National Express Coaches Discussion

[Wilko82]

If they've sold it then they probably don't care anymore!!

They never have cared and NX have allow them to get away with it. As I said I will believe it when I see it, if and when Edward's take over. If a takeover is imminent (ie end of the year) then I don't understand why Park's are still advertising for Plymouth based NX drivers and why Edward's aren't advertising. I remember a few years back when Edward's opened their Avonmouth base, they were advertising for staff months in advance.

 

[PG]

They never have cared and NX have allow them to get away with it. As I said I will believe it when I see it, if and when Edward's take over. If a takeover is imminent (ie end of the year) then I don't understand why Park's are still advertising for Plymouth based NX drivers and why Edward's aren't advertising. I remember a few years back when Edward's opened their Avonmouth base, they were advertising for staff months in advance.

If Edward's takeover the depot then I'd have thought that the drivers will be included in the deal?

 

[Wilko82]

If Edward's takeover the depot then I'd have thought that the drivers will be included in the deal?

But if Park's are short of drivers you think that they would be wanting to at least recruit some of their own. And when you factor in the poor quality of driver that Park's employ, you would like to think that they won't last long if taken over.

 

[Mwanesh]

They never have cared and NX have allow them to get away with it. As I said I will believe it when I see it, if and when Edward's take over. If a takeover is imminent (ie end of the year) then I don't understand why Park's are still advertising for Plymouth based NX drivers and why Edward's aren't advertising. I remember a few years back when Edward's opened their Avonmouth base, they were advertising for staff months in advance.

Happens all the time on busses.They will recruit drivers till the last week of operation.I remember applying for a job one of the drivers said i must be brave joining a company going under.

 

[Surreyman]

"A Company going under" ??? Parks are selling part of their operation, no idea how profitable it is, they could be many reasons why they want to sell.
Drivers and other staff will transfer under TUPE to Edwards.

 

[Wilko82]

"A Company going under" ??? Parks are selling part of their operation, no idea how profitable it is, they could be many reasons why they want to sell.
Drivers and other staff will transfer under TUPE to Edwards.

TUPE isn't mandatory though, and if Edward’s are taking over and keeping the same staff then nothing will change.

 

[PG]

TUPE isn't mandatory though, and if Edward’s are taking over and keeping the same staff then nothing will change.

• Until details of the ownership become clear(er) we can't be certain if/if not TUPE will apply
• Even if the staff remain the same the support, training, supervision provided may improve which could boost morale so we'll have to wait and see

 

[Stan Drews]

I seem to remember that N.Express had a subsidiary that ran Heathrow Airport car park shuttles, possibly for BA, they had a depot/yard somewhere around Hounslow and a small fleet of of enviro 200s, is this still in existence?
Staying in the same area, Sipson Road depot is quoted in various publications as an N.e site and I think it may have an Ops licence in the name of National Express, I have never been exactly sure who owns it, uses it, actually bases vehicles there or provides maintenance services?

The Sipson Road depot is the home of CCH (Comet Coach Hire) Aviation Logistics which has been part of the Transdev Group for many years and was previously based nearby on Harmandsworth Road. You can find out more at this link.

CCH Aviation Logistics

CCH Aviation Logistics provides services to commercial airline operators since 1965 around the Heathrow airport.

www.transdevgroup.co.uk

 

[Surreyman]

PK2040609​

NATIONAL EXPRESS LIMITED​

Licence details (PK2040609)​

• Business typeLimited Company
• Trading names
• DirectorsEDWARD MARTIN RICKARD
• SIMON CALLANDER
• Mark Rawling
• Licence typeStandard International
• Licence statusValid
• Continuation date31 Jul 2026
• Traffic areaLondon and the South East of England

Contact details​

• AddressNATIONAL EXPRESS LTD, NATIONAL EXPRESS HOUSE, DIGBETH, BIRMINGHAM, B5 6DD, GB

Operating centres​

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
ARRIVALS - VICTORIA COACH STATION, 3 ECCLESTON PLACE, LONDON, SW1W 9NF, GB	6	0
Chartwell Park, Feathers Wharf, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1FW, GB	40	0
HEATHROW COACH CENTRE, SIPSON ROAD, SIPSON, WEST DRAYTON, UB7 0HN, GB	6	0

Ops licence for 6 vehicles still listed at Sipson Road, I know that info can be out of date, so maybe not currently used?
I assume N.Exp vehicles are able to 'park-up' for short periods at Central bus station, then probably charged a fee if they stay too long?

 

[Stan Drews]

PK2040609​

NATIONAL EXPRESS LIMITED​

Licence details (PK2040609)​

• Business typeLimited Company
• Trading names
• DirectorsEDWARD MARTIN RICKARD
• SIMON CALLANDER
• Mark Rawling
• Licence typeStandard International
• Licence statusValid
• Continuation date31 Jul 2026
• Traffic areaLondon and the South East of England

Contact details​

• AddressNATIONAL EXPRESS LTD, NATIONAL EXPRESS HOUSE, DIGBETH, BIRMINGHAM, B5 6DD, GB

Operating centres​

Operating centre	Vehicles	Trailers
ARRIVALS - VICTORIA COACH STATION, 3 ECCLESTON PLACE, LONDON, SW1W 9NF, GB	6	0
Chartwell Park, Feathers Wharf, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1FW, GB	40	0
HEATHROW COACH CENTRE, SIPSON ROAD, SIPSON, WEST DRAYTON, UB7 0HN, GB	6	0

Ops licence for 6 vehicles still listed at Sipson Road, I know that info can be out of date, so maybe not currently used?
I assume N.Exp vehicles are able to 'park-up' for short periods at Central bus station, then probably charged a fee if they stay too long?

There have been a few other operators to use the depot for overnight parking over the years, so highly possible that NatEx still make use of it. It’s been a while since I was regularly working at that site, but back then Reading Buses also had a few buses based there.

 

[Simon75]

How comes the coaches now go to the departure area of Victoria coach station now ?

 

[cambsy]

I think main reasons Parks are possibly, selling Plymouth depot to Edward’s coaches, are that they dont have any NX work in Scotland like the old 592 London-Aberdeen etc, and their Plymouth fleet is in need of replacement. Mr Parks also only like Volvo chasis coaches and has invested heavily in Scottish Citylink work with brand new Volvo Double Deckers etc, so isn’t really interested in Plymouth depot.

 

[Eyersey468]

How comes the coaches now go to the departure area of Victoria coach station now ?

It's a temporary thing while there's roadworks on Eccleston Place

 

[Mikw]

It's a temporary thing while there's roadworks on Eccleston Place

Yep, it was done for a couple of weeks earlier this year too

 

[Teflon988]

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routeone > News > Temsa coaches to make National Express debut with Stotts
News
Temsa coaches to make National Express debut with Stotts
Two examples to enter service and a third for 2026 as parties will monitor type's performance

routeone Team
Published: 24 October 2025
Temsa HD13 coach in National Express livery for Stotts Coaches of Huddersfield
The first Temsa products for use on the National Express scheduled coach network are a pair of 13m, two-axle HD13 models delivered to partner Stotts Coaches of Milnsbridge.

A third is due in March 2026, with the three parties involved having worked to customise the HD13 to suit “current and future” National Express and Stotts work. Both first deliveries are 53-seaters with a permanent wheelchair user space.

Introduction of the Temsa brand to National Express services furthers the marque’s growing reach on scheduled services. The first coach will be used on route 561 between Huddersfield and London, with the other working service 131 between Huddersfield and Birmingham.

Stotts, National Express and Temsa will monitor the HD13’s performance, including its fuel efficiency and driver and passenger comfort. The coaches are equipped with the usual National Express specification elements, including the Lytx DriveCam.

Speaking about the development, National Express Network Director Ed Rickard says: “As a valued long-term partner, it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Stotts to adapt these vehicles and ensure that we can deliver the best experience, which our customers have come to know and love when travelling with us.

“It is exciting to have the new Temsa vehicles launching into service and we all look forward to seeing how they perform on our network.”

Stotts Coaches Director Carl Stott adds that the West Yorkshire operator is looking forward to testing the HD13 on National Express services, a comment echoed by dealership Temsa Sales UK Managing Director Andy Garratt.

“It has been great to work with the teams at both Stotts and National Express to enhance our HD13 vehicles, and we are thrilled to provide our high-quality coach product for Stotts, its drivers and passengers on the National Express network,” says Mr Garratt.

“By working together, we have introduced a permanent wheelchair user space onboard and put careful thought into the user of the [passenger] lift at National Express coach stops, offering a smooth, comfortable and efficient boarding experience for all travelling passengers.”

The lift remains immediately behind the front axle of the HD13 coaches for National Express use. The customary DAF MX-11 engine developing 408bhp is fitted, coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. Eleven cubic metres of luggage space is provided along with up to 527 litres of fuel capacity.

Temsa coaches to make National Express debut with Stotts - routeone

The first Temsa coaches for National Express will shortly enter service in a pair of HD13 models delivered to Stotts Coaches of Milnsbridge.

www.route-one.net

 

[route101]

National Express trial Temsa coaches with Stott's Coaches of Milnsbridge.

Temsa coaches to make National Express debut with Stotts - routeone

The first Temsa coaches for National Express will shortly enter service in a pair of HD13 models delivered to Stotts Coaches of Milnsbridge.

www.route-one.net

Interesting, a trial then?

 

[Mwanesh]

National Express trial Temsa coaches with Stott's Coaches of Milnsbridge.

Temsa coaches to make National Express debut with Stotts - routeone

The first Temsa coaches for National Express will shortly enter service in a pair of HD13 models delivered to Stotts Coaches of Milnsbridge.

www.route-one.net

Saw one in Birmingham today .They do look nice

 

[frodshamfella]

National Express still provides a fairly extensive network of services from London to many towns in England that have long since lost through trains/carriages to the capital on the rail network. For example, route 540 from London to Manchester is extended twice daily via Bolton, Darwen, Blackburn and Accrington to Burnley (only a few miles from Nelson).

It is the cross-country routes, for example those that used to radiate from Cheltenham Spa, that have been pruned radically.

I find it them not very useful any more. They used to have a stop in Runcorn. Now you have to get on in Liverpool City Centre only. Hardly anything from Chester and nothing from Warrington I believe. Years ago my mum used to get on in Heswall, took her all the way to Victoria C/S. It took its time, but she was happy because it was handy.

 

[markymark2000]

I find it them not very useful any more. They used to have a stop in Runcorn.

Which is rather funny when you consider the amount of buses that Selwyns run not in service between Liverpool and Runcorn. You'd have thought that even with an unpopular routing, they could serve Runcorn pretty easily then go up to Liverpool and then go to Leeds/London.

Now you have to get on in Liverpool City Centre only. Hardly anything from Chester and nothing from Warrington I believe. Years ago my mum used to get on in Heswall, took her all the way to Victoria C/S. It took its time, but she was happy because it was handy.

Nothing from Warrington anymore. They added a stop into the 170/171 at the top of Winwick Road (I think to claim BSOG as then stops would be less than 15 miles apart) but that has now been removed. Chester has 2 buses per day on the 423 and 551 but they are dismally slow for no reason other than NX trying to kill the demand. The 423 now sits in Birmingham for an hour too, and so it's quicker to change buses in Birmingham than it is to go straight through to London. Flixbus is now the best firm for Chester, they run 3 buses per day from Chester to Birmingham and London.

 

[M60lad]

Out of interest considering Selwyns run most trips on Leeds-Liverpool services are these shared between Sharston (Manchester) & Runcorn Depots or do Manchester Depot run most of them now as this might explain why no National Express services serve Runcorn now?

 

[markymark2000]

Out of interest considering Selwyns run most trips on Leeds-Liverpool services are these shared between Sharston (Manchester) & Runcorn Depots or do Manchester Depot run most of them now as this might explain why no National Express services serve Runcorn now?

Tracking suggests that all 170 and 171s (the Leeds to Liverpool routes) are operated by Runcorn depot. By which I mean, all of the buses either tracked from Runcorn/Widnes area running up to Liverpool to start the run, or the buses which didn't track the dead runs, has been on Runcorn operated trips the day before or day after.

 

[route101]

Speaking of the 170. On the timetable, Cheshire Oaks is listed but no services serve it. Strange.

 

[Smethwickian]

Speaking of the 170. On the timetable, Cheshire Oaks is listed but no services serve it. Strange.

0430 Saturdays only from Cheshire Oaks, connecting out of Bus Eireann 871 from Dublin. 1930 Saturdays only from Leeds, connecting at Cheshire Oaks with 871 to Dublin.

 

[henryb]

101/102 services have been drastically cut back with the disappearance of Parks, now only running 1 duty a day

 

[gray1404]

National Express have not confirmed their timetable beyond the end of March. This is most unusual is there a reason for this.

 

[Smethwickian]

National Express have not confirmed their timetable beyond the end of March. This is most unusual is there a reason for this.

Frequent tinkering with timetables is now the norm, unfortunately, and even if you do book months ahead there's no guarantee you won't get an email a few weeks before your journey advising of a change of schedules, offering you something before or after your original choice. If you're lucky it might just be a few minutes difference but it can be a matter of hours.

 

[frodshamfella]

Which is rather funny when you consider the amount of buses that Selwyns run not in service between Liverpool and Runcorn. You'd have thought that even with an unpopular routing, they could serve Runcorn pretty easily then go up to Liverpool and then go to Leeds/London.


Nothing from Warrington anymore. They added a stop into the 170/171 at the top of Winwick Road (I think to claim BSOG as then stops would be less than 15 miles apart) but that has now been removed. Chester has 2 buses per day on the 423 and 551 but they are dismally slow for no reason other than NX trying to kill the demand. The 423 now sits in Birmingham for an hour too, and so it's quicker to change buses in Birmingham than it is to go straight through to London. Flixbus is now the best firm for Chester, they run 3 buses per day from Chester to Birmingham and London.

Yes, they have really declined.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2025 ==

Tracking suggests that all 170 and 171s (the Leeds to Liverpool routes) are operated by Runcorn depot. By which I mean, all of the buses either tracked from Runcorn/Widnes area running up to Liverpool to start the run, or the buses which didn't track the dead runs, has been on Runcorn operated trips the day before or day after.

There is certainly plenty of NX coaches hanging around at their depot at Weston Runcorn.

 

[route101]

I noticed the timetable page has the Dublin Express times, London to Dublin service and the third party services.

 

[signed]

I noticed the timetable page has the Dublin Express times, London to Dublin service and the third party services.

Dublin Express is National Express, London to Dublin is a partnership with Bus Eireann

 

[coach fan]

It’s no secret mobico, National expresses parent company is under intense financial strain and even potentially an existential crisis. Lots of talk around our depot that mobico could be forced to sell off national express sometime in the new year….interesting times. They’ve sold off everything else pretty much.