NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH EXPANDS ABROAD FOR FIRST TIME

National Express Coach has expanded its network of scheduled airport coach services outside of the UK with a contract award in Ireland.

The UK’s largest coach operator has secured the deal to run a high-frequency, cross-city network with Ireland-based Bernard Kavanagh Coaches operating the service on their behalf.

At launch in March, ‘Dublin Express’ will run three routes up to 24 hours a day between Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. A phased expansion of the network will see additional services being added to connect more locations across the city and increase the frequency of airport connections.

John Boughton, managing director of National Express Ireland, commented: “Dublin Express will transform what it means to ride an airport service in the Irish capital.

“We currently run 1,100 airport services every day on a 24 hour basis direct to the terminal for all major UK airports including Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow and Manchester. And as Ireland’s largest private coach operator, we have previously worked with Bernard Kavanagh Coaches to operate Irish services.

“Bringing together this collective experience, local knowledge and expertise as Dublin Express will allow us to provide a much enhanced experience at a great price.”

Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison said that he was delighted to see an expansion of coach and bus services to and from the airport: “We are very focused on improving public transport options to Dublin Airport for both passengers and airport-based employees, and we specifically sought coach and bus providers who would expand the network, both in terms of the hours of operation and the route choice.”

Passengers will benefit from a fleet of modern and efficient coaches that meet the latest standards for engine emissions (Euro VI). An array of safety and technology features will provide customers with an unrivalled experience, including reclining leather seats, extra legroom, free wifi and charging sockets. The latest in technology will provide customers with real time information to track their coach, and easy booking and payment with tap-and-go, contactless ticketing at the airport and an array of digital and mobile channels in multiple languages.

Managing director Bernard Kavanagh, commented: “We have a long standing, strong relationship with National Express. We look forward to building on this in 2020 with the new Dublin Express service.”