Paul Bunting, Managing Director at National Express coach said, “Across the UK, the national coach network will see thousands of departures from all major cities reducing miles of traffic as well as cutting carbon emissions."

National Express, also Official Coach Partner to the Reading and Leeds Festival, has revealed figures showing at least 5000 cars will be taken off the road as a result of coaches travelling to this year’s Reading and Leeds festival. 

Thousands of festival goers were encouraged to book their festival ticket together with public transport to help alleviate traffic congestion around the sites in Leeds and Reading.  Coaches from more than 30 locations across the UK depart on Friday 27 August returning Sunday 29 August.

Paul Bunting added, “Coach travel to festivals is extremely popular this year with the advantage of being dropped off closer to the camp site than any form of transport, a huge luggage hold and professional drivers to do the driving after the event when people are likely to be tired.  The added benefit is reduced congestion on the roads.”

The coach journey will also reduce carbon emissions by at least 10 times compared to somebody driving in a car alone to the festival.

National Express is the leading provider of coach travel to the major UK festivals.  The company took more than 10,000 people to Glastonbury and thousands more to the Big Chill, T4 on the Beach and Sonisphere.

The next festival after Reading and Leeds is Bestival in the Isle of Wight.  National Express is providing coaches to from around the UK to Southsea where festival goers catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

www.nationalexpress.com

‘See Something, Say Something’, which enables passengers to anonymously send information about nuisance behaviour by text message, has also been given a new, shorter number - 83010.

All Metro trams and National Express buses across the Network West Midlands transport system will be advertising the new, easy to remember 83010 number on internal posters. In addition, the text messaging service will be promoted on bus shelters and tram platforms as well as timetable casings and travel card wallets.

Hundreds of bus passengers have used See Something Say Something since it was launched by the Safer Travel Partnership in October 2008. Their text messages have provided crucial information that has enabled the Partnership to pinpoint crime and anti-social behaviour hot spots and target its response accordingly.

The success of See Something Say Something has, in part, helped to see crime on the bus network fall to its lowest level for five years. Figures released last month (July) showed a fall of 21 per cent over the previous 12 months and a drop of 54 per cent over the previous three years.

Inspector Cate Webb-Jones, who leads the West Midlands Police Safer Travel Team, said: “When members of the travelling public text in their concerns they can be assured that something IS being done. Officers use this community intelligence to inform their patrol strategy.

“For example, as a direct response to community intelligence we recently carried out operations on Soho Hill and Garrison Lane and ‘Invariance’ operations using handheld CCTV on Hagley Road and Bristol Road.”

Since ‘See Something, Say Something’ was launched, more than 2,600 texts have been received. A third have generated specific police action and several arrests have been made as a result. The most persistent issues on buses are;
• smoking – which is dealt with by individual bus companies and local authority enforcement teams
• misuse of drugs
• general anti-social behaviour.

On the Metro, British Transport Police and Travel Midland Metro staff have been working hard to reduce crime. Over the last five years the average number of recorded offences each month along the entire route has fallen from 19 to just 12. This has led to a reduction in crime levels of 39 per cent- down from 226 offences in 2005 to 138 in 2009.

Neil Barker, Managing Director, National Express bus added: “We cannot emphasise enough how important it is for passengers to text 83010 if they witness anti social behaviour while travelling with us. Buses are a safe and reliable form of transport, but this annoying behaviour ruins people's journeys and will not be tolerated. Every text message is logged by National Express and Safer Travel to identify hotspot routes for vandalism, loud music and smoking and target offenders through bus CCTV and police operations.”

Tactics used by the Safer Travel Partnership include high visibility and covert patrols, the deployment of specially trained drugs sniffer dogs, ‘Gateway’ operations to blanket-check specific bus routes and the use of hi-tech ‘Invariance’ equipment which links in to on-board bus CCTV cameras to beam live images to hand-held screens in nearby police cars.

The Safer Travel Partnership also works with schools across the region to raise awareness among pupils about personal safety and the effects of nuisance behaviour and crime.

Passengers who see any nuisance behaviour during their bus or Metro journey can say something by texting ‘bus’ or ‘metro’ followed by a space and then details of the incident including time, date, location and route number to 83010.

Alternatively they can give details by logging on the www.safertravelinfo website or by telephoning West Midlands Police on 0345 113 5000.

In the case of an urgent crime or an emergency they should dial 999.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Carly O'Donnell
T: 011 460 8867
E: Carly.odonnell@nationalexpress.com

National Express is running ‘V’ bus services from Wolverhampton bus station and Stafford railway station from Friday 20 August. Travel starts from £5 per person and is available to buy from the driver. Bus services run throughout the weekend from 9:30am until late.

Bus passengers have priority access to the site, resulting in less congestion on the roads and less time spent in car park queues. Over 200 National Express staff and 40 vehicles will be involved in the four day operation to help fans enjoy one of the UK's top festivals at Weston Park. Nick Newcombe, Area Manager for Walsall, manages the operation:

Nick said: “V is one of the highlights of the year for us. Moving 10,000 fans over four days take a lot of preparation, hard work and patience – but it’s also very rewarding. Our drivers will cover a massive 20,000 miles between them this weekend, helping to remove hundreds of cars from the road and greatly reducing the damaging effect of congestion around the site.  Our passengers receive priority access to the festival, so they can enjoy every minute of the music without worrying about growing car park queues. “

Return bus tickets are £8 return per person, single tickets are £5 per person. Shuttle buses operate to and from the festival up to every 15 minutes throughout the day. They will operate late into the night so fans don’t miss a minute of the music.
-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Carly O’Donnell
Tel: 0121 460 8867
Email: Carly.ODonnell@nationalexpress.com

In addition to the scheduled services, the extra trains will run at the following times on both days of this year’s Airshow:

09.30, 09.45, 10.30, 11.10 & 11.55 Norwich to Lowestoft

17.20, 18.00 & 19.57 Lowestoft to Norwich
      
Other services between Norwich and Lowestoft, and vice versa, will operate as advertised in the scheduled timetable, with additional carriages provided wherever possible.

Train services on the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft will run as per the scheduled timetable. Some additional supplementary bus services will also operate.

Passengers can obtain further information on train services to the Airshow by checking the website at www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com, calling National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, or by referring to the posters displayed at local stations.

Work has taken place to open up and refurbish the station over-bridge which previously housed a small waiting area and the former parcel depot. The area has been renewed with new floor tiles, panelled and re-decorated walls and ceiling, and new lighting, with the colour scheme being chosen to reflect the station’s original paintwork. There are two new waiting areas, timetable boards and a display of station memorabilia. The original mosaic tiles have been retained and their appearance refreshed. In keeping with its history, display boards will be kept to a minimum to reflect the clean sharp lines of the refurbishment. The new works will provide improved access to the station platforms and passenger lifts for disabled customers and for those with pushchairs and heavy luggage. The external canopies and fascia boards at the front of the station have been replaced and renewed, and new parking bays for disabled passengers have been provided adjacent to the station forecourt.

To complete the transformation of Harlow Town station, NXEA has completed a separate £3m investment - as part of the company’s Service Improvement Plan - in a new multi-storey car park, constructed by Bourne Parking which will be officially opened as part of the station celebratory event, increasing car park capacity at Harlow  by 300 spaces to 700.

The station and car park was officially re-opened by Robert Halfon MP for Harlow, and entertainment at the station to celebrate the upgrade and its 50th anniversary featured the Harlow Steel Band.

Mark Phillips, Deputy Managing Director of NXEA said:

“We have been delighted to work in partnership with Harlow Renaissance and Essex County Council on the improvement scheme at Harlow Town and with Bourne Parking to construct the new car park which together has totally transformed the station. I am very grateful for the support of our partners which has enabled this project to proceed.”

Andrew Bramidge, Chief Executive of Harlow Renaissance said:

“As a gateway into Harlow, the station presents the first image many visitors will have of the town therefore its appearance is of the upmost importance to help deliver a positive and welcoming impression. Over the past 50 years hundreds of thousands of people have come through the station doors and we are incredibly pleased that the partnership has been able to retain the character and essence of this Listed Building, whilst at the same time improving the travel experience for everyone who passes through.”

County Councillor Norman Hume, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation at Essex County Council added:

“I am delighted with the refurbishment of Harlow Town station – it is a testament to the successful working partnership between Essex County Council, National Express East Anglia and Harlow Renaissance. This project demonstrates our commitment to improving Harlow’s transport networks; providing residents, commuters and visitors with an enhanced travel experience whether by rail or road.”

Bus Inspectors Kate Potter and Lewis Stevens found the kittens as they boarded a 28 service in Great Barr – they were left in a box on the back seat. They are now being cared for by a foster family in Sutton Coldfield.

Kate said: “We were carrying out a routine check on the bus when I found a box on the back seat. I thought it was rubbish so I picked it up and was shocked to hear noises from inside. When I opened the lid I saw ten little eyes looking up at me.”

“The kittens were very tired and distressed, but thankfully they looked in reasonable health.  My sister volunteers for a local cat charity so I called her straight away. I found it hard to believe someone could abandon the poor things, they looked so defenceless.”
 
The kittens were collected by Team Cat Resuce, a charity with adoption centres based throughout North Birmingham. They are currently being fostered by a family in Sutton Coldfield, until they are old enough to be adopted.

Lewis Stevens said: “The kittens were far too young to be separated from their mother and we’ve had to hand rear one of them. They look so much happier than when they arrived, but they are still traumatised by what happened. I’m actually adopting one myself and have called him Conan.”

National Express is examining CCTV from the bus to try and identify the culprits.

Lynne Buffrey, Coordinator for Team Cat Rescue, said: “We’re so grateful these kittens were found in time to save their lives and hopefully we’ll find permanent homes for them shortly. It’s vital that cat owners take responsibility for newting their animals to prevent unwanted kittens. If you’re finding it difficult to care for your cat please contact ourselves or a cat charity such as the PDSA or Cat Protection who can assist with the cost of newting.”

If you’re interested in adopting a kitten or cat from ‘Team Cat Rescue’ please contact them on 0121 373 4596: Home assessments must be carried out before any animal can be adopted.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Carly O’Donnell
T: 0121 460 8867
E: Carly.odonnell@nationalexpress.com

The locomotive is part of the fleet of trains that operates National Express intercity services on the mainline route between Norwich, Ipswich and London Liverpool Street, and was officially named ‘The Evening Star’ by The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jane Chambers and Nigel Pickover, Editor of The Evening Star.

The naming recognises the significant contribution that the Evening Star newspaper has made to the daily lives of people in Ipswich and throughout the Suffolk-wide community over the past 125 years, and 50 years on from British Railways naming the last-ever mainline steam locomotive to be built - ‘Evening Star’ in 1960.

And to add to the sense of occasion, a limited edition platform ticket for guests attending the naming ceremony was specially produced by the Evening Star.

Nigel Pickover, Evening Star editor said: “There is a great tradition of British locomotives having iconic names and now another great name is being added to the list in our Evening Star. We are delighted that National Express has allowed us to be associated with one of their locomotives in this way. It will be a daily reminder to thousands of rail passengers that use the railway that The Evening Star is an integral part of the Suffolk scene.”

Andrew Goodrum, Customer Service Director NXEA said: “Through the positive enthusiasm of its Editor, Nigel Pickover and his staff, the railway community in East Anglia has worked in partnership with the Evening Star to promote and champion our rail links in the region over many years, and in naming this locomotive ‘The Evening Star’ we are pleased to recognise the important role the newspaper plays in serving the communities of Ipswich and Suffolk and to say ‘Happy Birthday’ in its 125th year.”  
 

31 year old Simon Mathieson, who operates National Express West Midland’s largest bus depot, was named as one of the top ’40 under 40’ in a list published this month. 

Simon, who studied Transport Management at Aston University, currently oversees National Express’ Birmingham Central and Bordesley bus depots which house over 260 buses and employ over 800 staff. Prior to working at National Express, Simon managed a bus operation in Oxford but experienced life at the sharp end by driving buses in the West Midlands whilst a student.

Simon commented: “My career path has seen me progress from graduate trainee to Area Manager in six years. There are few industries or jobs that offer this rapid rise in responsibility and I’m constantly looking for new opportunities to strengthen Birmingham’s bus network.

When I spotted the ’40 under 40’ feature I was keen to see who’d made the list – I had no idea I was in there. It was a great honour to be recognised for my work in the industry and I’m looking forward to the challenges which are ahead of me and my team.”

Neil Barker, Managing Director National Express bus, said: “Transport is a challenging industry and managers are constantly under the spotlight from employees, passengers, stakeholders and the media. To successfully manage a complex bus operation at the age of 31 takes exceptional determination and commitment and we believe Simon has a very promising career within transport.”

The top 40 list featured individuals from all modes of public transport and a range of disciplines including marketing, operations and lobbying. 

Managing Editor ‘New Transit’ Magazine, Robert Jack, said: “We believe public transport is an industry with a bright future. It's recognised that public transport can meet our mobility needs and make our towns and cities more liveable. But, perhaps most important of all, it is part of the solution in the battle against climate change.

"In order to achieve all of these things in the years to come, public transport will need managers of the highest quality. We think Simon is a great example of that."

ENDS

For more details contact:
Carly O'Donnell
T:0121 460 8867
E:carly.odonnell@nationalexpress.com

For more information please contact:
Carly O'Donnell

Tel: 0121 460 8867

RTM is helping to improve the performance and reliability of the Class 90 locomotives, driving vehicles and coaches that operate the Intercity services on this route, following the development of the remote monitoring equipment fitted to the locomotives and vehicles to provide comprehensive real-time analysis and performance monitoring of the trains while in service. The system is the first of its type to be ‘retro-fitted’ to a complete fleet of trains in the UK rail industry and has been conceived, designed, constructed and installed by NXEA’s fleet engineering team, based at Crown Point Maintenance Depot in Norwich.

The RTM system operates via monitoring equipment installed on the trains and vehicles which provides immediate real-time information to NXEA’s engineers and technicians who are able to monitor all the key elements of the trains’ performance via their PCs or laptop computers. The data can be immediately analysed to help resolve a fault occurring while a train is in service, and act as a preventative aid to reduce the instances of train failures by identifying a component that might fail and cause a future delay to a service. 

The success of RTM is seen as industry best-practice and is being incorporated into a number of other projects around the network. 

John Ratcliffe, Engineering Director, National Express East Anglia commented: “Remote Train Monitoring is an innovative and practical way of reducing delays caused by train failures and I am extremely pleased that the development skills of our fleet engineering team has been recognised with this rail industry-wide award. The development of this system demonstrates our commitment to improving the punctuality and reliability of our trains, and thereby providing our customers with an improving train service.”