Megabus

[fleetline6477]

I've  noticed that Megabus have contracted Thandi to run certain routes for them.
Megabus must be desperate if they're having to use Thandi

I think the stablished long distance coach service have a much better reputation than the various associated bus companies run around the West Midlands.

[Jay71]

I think the stablished long distance coach service have a much better reputation than the various associated bus companies run around the West Midlands.

We will have to wait & see

[EK40]

Megabus are to completely cease all english routes from dec 4, only operating cross-border services and scottish services.

https://www.facebook.com/100064289462295/posts/957466929739614/

[winston]

Megabus are to completely cease all english routes from dec 4, only operating cross-border services and scottish services.

https://www.facebook.com/100064289462295/posts/957466929739614/

Presume a casualty of Flixbus expansion with the same low fares / no frills model

[joieman]

Presume a casualty of Flixbus expansion with the same low fares / no frills model

And, at least in my local area, a terrible choice of stopping locations.

[Stu]

Presume a casualty of Flixbus expansion with the same low fares / no frills model

My guess is that the 'coach wars' are about to step up a gear.

In recent months, as well as Flixbus expansion, we've also seen the forming of the Coach Travel Group, led by ex-National Express Tom Stables, as well as acquisitions by First Group.

I'm guessing that by offloading Megabus, Stagecoach didn't want to get too involved, or they knew what was coming.

Others might say that the 'vultures are circling National Express'.

Coach travel is being advocated as a cheap and affordable way of travelling across the country, compared to flying or by train.

[BlackCountryBusSpotter]

My guess is that the 'coach wars' are about to step up a gear.

In recent months, as well as Flixbus expansion, we've also seen the forming of the Coach Travel Group, led by ex-National Express Tom Stables, as well as acquisitions by First Group.

I'm guessing that by offloading Megabus, Stagecoach didn't want to get too involved, or they knew what was coming.

Others might say that the 'vultures are circling National Express'.

Coach travel is being advocated as a cheap and affordable way of travelling across the country, compared to flying or by train.

Interestingly Flybe used to advertise themselves as fastet than Road and Rail, Trains and Flying might target the Bussiness Travel or people who need to be need somewhere for a certain time. I know Easyjet's Operations to Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh from Birmingham have seen full planes the only reason airlines don't fly south as LHR/LGW slots and they would only spend 10 minutes flying. The flight time between BHX and EDI is 50 minutes, Coaches to me are good if you want to come from LHR to Birmingham and haven't slept as you can, you can use Wifi, EasyJet and Ryanair don't have this and you save having to lug luggage from the Airport to the Train Station.

[Mayfield]

My guess is that the 'coach wars' are about to step up a gear.

In recent months, as well as Flixbus expansion, we've also seen the forming of the Coach Travel Group, led by ex-National Express Tom Stables, as well as acquisitions by First Group.

I'm guessing that by offloading Megabus, Stagecoach didn't want to get too involved, or they knew what was coming.

Others might say that the 'vultures are circling National Express'.

Coach travel is being advocated as a cheap and affordable way of travelling across the country, compared to flying or by train.

I didn't think Stagecoach owned Megabus anymore 

[winston]

I didn't think Stagecoach owned Megabus anymore

They don't, that's why Stu's post says "Stagecoach offloaded Megabus"

[joieman]

I'm guessing that by offloading Megabus, Stagecoach didn't want to get too involved, or they knew what was coming.

I thought Stagecoach sold off Megabus because National Express wanted to buy Stagecoach.

[winston]

I thought Stagecoach sold off Megabus because National Express wanted to buy Stagecoach.

They did, as it would have caused competition concerns with NX Coaches, NX also sold off Dundee. 

[ellspurs]

Would a NX/Stagecoach merger be on the cards any time soon? Or would the acquisition by the Venture Capital company put paid to that?

[Jay71]

I thought Stagecoach sold off Megabus because National Express wanted to buy Stagecoach.

National Express can only dream about buying Stagecoach

[Wumpty]

National Express can only dream about buying Stagecoach

What makes you say that?

[Stu]

Would a NX/Stagecoach merger be on the cards any time soon? Or would the acquisition by the Venture Capital company put paid to that?

National Express can only dream about buying Stagecoach

There was a proposed merger a few years ago now:
https://wmbusphotos.com/forum/index.php?msg=295013

Nothing ever came of that, and I suspect that nothing will happen now.

With bus franchising almost certain to come to the West Midlands in the next few years, the other 'big groups' such as Stagecoach, First, Arriva and Go-Ahead will likely just sit and bide their time now.