been inside but yeh, when I was younger it always reminded me a bit of a square Dalek from platform level!
Isn't it a listed building now?
You could have moved seats until reading too
... which is why I always get the train or bus before the best one, just to allow for delays...
Never been on a normal Megabus, it's sad they stopped their gold sleeper service.
National express is more regular in my area so I get them normally.
Yes I never tried the Megabus gold service - that would’ve been something! NX do have a larger network and tbh I’ll probably tend to take more of those journeys than any other in the future too.
I took the Megabus from Edinburgh to Durham and back a couple of weeks ago as train services are currently such a mess. I'm not a big fan of coach travel, but the coach was nice enough - it looked identical to the one in this video - and it was bearable for the just over three hours it took each way. I wouldn't dream of doing the full 10+ hour journey from Glasgow to London that the coach was doing though, unless there was absolutely no alternative and I really really had to be there.
The service bears similarities to the EasyJet Edinburgh-London flights; OK for short journeys but you wouldn't want to spend an extended time on them.
I’ve done about three hours on Easyjet - no probs with that. I’m going to try another couple of long coach journeys and I’ve no doubt if one is a Megabus, it will be similar unless it’s contracted out. I like the branded ones, very good experiences so far 👍
Taken Megabus from and to Manchester and London Victoria Coach station. Overall not bad. You might get there a bit late, wherever it is. Coach broke down once. And they NEVER give refunds. They say that if they gave refunds, they'd lose money. So if for any reason you can't get there on time. Or want to changed your reservation. Just tough.
What about future travel vouchers? Any joy there?
I wondered about taking the train from Birmingham to Oxford and the coach to Heathrow? Would that work out quicker or more convenient?
It's a bit of a trek from Oxford station to the coach station, particularly with luggage. Via Reading would be easier
Yep, I’m addition to what Andrew said, I would factor in the costs too. Is it more expensive this way or via Reading?
Birmingham to Reading and then the Heathrow shuttle coach from Reading is usually a breeze
Thanks a lot for this information. I can take MegaBus coach to London Heathrow from Birmingham 😊 #backtoSingaporeSoon
No problem, I hope you enjoy the trip 😊👍
Something for the record: We do not have any premium coach services in the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Spain and now the United States, have woken up to the fact that premium coach services are what the car drivers' is looking for interms of alternatives to the use of the car. The premium coach services, are proving extremely popular, across the globe.
Yep, the closest I reckon we’ve got atm is maybe Berry’s Superliner service between Devon, the West Country and London. Check out their website, I’m gonna be travelling with them next month to see what it’s like. I’ve heard good things so I guess we’ll see! 😊👍
Great coach video mate the reason why you didn't go on the m6 is because the was a petrol leak from a vehicle near Junction 10 I think so that's why an alternative route through Birmingham to the M42.
Thanks FG, I was wondering if there was something going on which could also have caused some of the build-up around the M42/M40 junction? Nice one, appreciated 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it’s alright people would of took that route that the megabus driver did as it’s quite easy that’s why there was a pile up of traffic when you got on.
Unbeatable price but taking the train need not cost £50 as you mentioned. Just now (2200 hrs Thursday) I checked Chiltern Trains from B'ham (Moor Street) to Marylebone for two weeks ahead (Friday October 7) and you can buy an Advance ticket for a mere £12. Price sourced from Chiltern's website.
Hi Alex, yes undoubtedly there are cheaper rail fares - especially if you’re flexible. I was looking at around the same time and adding on the underground fare to LHR but yep appreciate you can get it cheaper. And Chiltern would definitely be my goto company for that even with the walk from New St to Moor St. Cheers for the comment as always 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip No problem. In fact to be as accurate as possible I checked the train departure times to coincide with when your Megabus departed.
I've only done the Megabus from London to Birmingham once and it definitley didn't go via Heathrow. Is this a recent change?
Don’t know Martin tbh. I wonder if they do a mixture of stopping at LHR or not?
It had not in service showing because the driver has every right to a break between journeys and he displays the details of the next service when he is ready to commence boarding.
I’m sure that’s a stagecoach seat cover. And as if you’d use a soap dispenser right by where blokes piss on a bus 😅
Good point. You’re supposed to sit down really but I doubt that happens!
Could the ice cold air conditioning be an anti-Covid measure for a crowded space?
Well I bet it’s still blasting it out now so I’m not so sure it is tbh.
Assuming there was an issue Birmingham end of M42 if the National express was coming through kings heath as well
Yep I get the general impression that’s correct reading other comments 👍
Top Tip for Megabus to make it cheaper. But a ticket to London Victoria but get off at Heathrow. The last time I went to London it cost £4 for Bristol to London Victoria but £12 for Bristol LHR. The bus goes through Heathrow before Victoria.
That is a great tip Terry, I’ll remember that 👍
Good use of the word antimacassar. Anyone under about 100 wouldn't understand that one.
Well they can always google it Les 😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip I just like to celebrate the use of antideluvian terminology. Keep it up!
@@thestammeringinstructor1456 by Jove I doth agree my good man!
Digbeth isn't far to walk from New Street,10 minutes if you know where you are going.When I first went to Digbeth it also use to be a bus depot for the Midland Red and was quite scruffy but it's much nicer now better than bus stops in the street and easier to find.The Megabus in Newcastle stops in the street but the National Express uses a little bus station which replaced the old United one at Gallowgate.I use to live in Oxford and that road you went on is probably the quickest way the other way is down the green sign motorway called the A34 but it comes out west of Reading nearer to Newbury.
National Express tend to use the bus stations don't they. I wonder if there's some kind of cost implications or rules that stop the likes of Megabus or Flixbus in that respect or maybe it's just capacity as you get plenty of them down at Victoria in London?
@@LetsMakeaTrip it's because National Express own many of the bus stations like Digbeth, Newcastle, Manchester and others so they won't let other rival bus companies use them.They inherented them from the former National Bus Company.
@@kevanhubbard9673 ah that makes sense. Can’t say I blame them either!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yep it will be on cost. Case in point with the reopened Nottingham Broardmarsh (Drivers from TrentBarton especially hate the place, as it's poorly designed), barring local operator TrentBarton and NX, all coaches pick up from Greyfriar Street, next to the NCP carpark, Maid Marian Way.