National Express coaches 2020s

Tuesday 1 September 2020 (0719) – Advisory signage carried by National Express coaches during the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic. This vehicle was Whippet Coaches NX17 (BV17 GSU), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in March 2017.

Thursday 26 March 2020 (1220) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Service 813 operates from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. The coach in this photograph is National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH281 (BV19 XON), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, which was operating the 0930 London-Norwich service (arriving 1320) that would return as the 1530 service from Norwich to Victoria (due there 1925). It was seen on the A11 near Kennett.

Thursday 26 March 2020 (1220) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Service 813 operates from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. The coach in this photograph is National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH281 (BV19 XON), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, was operating the 0930 London-Norwich service (arriving 1320) that would return as the 1530 service from Norwich to Victoria (due there 1925). It was seen on the A11 near Kennett.

Thursday 26 March 2020 (1240) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Service 813 operates from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. Whippet Coaches NX28 (BV67 JZN), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in January 2018, was seen on the A11 near Kennett as it worked the 1050 departure from Great Yarmouth that would arrive Victoria at 1525 returning on the 1630 northbound service arriving in Great Yarmouth at 2055. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures.

Saturday 4 April 2020 (1234 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Initially service 813 operated from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. However, on Wednesday 1 April 2020 the service was cut back further and the only trip was an 1130 departure from Norwich arriving in Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630. Within days of that happening it was announced that both National Express and Megabus would cease operating completely after Sunday 5 April 2020 until further notice. Whippet Coaches NX28 (BV67 JZN), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in January 2018, was as it pulled away from Fiveways roundabout Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures.

Saturday 4 April 2020 (1234 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Initially service 813 operated from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. However, on Wednesday 1 April 2020 the service was cut back further and the only trip was an 1130 departure from Norwich arriving in Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630. Within days of that happening it was announced that both National Express and Megabus would cease operating completely after Sunday 5 April 2020 until further notice. Whippet Coaches NX28 (BV67 JZN), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in January 2018, was seen just after leaving Fiveways roundabout Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures.

Saturday 4 April 2020 (1234 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Initially service 813 operated from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. However, on Wednesday 1 April 2020 the service was cut back further and the only trip was an 1130 departure from Norwich arriving in Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630. Within days of that happening it was announced that both National Express and Megabus would cease operating completely after Sunday 5 April 2020 until further notice. Whippet Coaches NX28 (BV67 JZN), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in January 2018, was seen on the A11 at Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures.

Wednesday 25 March 2020 (1620) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Service 813 operates from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. The coach in this photograph is National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH281 (BV19 XON), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, which had operated the 0930 London-Norwich service (arriving 1320) that was now returning as the 1530 service from Norwich to Victoria (due there 1925). It was seen on the A11 between Barton Mills and Red Lodge, very lightly trafficked indeed for this time of day on a normal mid-week afternoon.

Wednesday 25 March 2020 (1620) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Service 813 operates from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. The coach in this photograph is National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH281 (BV19 XON), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, which had operated the 0930 London-Norwich service (arriving 1320) that was now returning as the 1530 service from Norwich to Victoria (due there 1925). It was seen on the A11 between Barton Mills and Red Lodge.

Friday 3 July 2020 (0921) – As a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak National Express reduced their coach service network effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Those services ceased completely after operation on Sunday 5 April 2020 and did not re-commence until Wednesday 1 July 2020. When services resumed the Great Yarmouth to London service (which had been numbered 813 in the temporary series) reverted to service 491 and travelled via Acle, Norwich and Thetford running non-stop to Stratford then London (Victoria). There are two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0730* and 1140 and one from Norwich (at 1715 which also serves Cambridge). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich also serving Cambridge) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1300 and 1800. These services are expected to run until 30 August 2020. Ambassador Travel 214 (BV19 XRA), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K360 new in June 2019, is seen cruising along the A11 at Barton Mills when working the 0745 departure from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria). Having left Thetford at 0905 it was spot on time as headed for the capital. The coaches now carry a panel of safety instructions on the entrance door. It has been many years since I took a photograph at this spot – in the 1990s I think! Back then there were no trees and it was possible to see across the fields towards the old road where Sandford’s Garden Centre and the Dog & Partridge pub were. www.ipernity.com/doc/davidslater-spoddendale/40999764 * service departs at 0745 on Saturdays and Sundays

Friday 3 July 2020 (0921) – As a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak National Express reduced their coach service network effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Those services ceased completely after operation on Sunday 5 April 2020 and did not re-commence until Wednesday 1 July 2020. When services resumed the Great Yarmouth to London service (which had been numbered 813 in the temporary series) reverted to service 491 and travelled via Acle, Norwich and Thetford running non-stop to Stratford then London (Victoria). There are two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0730* and 1140 and one from Norwich (at 1715 which also serves Cambridge). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich also serving Cambridge) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1300 and 1800. These services are expected to run until 30 August 2020. Ambassador Travel 214 (BV19 XRA), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K360 new in June 2019, is seen cruising along the A11 at Barton Mills when working the 0745 departure from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria). Having left Thetford at 0905 it was spot on time as headed for the capital. The coaches now carry a panel of safety instructions on the entrance door. * service departs at 0745 on Saturdays and Sundays

Sunday 5 April 2020 (1232 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020 and from that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable. Then on Wednesday 1 April 2020 those services were cut further with the announcement that from 2359 on Sunday 5 April 2020 all services would cease until at least 1 June 2020. On this last day Whippet Coaches NX29 (BV67 JZP), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K440 new in January 2018, was seen on the A11 at Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures. The services introduced on the temporary timetable on 24 March 2020 were numbered in the 800 series with service 813 operating from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. From 1 April 2020 this was reduced to just one trip departing Norwich at 1130 arriving Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630.

Sunday 5 April 2020 (1232 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020 and from that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable. Then on Wednesday 1 April 2020 those services were cut further with the announcement that from 2359 on Sunday 5 April 2020 all services would cease until at least 1 June 2020. On this last day Whippet Coaches NX29 (BV67 JZP), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K440 new in January 2018, was seen on the A11 at Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures. The services introduced on the temporary timetable on 24 March 2020 were numbered in the 800 series with service 813 operating from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. From 1 April 2020 this was reduced to just one trip departing Norwich at 1130 arriving Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630.

Sunday 5 April 2020 (1232 BST) – In response to the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential reduction in passengers, National Express cut many services effective Tuesday 24 March 2020 and from that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable. Then on Wednesday 1 April 2020 those services were cut further with the announcement that from 2359 on Sunday 5 April 2020 all services would cease until at least 1 June 2020. On this last day Whippet Coaches NX29 (BV67 JZP), a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K440 new in January 2018, was seen on the A11 at Barton Mills as it worked the 1130 from Norwich to Victoria. Normally this particular coach is one of the regular machines that work the National Express service 727 from Norwich to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports which also travels along this road, a service curtailed for the period of the emergency measures. The services introduced on the temporary timetable on 24 March 2020 were numbered in the 800 series with service 813 operating from Great Yarmouth to London (Victoria Coach Station) via Norwich, Thetford, Newmarket, Cambridge, Stansted Airport and Stratford with two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0620 and 1050) and one from Norwich (at 1530). The northbound journeys departed Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich only) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1200 and 1630. From 1 April 2020 this was reduced to just one trip departing Norwich at 1130 arriving Victoria at 1525 returning from Victoria at 1630.

Tuesday 6 October 2020 (1222) – National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH282 (BV19 XOO), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, seen on the A11 at Barton Mills when working the 0930 London-Norwich service. It had called at Stratford (1020) and Cambridge (due 1145-1150). Passing here nicely on time it was due at Thetford at 1240 and Norwich at 1330. It would then work the 1715 return trip to London. As a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak National Express reduced their coach service network effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Those services ceased completely after operation on Sunday 5 April 2020 and did not re-commence until Wednesday 1 July 2020. When services resumed the Great Yarmouth to London service (which had been numbered 813 in the temporary series) reverted to service 491 and travelled via Acle, Norwich and Thetford running non-stop to Stratford then London (Victoria). There are two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0730* and 1140 and one from Norwich (at 1715 which also serves Cambridge). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich also serving Cambridge) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1300 and 1800. * service departs at 0745 on Saturdays and Sundays

Tuesday 6 October 2020 (1222) – National Express owned Travel West Midlands SH282 (BV19 XOO), a Caetano Levante III bodied Scania K410 new in March 2019, seen on the A11 at Barton Mills when working the 0930 London-Norwich service. It had called at Stratford (1020) and Cambridge (due 1145-1150). Passing here nicely on time it was due at Thetford at 1240 and Norwich at 1330. It would then work the 1715 return trip to London. As a result of the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak National Express reduced their coach service network effective Tuesday 24 March 2020. From that date a limited number of routes operated on a temporary timetable with services numbered in the 800 series. Those services ceased completely after operation on Sunday 5 April 2020 and did not re-commence until Wednesday 1 July 2020. When services resumed the Great Yarmouth to London service (which had been numbered 813 in the temporary series) reverted to service 491 and travelled via Acle, Norwich and Thetford running non-stop to Stratford then London (Victoria). There are two departures from Great Yarmouth (at 0730* and 1140 and one from Norwich (at 1715 which also serves Cambridge). The northbound journeys depart Victoria at 0930 (to Norwich also serving Cambridge) followed by two journeys to Great Yarmouth at 1300 and 1800. * service departs at 0745 on Saturdays and Sundays

Tuesday 1 September 2020 (0715) – Whippet Coaches NX17 (BV17 GSU, a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in March 2017, seen at Parkside, Cambridge having arrived with the 0535 National Express service 727 from Norwich. It then continued to Heathrow Airport.

Tuesday 1 September 2020 (0716) – Whippet Coaches NX17 (BV17 GSU, a Caetano Levante bodied Scania K410 new in March 2017, seen at Parkside, Cambridge having arrived with the 0535 National Express service 727 from Norwich. It then continued to Heathrow Airport. In the background is City of Oxford Motor Services Limited 59 (BM68 AHU), a Caetano Levante bodied Volvo B11RT new in February 2019, which was between trips on National Express service 737. It had worked the 0630 trip from Stansted arriving here at 0715 and departed at 0820 for Oxford at 0820 (arriving there at 1300). Looking at the timetable it looked like it may have worked the 0200 service from Oxford to Stansted (arriving at 0535).