MONEY COACHING
Last time I recommended how to save money on train fares. But there is a cheaper
alternative – coaches. Millions of us travel by coach every year – the biggest
operator National Express sells more than 20 million tickets a year. But if you
are over 60 or disabled a special deal offering half price fares will soon end
in England.
Since 2003 the Government has subsidised half price fares on journeys that start
in England or Wales with a special grant. But as part of the cuts in public
spending this subsidy is due to end for journeys that start in England on 31
October 2011. After that coach operators will have to pay for any concessions
themselves. Details have not been announced but I have been firmly told by
National Express MD Andrew Cleaves, himself a keen coach traveller, that the
company cannot afford to continue with half price travel though some offers on
some routes may be introduced when the concession ends.
The welsh assembly government has no plans to cut the subsidy so half price
fares for journeys starting in Wales will continue. And in England there is a
loophole to exploit. If you buy your half price ticket before the deal ends in
October it will still be valid for some time – as late as August 2012. So if you
pay a regular visit by coach to a relative or friend, or you go on a regular
holiday or to a weekend destination by coach it is worth buying your ticket
before the end of October with the discount and using it later. But do check how
long it will be valid for.
National Express, which sells around three million half-price tickets a year,
operates to hundreds of destinations mainly through its London hub at Victoria
Coach Station. Other operators who currently offer half price fares are Berry’s
of Taunton and Oxford Express. There may be more so always ask.
If you think coaches are a bit old-fashioned, some of the latest provide wi-fi
for their passengers. You can even follow Andrew Cleaves’ round Britain coach
trip on twitter on #MDonthemove.
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