Additional 9,000 bus seats offered by National Express during August Bank Holiday

National Express, a major provider of public transport services in the United Kingdom, is gearing up for a busy Bank Holiday weekend as demand for its coach tickets soars due to rail disruptions.

The company has reported a 20% increase in passenger numbers for the coming weekend compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in bookings is attributed to the planned industrial action by the RMT union, which is set to affect CrossCountry rail services across the UK.

In response, National Express has taken steps to ensure travel remains dependable and comfortable during the Bank Holiday weekend. The company has added 9,000 extra seats on intercity routes, including services to and from Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Bolton, Cardiff, Hull, London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swansea, and Wolverhampton.

CrossCountry, another major transport provider, has announced that it will not provide services on Saturday, 23 August, and may cancel services on Sunday, 24 August. Passengers are advised to travel either side of the Bank Holiday weekend, and those with tickets for the affected days can seek a full refund.

National Express encourages passengers to book coach tickets in advance to guarantee a seat for the Bank Holiday weekend. With demand for National Express coach tickets being high, lower price tickets may sell out quickly.

The General Director of National Express, who announced the increase of seats on its most popular long-distance lines, is not mentioned in the provided search results. However, the company aims to provide an affordable and reliable way to travel during rail disruptions, whether for work, leisure, or family outings.

The industrial action has been called following a 'breakdown' in industrial relations. As the country braces for potential disruptions, National Express coach drivers are ready to maintain services and keep the country moving.

As the Bank Holiday weekend approaches, travellers can rely on National Express to provide a reliable and affordable public transport option, offering a respite from the potential chaos on the rails.

Additional 9,000 bus seats offered by National Express during August Bank Holiday