National Express is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the world’s first express coach service with a special event dedicated to the historic Bristol to London route.
In collaboration with the Bristol Omnibus Vehicle Collection, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator has arranged for a heritage Bristol Greyhound coach, preserved by Mike Walker, to join a modern Caetano Levante 3A coach operated by Edwards Coaches.
The milestone marks a century since Greyhound Motors Ltd launched the first Bristol to London express coach service on Monday, February 11, 1925. Departing from Bristol’s Prince Street at 9 am, the journey took eight hours to reach London Hammersmith Broadway. A return service from London to Bristol operated simultaneously. The Greyhound name continued until 1972 when the service became part of National Express.
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Today, National Express runs more than 30 daily services between Bristol and London, with journeys taking as little as two hours and 15 minutes. Fares start at just £4.90 one way, a stark contrast to 1925 prices when a return trip cost 20 shillings (£1), the equivalent of more than £50 today.
Ed Rickard, network director for National Express, said: “We’re celebrating this significant milestone to recognize that Greyhound Motors made a bold move launching their express coach service 100 years ago, at a time when a return ticket from Bristol to London cost the equivalent of £1.
“In today’s money that would be over £50, yet here we are today offering more great-value services between Bristol and London than any other coach company and demonstrating how those in the know can enjoy frequent and reliable travel compared with other public transport options.”
Edwards Coaches, which operates National Express’ popular 040 Bristol to London route, is also celebrating its centenary this year. The company, which began in public transport in 1925, now runs around 250 vehicles on services ranging from local bus routes and home-to-school transport to private hire and National Express operations. Since 2017, Edwards’ National Express routes have been managed from its Bristol depot in Avonmouth.
Passengers traveling with National Express today can expect modern comforts, including reclining leather seats, free Wi-Fi on selected services, USB charging, and a luggage allowance of up to 20kg.
