THE FAMILIAR sight of National Express white coaches will return to the UK roads on Monday March 29 with the UK’s largest coach operator promising its customers more in 2021.

The first coach will depart Manchester for London at 00:01, ending an 11-week full suspension of services in response to the national lockdown.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach, said: “It’s a great feeling to be getting hundreds of drivers back behind the wheel. We’re excited to play our part in the UK public’s safe return to travel.”

The restart comes with a significant number of changes that promise customers a better overall experience when booking and travelling with National Express in 2021.

An initial limited timetable, equivalent to around 15% of the standard intercity network, will be expanded quickly; adding new locations and routes and increasing frequency as restrictions are lifted and customer demand grows.

A new full UK-wide timetable will offer quicker journey times, increased punctuality and improved connectivity.

And with more people predicted to take a domestic break this year, the new schedules will include all major UK holiday destinations.

“We want to make coach travel more convenient and with even greater value in 2021,” adds Chris Hardy.

“We’ve removed the booking fee for any purchases made through a National Express online account and included more options to claim a refund or amend a journey if circumstances change.”

“This is a challenging but exciting time for us. Like the rest of the population, we look forward to being able to see friends and family, go on holiday, attend events and visit attractions again. National Express has always helped make this happen and we look forward to doing it once more.”

Visit www.nationalexpress.com for more information