Megabus significantly reduces coach services due to 'low passenger demand' - but some Newcastle services survive

A Megabus
-Credit: (Image: Birmingham Mail)


Megabus will reduce its service levels in England and Wales due to "low passenger demand".

The low-cost coach operator, which has offered fares for as little as £1, will scale back its operations from December 4. All Megabus services solely within England and Wales will cease operating from that date, other than the Falcon route between Bristol and Plymouth.

However, the company's cross-border services will continue, meaning that not all Newcastle services have been axed. Passengers wishing to travel from Newcastle can still book services which link the city with Wales and Scotland; and Leeds, Sheffield and London.

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Simone Walsh, managing director of Megabus, said it had been an "extremely difficult decision." She said: "Unfortunately it is not sustainable for us to continue operating our current network as the customer demand is simply too low.

"So, we are making these changes to ensure that we have a more efficient network going forward. Megabus will continue to operate its long-standing cross-border services, which also provide connections within England and Wales.

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"We want to thank the many passengers who travel with us every day and will ensure that we continue to operate an affordable and high-quality service on the parts of the network that are unaffected by these changes. And we will work hard to ensure that customers who have booked services that are being discontinued are looked after and offered an alternative option."

Megabus says that customers affected by the service changes will be contacted in the near future, and that arrangements are being put in place for customers with existing bookings to find alternative transport or be provided with a refund. In response to Megabus service cuts, National Express has announced it will boost capacity on "key intercity and airport routes" across England, including Newcastle to London and Heathrow.