NX coach driver training vehicle.

[Darkinsider]

Today i witnessed a coach that was branded as National Express Coaches Driver Training Vehicle.

I thought NX did not actually operate any coaches as they are all franchised out. so why would they driver train. National Express West Mids use completely different buses for driver training. If it was a franchise operator why would NX want their brand splashed over the media if a trainee driver makes an innocent mistake.

 

[Bungle965]

Not all of their coaches are franchised out to other operators, they operate the London Airport services themselves with Start Hill and Sipson Road being the main two depots. Start Hill operate 401, 403, 504, 701, 727, A2, and A4 I believe while Start Hill operate A6, A7, A8, and A9. I think there are two other depots at Luton and Gatwick which operate the A1 and A2 with Gatwick being A3. I am willing to be corrected on that however.
So the chances are that the training vehicle that you saw was indeed National Express's own, I believe they still have a couple of Plaxton Panthers at Start Hill.
As a side note National Express West Midlands do operate a few routes for National Express themselves, them being 409, 410, 444 and 571.
Hope this helps.
Sam

 

[Darkinsider]

deleted

 

[Mwanesh]

As highlighted above the Walsall depot do the coach routes.Sipson Road also do the 561 to Bradford .Their own inhouse coaches trade as National Express Operations.

 

[MotCO]

The Kings Ferry, owned by Nat Exp, also operate their own coaches. I don't know if they have any white Nat Exp coaches, or indeed any learner coaches.

 

[Mwanesh]

The Kings Ferry, owned by Nat Exp, also operate their own coaches. I don't know if they have any white Nat Exp coaches, or indeed any learner coaches.

They do have National Express branded coaches.They now do the 007 020 and 022 routes to Dover and Deal .They took these over from Stagecoach East Kent

 

[randyrippley]

Are you sure they're not left over from training drivers for the East Coast Main Line for the days the wires are down?
Dual skill your staff!