National Express is giving residents in Bath an early Christmas present with the announcement that four new fast London services are being improved and extended.
Backed by Bath MP Don Foster, the UK’s largest coach operator launched the daily services back in summer as a trial.
The services have proved popular with tens of thousands more passenger journeys taken in Bath year-on-year to date compared to 2012.
Now, in a move that marks a major boost to the provision of cost-effective travel it has agreed to extend the services, which connect Bath with London in just two-and-a-half hours. The timetable has also been improved.
Services which operate between Bath and London run from 07.20am to 19.00pm, enabling people to enjoy a full day in London.
The first services bringing to Bath arrive at the coach station at 10.30am while the last service departs at 19.30pm, allowing tourists to take full advantage of Bath’s attractions, pubs, restaurants and shops.
Coaches arrive and depart from Bath Bus Station, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.
Tom Stables, Managing Director National Express UK Coach lives in Chippenham. He said: “We are really pleased to confirm we are extending our fast services between Bath and London permanently and we hope people will enjoy taking advantage of this new link to the capital.
“Equally, all-too-often foreign tourists visiting London miss out on all the UK has to offer due to the cost-prohibitive cost of onward train travel which can add hundreds of pounds to the cost of a holiday. These new services offer a great way for people all over the world to explore all Bath has to offer to suit any budget.”
Don Foster MP added: “National Express plays a vital role in the provision of transport in Bath and it is wonderful the company is extending its fast links to London”.
Online prices from Bath start from £7 one-way.