National Express Coventry facts for kids
 |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
BYD Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV in Longford in May 2023
|
|
| Parent | Mobico Group |
| Founded | November 2002 (separated from Travel West Midlands) |
| Headquarters | Coventry |
| Service area | Coventry Warwickshire |
| Service type | Bus services |
| Alliance | National Express West Midlands |
| Fleet | 176 |
| Operations Manager | Jamie Green |
National Express Coventry is a bus company that runs buses in and around the city of Coventry. It is part of a bigger company called Mobico Group. They work closely with National Express West Midlands, another bus company in the region.
Contents
How National Express Coventry Started
In October 1986, bus services in the West Midlands changed. The company that ran them, West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive, split its bus operations into a new company called West Midlands Travel. This happened because of a new law called the Transport Act 1985.
Later, in April 1995, West Midlands Travel was bought by National Express. In September 1996, its name changed to Travel West Midlands.
In November 2002, the Coventry part of the company got its own local name: Travel Coventry. Then, in February 2008, it was renamed National Express Coventry.
The Move to Electric Buses
National Express Coventry started using battery electric buses in August 2020. They received ten special Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-decker buses. These first electric buses and the special charging stations needed for them were paid for with a £2.2 million grant. This grant came from the UK government in 2019.
In January 2021, the government announced a big plan. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Oxfordshire County Council would each get £50 million. The goal was to make Coventry one of the first "all-electric bus cities" in the United Kingdom. This meant all bus services would use only electric buses.
With this funding, National Express Coventry ordered 130 more Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV electric buses in January 2022. These new buses were meant to replace the older diesel buses. The first 50 electric buses started running in November 2022. By September 2023, the entire order was finished. Now, about 80% of National Express Coventry's buses are zero-emissions, which means they don't produce harmful exhaust fumes.
Bus Services in Coventry
Changes to the Bus Network in 2012
.jpg)
On February 26, 2012, the entire bus network in Coventry was reviewed and changed. This led to buses running more often on busy routes. Many routes were changed or given new numbers. Some routes were removed, and new ones were added.
When these changes first happened, some people found them confusing. However, the new network was designed to be simpler. Since then, the company has watched how services run and listened to public feedback. They have made small changes to bus times to help buses run on schedule.
The new bus network uses a color-coded system. The colors for each route are shown on maps and timetables. The buses themselves are also being painted to match these route colors. Route 21 was the first to get this new look. Routes 9, 9A, 20, 20A, and 20E got their branding in April 2013. Routes 8 and 8A followed in June 2013.
There was even a public discussion about the spelling of a Coventry area, Styvechale. Residents debated whether it should be spelled "Styvechale" or "Stivichall" on the side of the buses. Both spellings had been seen on local signs and shops.
Working Together for Better Buses
PrimeLines was a special project in Coventry. It was a partnership between National Express Coventry, other bus companies, Coventry City Council, and Centro. Their goal was to create high-quality bus routes in Coventry. This included things like real-time information at bus stops, special lanes for buses to avoid traffic, and modern buses.
This project has now been replaced by a new city-wide agreement. This agreement involves Centro, Coventry City Council, Passenger Focus, and bus operators. The main aim is to give passengers faster, more on-time services. It also aims for shorter waiting times and more comfortable journeys across the whole bus network. This three-year agreement was part of the 2012 bus network review in Coventry.
How to Pay for Your Bus Ride
In Coventry, there is a "flat fare" system. This means you pay one set price to travel on almost all buses within the city. You can go nearly anywhere on the network for that fixed price. However, on route 11 (to/from Kenilworth & Leamington Spa) and the X1 (to Birmingham), the fares change depending on how far you travel.
For safety and to help buses move faster, drivers usually do not give change. So, it's best to have the exact fare or use other payment methods.
Ticket Options
There are many types of tickets you can buy. These include single journey tickets and "daysavers" for unlimited travel for one day. They also have their own travelcards for 1-day, 1-week, 4-week, and 52-week periods. You can also buy off-peak tickets (for quieter times), evening tickets, and group tickets.
You can also use "Network West Midlands" multi-operator tickets. These tickets are accepted on National Express Coventry buses within the city. However, they are not valid on route 20 beyond the M6 bridge (to/from Bedworth) or on route 11 beyond Gibbet Hill (to/from Kenilworth and Leamington Spa).
Where to Buy Tickets and Get Help
There is a travel shop at Pool Meadow Bus Station. Here, you can buy bus and coach tickets and ask any questions you have.
In Coventry and the West Midlands, you can pay for your bus ride in several ways. You can use contactless payments with your credit card or through the m-Ticket app. You can also use "Swift Pay as you Go" cards. If you prefer cash, make sure you have the exact change.
Bus Safety and Security
Regular ticket checks happen on buses. These checks are helped by the "Safer Travel" team, also known as the Network West Midlands team. This team started in 2005. It's a partnership between Centro and West Midlands Police.
The Safer Travel team works to reduce crime and bad behavior on buses across the West Midlands. They also help passengers feel safer. They have a campaign called "See Something, Say Something." This encourages passengers to send anonymous text messages if they see any nuisance behavior on buses.
