A RIDE BY RAPIDE COACH SERVICE - PLEASANT EXPERIENCE OR UNCOMFORTABLE ORDEAL?

An appraisal is made of the quality and efficiency of some of the National Express Rapide Coach services and the threat posed to British Rail by this competition. The Rapide concept was introduced in 1981 - services are operated by coaches with on-board toilets allowing long distance non-stop operation. A stewardess travels with each coach and serves light refreshments. The coaches also have video machines allowing films to be shown en route. Rapide services now serve Exeter, Plymouth, South Wales, Manchester, Yorkshire and the North East of England. The services are run by the National Bus Company, some of them in association with private operators. The journeys reported on are London to Exeter, London to Manchester and London to Sheffield. The authors whilst being impressed by the comfort and facilities provided do not think the services pose a threat to those of British Rail, whose services whilst being more expensive are often faster and more frequent. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00268356
• Corporate Authors:

  Ian Allan Limited

  Terminal House
  Shepperton, Middlesex  England  TW17 8AS
• Publication Date: 1983-4

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 202-204
• Serial:
  • MODERN RAILWAYS
  • Volume: 40
  • Issue Number: 415
  • Publisher: Ian Allan Publishing, Limited
  • ISSN: 0026-8356

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus transportation; Buses; Competition; Intercity bus lines; Intercity transportation; Public transit; Railroad trains; Railroad transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Intercity
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1272: Bus; 235: Competition; 388: Inter urban; 744: Public transport; 1268: Train; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00379285
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 30 1984 12:00AM