This SHOCKED me! Megabus Vs Flixbus: London to Leeds & back on the coach!

[@John-ex4gj]

Hi mark just watched the video and as a PCV driving instructor and an ex megabus driver I am shocked apart from the lack of cleanliness of the coach but no one should be standing on a top deck of a coach driver should’ve waited take care

[@robh8814]

What do you do when people get up to use the Toilet half way down the Coach & down those Emergency exit stairs? As someone already said in the comments then the Driver might have found out that next week he would be driving a Stagecoach London Bus dealing with the lovely people of East London on a local Bus route & good luck with that.🤣 I wonder what the percentage of pays a fare/doesn't pay a fare is out there.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi John, good to hear the opinion of an experienced professional. Thanks for the comment - much appreciated 😊👍

[@DanielsTravelVlogs]

Megabus copied stagecoach 😂😂

[@iainmiddleton9976]

Spot on John. 100%

[@MrAustinPowers]

I’m curious as a bus user if you buy a digital ticket but your battery goes flat do they give you a penalty fare when you can’t show it

[@PennysPitstop]

Writing this as an Ex Whippets, now McGills Flixbus drive. Really happy that you got a better drive from the Whippets based Flixbus coach. This driver seems to be continuing the hard work we ALLused to put in when I was there 3 years ago. Very disappointed about the megabus and Id like to say the lack of cleanliness was a one off, but Ill be honest and say I havent been on enough to megabuss to know whats normal. But I do know that all flix bus drivers do work hard to give a good experience. We dont always get it right, and sometimes no matter what we do the customer will never be happy, but id be OK with this flixbus journey. The only thing Id do different is instead of giving a departure time at meadowhall, I always give a departure time in minutes, for example, this bus departs in 6 minutes. This is because some peoples watchs are showing the same time as mine, so its possible for a customer to arrive at, say, 10am and we left 2 minutes earlier because their watch is slower than mine. Overall really enjoyed your video, fair and honest.

[@PennysPitstop]

I questioned the wierd row 1 seats. I was told that its to line up with the continental system. Obvioulsy we drive on the left so the driver is on the right side, but most countries drive on the left and thus the driver is on the right, so seats 1A and 1B which are considered premium will be behind the driver. I dont know why anyone would want to pay extra to sit behind the driver, but whatever floats your boat.

[@bgw7992]

I drive local buses, single and double deckers. As long as the passengers have passed the disabled section or have climbed the stairs, we can set off safely. Exception to that rule would be elderly or infirm. We’d wait for those people to be seated. But realistically, if they’re all mucking around upstairs, trying to sit next to their best friend, the bus can’t wait. It has a timetable to stick to, as well as driving hours to adhere to. So every minute is accounted for. Unless he’s on a motorway doing 60mph, I really don’t see an issue with moving off with them standing. If a local bus service was full, you’d have 30+ people stood up. So, 20mph in central London with a few stragglers mucking about, really isn’t bad and is perfectly legal.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers for the comment, thanks. Question I have, does it make a difference that there are no handrails/posts/straps to hold onto on a coach? Also, I presume buses have a seating and standing capacity?

[@mickthemerciless9694]

@@bgw7992 The other point to address is that passengers are responsible for their own property, this includes rubbish.

[@bgw7992]

Coaches do have those. You’ll find them on the corner of the seat, closest to the isle. It’ll be on the side of the headrest, or if you’re travelling on a medieval one, on the seatbacks themselves, above the ashtray! I spotted them on both of the buses you travelled on! Local buses (such as Enviro 200’s) are designed for low speed, start-stop service. So you’ll find a plethora of rails, bars and handles to grab hold of and an absence of seatbelts. Because you’re legally allowed to move around a coach whilst it’s moving, they need to have something to hold onto, so the handles on the aisle seat headrests are for that. Definitely get what you mean, but I suppose my perspective is different doing this on the daily. Capacity-wise, you often find that standing capacity is more than seating capacity on single deckers. You’ll find grab rails from the front to the back. Double deckers, you’re only permitted to stand downstairs. I’m not enormously sure of the reason for that, but I do think it has to do with cornering and the risk of tipping the vehicle if you’re top heavy. You want your centre of gravity to be as low as possible.

[@simonkenny3497]

What a tale of two journeys. The first one,well putting it politely, an absolute nightmare. I couldn't help but smile at your face in the first half. (Abject misery). Really enjoyed this video Mark. Keep em coming 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon. Yes fortunately Flixbus pulled it out of the bag for the second leg!

[@simonkenny3497]

@@LetsMakeaTrip %100 mate. You deserved it after the 1st leg!!

[@robh8814]

@@simonkenny3497 "Nightmare" Coach was dirty. Driver didnt do safety speech. Driver didnt wait 5 mins for people to find a seat.. Good luck on London Buses if u ever use them.. Had far worse Coach Journeys since 1990 when I first used a Coach mainly NEX.

[@Islandicus]

When I used to travel the National Express route from Newcastle to London back in the seventies and eighties, there was a driver, a relief driver and a steward(ess) on board. We could buy tea, coffee and snacks and the steward would collect all the rubbish. There were at least two stops at service stations for toilet breaks. Now there is just one driver on his own and some passengers who haven't the decency to take their litter with them but see fit to leave the coach looking like a rubbish tip.

[@BoskiM]

There were stewards as late as the early noughties

[@johnanthony4194]

Not sure what has happened to coach travel. In the 1980s there was a 'NON STOP CLIPPER' between Newcastle and London. 2 drivers who alternated half way. When not driving they provided a snack service, Hot and cold drinks, 'Stottty' sandwiches and sweets. The 15:30 service from Newcastle was due at Victoria at 20:30, =5 hours! Sometimes it was early. Now there is no journey between London and Newcastle under 7hrs and some longer. So much for progress.

[@rob4b]

It's called keeping cost down most of these operators are on razor thin profits and no one wants to drive buses anymore as it's completely antisocial. Just wait for driverless buses along with cashless trace and trace.

[@muckle8]

So why the 2 additional hours? More breaks or more stops? I’m guessing the latter. Nothing is as good as it was it seems.

[@andyburbidge4938]

@@muckle8When the ‘Non Stop Clipper’ ran, the vehicles were capable of 70mph, nowadays its 62mph, and more congestion and roadworks.

[@BrianField-p5d]

@@johnanthony4194 5 hours , Newcastle to London, that’s a really good time, how times have changed,

[@duncangrant7240]

Hi Mark. General comment, you put me on to Busbud. But I've just tried it putting in my local journey, Aviemore to Edinburgh or Glasgow. All it is offering is Flixbus, when Citylink/Megabus is by far the main operator. I then put in Perth to Glasgow, and it offered Megabus and Flixbus, but no Ember, the electric option available for some time now. So I would advise caution with recommending Busbud. Duncan

[@fitzpatrickken]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos Mark, you have such an easy style of delivery that makes watching a pleasure!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Ken - appreciate the kind words 😊

[@topmandog1]

You really need to complain about the megabus service, that driver needs serious training, complain untill they give you a satisfactory answer

[@AndreiTupolev]

I like how as you were talking about the anazing new electric 🔌 coach, a Routemaster went by

[@Battismore-Blue]

The irony

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha yep, I’d love a ride on either tbh 👍

[@tomarmstrong1281]

I have never regarded KZbin as a public service, but this video changed that. Congratularions to Mark for a comprehensive and Frank appraisal.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Tom, appreciate your comment mate 😊👍

[@DoctorVision]

Flixbus has definitely been my best experience. We needed to get to London in August 2022 for a concert and of course the trains were on strike that day so a coach was the only viable option. It was a surprisingly pleasant journey with comfortable seats and air conditioning which was vital as it was over 30 degrees that day. Whereas the train would have been stuffy and no guarantee of seats. Unfortunately, Flixbus have less routes running from Coventry to London since and I've had to resort to National Express instead which have been perfectly fine but not to the same standard as Flixbus. I definitely have a renewed respect for coach travel. Yes, it might take longer than the train but it's much cheaper, you're guaranteed a seat and not likely to be left stranded at a moment's notice.

[@pipcopur]

I had exactly the same experience as yourself on the same route back in May 24. No Wi-Fi, the toilet was absolutely disgusting, no running water in the hand basin and no hand sanitizer. I was seated at the very front of the couch which I would not recommend due to the dire lack of legroom, the stench of urine from the toilet pervaded the whole vehicle. That was my first and last trip with Megabus. I will be travelling the same route already booked with FlixBus, there is no way in the world it could be worse than Megabus and they are cheaper too. Thanks for the video

[@jonathancarless8496]

The cleanliness of that mega bus is appalling. It obviously should of been cleaned prior to the trip but the passengers should have put their rubbish in the bin, there was what looked bin bags attached to every seat FFS. You find this more and more nowadays, people have less respect for their environment, particularly on public transport.

[@gazza2933]

Yes about attitudes. Obviously bad ones.

[@louisegriffin6672]

have

[@Markie_Smizzle]

I've used both companies, but in 2 different countries. I never had a problem with either tbh, but I felt like the megabus driver was absolutely flying down the A1 from Edinburgh to Newcastle. The bus was clean and the driver was friendly enough. But having used Flixbus in Portugal from Faro and Lisbon and back, I would choose flixbus every time going forward. I'd easily have given them 9.5/10 the only thing I found was their wifi wasnt great, but that's neither something nor nothing to me.

[@neilpavett3413]

Thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Neil, many thanks for the super thanks- really appreciated mate and I hope you enjoyed the video. Cheers 😊

[@rossgoodchild1852]

I've used National Express Megabus and Flixbus. National Express for comfort and cleanliness unfortunately they tend to travel all round the houses Megabus I haven't used since they stopped the Megabus gold service which was a direct service from London to Plymouth which I used alot when It run Flixbus absolutely great value on time and more direct to your destination than the National Express services. Also you can book the seat next to you for an additional small charge which I do and its wonderful for leg room and more personal space. Another great video by the way 😎👍

[@Watcher666-n9h]

@@rossgoodchild1852 FLIXBUS IS owned by National Express

[@fusionlad]

@@Watcher666-n9h No it's not. What gave you that idea?

[@gazza1858]

After watching that if i ever decide to use a coach I’ll definitely be giving Megatramps a wide berth.

[@mrpscorpio]

Great video again My Man. Lucky my misses wasn’t on this bus, she would have been screaming at the driver to stop and let the passengers sit down. She doesn’t take fools lightly. To be fair I’m surprised no one on the bus remonstrated with the driver on this.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks mate. I get the impression most of the passengers are regulars and just put up with stuff. Maybe that’s the difference?

[@mdcs1992]

@@mrpscorpio Entitled Karen. Poor you.

[@Timstravels01]

1-0 to FlixBus there. A very honest look at both operators. Top work as always Mark.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Tim, yep 1-0 there (or 8-4 I guess though 4 was probably over-generous on my part!).

[@johnmcarthur9418]

Hi Mark it's just to let you and your followers know that from October 28th 2024 the flixbus bus services will be going into the Leeds bus station. It will be arriving and departing from stand 1. Night time services will be arriving and leaving from stand c outside the bus station. Hope that helps keep up the good work

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers John, I posted up something similar on my Facebook page. A definite improvement I would say. 👍

[@NubianPrince85]

Train travel is ridiculous high ....and the thing about coach triping is early morning or early eve afternoon....Megabus driver was having a day off.......London to Glasgow overnight ......amazing....Flixbus ....loved it from Glasgow to Dundee.......Busbud app thank u for the hack

[@Randomnobody126]

I had a situation two days ago on Flixbus heading from Glasgow to Victoria and the lady who scanned my ticket noticed I had a small duffle bag and my backpack and she said that duffle bag should be absolutely fine on the overhead storage. At this point I thought that was great but when I went to step on the coach the ‘luggage pro’ that I’ll call him shouted “Oi you duffle bags at aren’t aloud on the bus” and this was a quite loud aggressive tone, I explained the woman said it would be fine and he just replied with “well yer no getting on ma bus if ye don’t put yer stuff where I tell ye” 🤣 honestly some people really are in the wrong jobs. but he just had that power trip attribute.

[@angelaclements1244]

I've only used flix a few times and I took my backpack on board

[@lizmacrae4970]

I enjoyed this very much…it was very informative and since I go to Leeds often I thought to book my next trip to Leeds from the south of England on Flixbus…however the website kept changing my destination and start point…and I was unable to book the return as the outward page was stuck…that does not inspire confidence. When will people realise that. computers are not reliable …and they require maintenance…don’t just set them and leave them…they have lost me now…I will drive myself.

[@scopehitmyeye2019]

I'm becoming fed up with the high price and poor service of train travel so have been thinking about coaches. I now know who I WON'T be booking with! Thanks.

[@djburland]

I think 4/10 was generous. No Safety regard, no cleaning, no soap. what did it have?

[@yodaami]

@@djburland well, it had wheels and a driver and managed to complete the journey, which is often not the case for trains! Easily worth 4/10.

[@angelaclements1244]

It was ok. It was punctual and did the job. I've traveled on Megabus and never experienced any issues with either the coach or driver. Don't judge them all based on one trip

[@nathansmith5687]

Great video Mark and wow what a contrast in service between the 2 operators, you should join me one of my services from Luton Airport to Cambridge Parkside (there is also a green by Parkside to comment on the coach and driver lol). In relation to the roadworks as a coach driver I used to do the Nat Ex from Victoria to Bradford during the evening and I have to admit the roadworks and diversions at night are a nightmare. The rubbish should have been cleaned between services and I would be so embarrassed if I was the driver of that coach. Keep up the excellent videos

[@penaltygallery]

This is really interesting to watch - I visited Macau in 2015 from HK, only option then was ferry then bus when in Macau!

[@assay1985]

As a road worker concrete barrier finisher it takes 28days for 1inch of concrete to dry set completely hard so barriers take upto 2yrs to fully set if we took it down and lorry would drive straight thru

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Blimey 2 years! Never knew that mate, thanks. Makes you wonder though why they don’t use a different material though. Probably cost!

[@dolebandit9942]

I agree with you not cleaning the coach at the main terminal is unacceptable

[@lutonscania4702]

Not sure how it is with Megabus but when I was at NX doing the 540 we were given no time between runs, not enough time to get to Victoria in a car let alone a coach. Not given any cleaning materials like a broom, mop and bucket and bin bags. No service bus or coach operator will care, the way they see it it's supply and demand, you don't have a choice of how you travel usually, they won't bother allocating extra time between runs for drivers to clean up the mess the animals make when that time could be used in service when the coach is making some CEO a lot of money.

[@TarrelScot]

A really useful comparison. Flixbus have recently started operating out of my home city of Inverness, to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Looking forward to trying them out.

[@arthurvasey]

I have looked into travelling between Taunton and Middlesbrough - for me, the only way that I can leave and arrive at reasonable hours is by train - I can get a train that leaves just before 11, and, depending upon whether I change at York or Darlington, I can usually arrive about 5 pm, assuming no delays - I looked at the two available coach companies - National Express and Flixbus - the Flixbuses to Middlesbrough leave Taunton any time between midnight and before 9 am - and, with no cross-town buses running at that time of night and no direct bus to the place I have to get the bus from buses running in the daytime - but Flixbuses leave at a time everyone is in bed - I have to get a taxi at that time of night (it’s not only too far to walk to and from, but it’s also not safe - and, in some cases, illegal) - taxis ramp up the fares, which will bring the amount spent on coach fares, plus taxi fares almost in line with the train fare - train might still be cheaper - Flixbuses take a circuitous route - National Express had a coach one time that left around 11 - but went, via other places but not Middlesbrough, to Newcastle-upon-Tyne FIRST, arriving a bit before 8 pm, then a three-hour wait for a coach to Middlesbrough, finally arriving at silly o’clock! If all the coaches are as bad as “Jenson Busson”, give me the train, any day! Megabuses have names with “bus” in them - I have seen one on a video called Al Bus Dumbledore - I bet there’s even a Darcey Bussell, after the ballerina - has she travelled on it?

[@bar10ml44]

I never experienced a dirty mega bus. It was extremely cheap. However you need to take sandwiches and thermos because there are no breaks and from memory no announcements. I used to travel London / Glasgow and it wasn't too bad at all, especially for the price.

[@brianhawkes4178]

I drove for Greyhound Australia in the eighties, and the coaches were always cleaned between trips. Even local trips of about 80 miles. I drove for them for over 8 years, the coach was a Silver Eagle series 5. Beautiful to drive, with a 4 speed crash box, a v6, 2 stroke gemmy diesel with a blower on it. I loved the job, but was returning to the U.K. for a while.

[@BlokeOnAMotorbike]

you can get to Sloane Square on the Victoria Line from Victoria tube station which is 95% undercover from the coach station. It's one stop East.

[@jamessmith1652]

Great video, discovered your channel today, I'm a fan of Scotsmen Steve and Scott, your channel seems great too. Subscribed! I have done north-south journeys many times, at least we now have a choice, I remember when National Express pretty much had a monopoly!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks for watching James and I appreciate the sub. Cheers 😊👍

[@damindra]

new to the channel, great review, reminds me why I dont travel much on public transport (flying abroad is the only time I generally use it) and my parents were thinking of using Flixbus and after your review I will be letting them know thats the one to choose, other than national express, but will check on more reviews of that from your channel!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Nice one. Welcome and thanks for watching 😊👍

[@baseballfan99]

There seems to be big issues at Megabus. They have cut back on quite a few services e.g. most day time services from Manchester to London on Mondays and Tuesdays have all but gone. Apparently Stagecoach no longer run many of the services and they are more reliant on third party coach companies and this maybe why standards are slipping. I would certainly use FlixBus over them given a choice.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Totally agree, I’d use Flixbus first - they certainly seem on the up. But yes i do think the Stagecoach thing is an issue looking at other people’s comments on here.

[@sailho20]

Horses for coerces really depends on the standards of the company contracted to megabus, national express, or Felix bus and other brand name coach routes

[@AndrewHalligan-t7c]

Great video 1st time i have watched your channel

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Andrew, I appreciate the comment mate😊👍

[@Cpr1234]

The Fosse Park ASDA bus stop is effectively Leicester's coach exclusive bus stop. Megabus's M72 route and Flixbus's 002 route are far from the only routes that serve it. Megabus's M76 route from Leeds to London and M81 route from Leeds to Newport also serve the stop. Flixbus also serve this stop with a lot more of their routes, the N02 also from London to Bradford, the 005 from London to Leicester, the 010 from London to Glasgow, the N11 from London to Aberdeen, the 023 from London to Manchester and even the N601 which goes all the way from Leeds to Amsterdam.

[@Marcsharp82]

And for those who don't live in the Fosse Park area it can be a chore to get to or from, especially during the small hours when there's no public transport, it's one of the reasons I prefer National Express, they use St Margarets

[@adamsergent9]

Not long ago, there was a NX, Megabus and a Flixbus using this bus stop at the same time in which caused a queue on the road. Think they need to either use the Enderby P&R (like what Oxford does) or turn some parking spaces in Fosse Park in to a Coachway terminal.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Could do with a proper coach park really with all these services using it, rather than just the lay-by side of the road thing.

[@nomdeplume798]

When Megabus first showed up in Manchester they operated on the busy University corridor through Didsbury, Fallowfield and into the city centre. The first buses they used on that route were very second hand ex-Kowloon Motor Bus double deckers. Because of the route their passengers were very cost conscious which made the used vehicles understandable. These coaches are newer but they seem to have ordered the most basic vehicles they could. It seems your driver was the most basic model too.

[@andyburbidge4938]

That was Magicbus, although 2 or 3 of the ex Kenyan Dennis Dragons were painted in Megabus livery for use on the Leeds-Manchester-Liverpool corridor.

[@pauld849]

Hi Mark... inspired by your videos I took the megabus from Darlington to London recently, wish I'd have been able to watch this first! All the problems you mention here applied to that journey too, but even worse, I had paid to book the front seat and the coach had been swapped to a single decker at the last minute and so didn't even get to have that saving grace. Normally use National Express and think will go back to them in future. Cheers for the honest and inspiring videos.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Paul, sorry you had a rubbish journey! I have had some decent trips with Megabus tbh but they’re a bit inconsistent and your story backs that up. NatEx are pretty solid in comparison 👍

[@Marcsharp82]

Leicester Fosse Park is used by Megabus and Flixbus as it's close to the M1. However its difficult to get to or from especially during early hours or bank holidays when Public Transport is non existent or a reduced service. It's why i prefer National Express as they use St Margarets.

[@RideWithRobinVideos]

I've driven both Flix and Mega (tho not the double deck Panorama's though), and I reckon people might think differently when they hear it from our side!

[@richardhughes3994]

One day on a Cardiff to London Megabus, the driver was a newbie and got lost! But he dropped us off at Fulham Broadway to get onwards travel, so that was a much preferable option to Victoria

[@seany84uk]

The price of train tickets is crazy compared to coach fares. The m1 is a nightmare for the 50mph roadworks!

[@robh8814]

Christmas 2022 I did LNER to Doncaster from London. Dec 22 £16.50 Dec 27th Return £16.50. £33 all in. The NEX Coach at the same time of booking was £25 each way🤣

[@peterdnreynolds777]

Brilliant video as always and excellent review of both Megabus and flixbus!! Just shows the differences but it doesn't help that both operators and I believe national express; even though the livery on the outside is the same, it is different coach companies that operate on their behalf which means the differences in product and services standards. Also like other bus companies, some of the drivers have the attitude of no customer service or communication skills and the attitude of I'm here to drive the bus and that's all I'm going to do. But like everything it is the minority that gives the bad impression for the majority. Hope all is well and I look forward to seeing your next video, take care

[@davidoliver1169]

Hi Mark. Another great video, which was completely enjoyable. Have a great weekend. D

[@lindseyrea9237]

Thanks for this. We had some awful experiences on British trains when we were there last Sept/Oct and were thinking that if we ever go back to the UK we would look at Coach travel, rather than trains. The worst was a TPE train we were on from York to Manchester that had no air conditioning - no ventilation at all except what air came in when the doors opened at a station. It was rammed full of people - "full and standing". We were only on it because our train from Newcastle was cancelled because of driver illness and they had no replacement.

[@markdoherty3436]

Wasn’t like this when the previous group of drivers who worked for Megabus before they were thrown onto the heap, we always made sure the coaches were cleaned

[@andygore1149]

2 totally different Scenario's Mark, no excuses the first one was an absolute disgrace litter wise & driving off before everyone is safely seated is a dangerous disregard for health & safety, absolutely unbelievable but once again Mark you delivered a first class, interesting & entertaining video as always, do you think Mark that the bus company involved will act on this if any of them are watching the channel ( which i suspect they have ) & try to vastly improve things or just carry on as normal, i always thought that after every journey it was the drivers responsibility to clean the coach, or at least just make an announcement about not leaving litter, they have no excuses at all, looking forward to your next video as it really is a brilliant channel, cheers for now.....Andy 👍

[@DJ_K666]

Im sure I've seen the Jensen Busson coach in my own depot at Rugby. Back when they ran out of there.

[@tonys1636]

I do hope that you sent this video to the management at Megabus, but by the standards they allow doubt if they would view it. As a coach driver in the 70's I was responsible for everything and everyone aboard, it was a mainly a tourist company but we did provide duplicate coaches for National Express at busy times. The vehicle was always checked by an Inspector at Victoria and if he was not happy with it I got a rollacking from him and my boss. I was meticulous in ensuring it was spotless inside and out, always bog roll and soap in the loo with an air freshener in it. Most coaches didn't have toilets then, finding somewhere to discharge the black and grey tanks could be a problem away from home, local council depot or sewage works a last resort.

[@kevinh96]

Not sure if they still do it but when I lived in Edinburgh bus drivers for Lothian Buses used to be supplied with bags and when they reached their destination they would spend a few minutes picking up rubbish and putting it in nearby bins. The buses back then always seemed quite clean, especially compared to Arriva buses down here in Yorkshire today.

[@charleskiel2299]

I must say, I only yesterday found your channel and I love your sense of humor 😄. Keep 'em coming

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Charles, I hope you stick around and thanks for leaving a comment 😊👍

[@PaulBentham-c8y]

Just found this channel. Finding it very interesting on all the places you go

[@jamesdiskin6142]

Great video as always Marc.

[@andyrushforth7607]

Perhaps the reason for the poor service and dirty coach can partly be put down to Stagecoach ceasing to operate English Megabus journeys from the end of August.

[@stephennewman7328]

Thanks for another great video Mark. I must admit these coach trips really are great value for money, you just couldn't do that journey any cheaper. It's a pity about the mess.... and the driver starting up without people being properly sat is unacceptable🙄

[@adamsergent9]

I believe Watford Gap services is used as a driver changeover point as its near the Rugby Stagecoach depot.

[@Zuuu40]

Great video mark can you do more videos like these please

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, bit limited with the comparisons in the UK unfortunately but I’ll definitely be on a few more coaches 👍

[@TravelSignal]

Again, nice video mate. Goes to show the little things can make all the difference. Picking up some rubbish, making a welcome announcement, waiting just a minute for people to sit. Would have been easy for both trips to be excellent.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Scores would’ve been a lot closer mate I agree.

[@iainjones5002]

I suppose the main issues with all the Express coach companies in the UK, is that they don't own their own fleet, but in all of them, they operate their respective network of routes using vehicles and crews, all supplied by Partner Companies. With regards to Megabus, they used to be owned by Stagecoach, so the cleaning of coaches between services could be easily achieved if there was a Stagecoach depot near to the destination or starting points. But with Stagecoach Group's sale to another company last year, the Megabus division had to be sold off, and Scottish Citylink took it over. That operator is hugely successful in Scotland and has won awards, but where Megabus routes in England are concerned, these have been decimated by the new owners and maybe the standards that used to be enjoyed, have been lost within the partner companies that Megabus now utilise. As for the attitude of the Megabus driver, that is concerning; a safety announcement before leaving the start point, is generally regarded as mandatory, from my extensive experience of UK Coach Travel. Maybe he'd had a "bad day" already but the lack of announcements at intermediate stops isn't appealing. Where Flixbus is concerned, they are relatively new to the UK and still setting up their routes across the UK, so one has to give them time to spread their wings with regards to new routes. One note Mark, is that with the new generation of Electric Coaches, Flixbus routes each way between Glasgow and London are already operated by McGills of Glasgow, and are soon to be using Electric coaches for the entire trip each way!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Iain, really useful and informative post this. My gut feeling is you’re right about the driver having a bad/can’t be arsed day. Looking at some other posts on here (and one in-particular), I get that this attitude can prevail. Passengers as well leaving the coach in that state, I’m just as peed off with them tbh. But the new passengers shouldn’t be taking the brunt of it. I’ve had some really good trips with Megabus and some of the staff I’ve met are absolutely fantastic - feel sorry for them really. Interesting that Flixbus electric vehicles can go all the way to Glasgow. I assumed the range would limit them to shorter routes. For me of course I’ll have to book myself on one of those now too! Cheers!

[@drummingriffin]

Watford Gap stop, Driver change maybe? Just a thought.

[@paulbennett8516]

Hi Mark another great video that was an eventful trip travel in the UK is so hit & miss mate

[@Uniongamers]

Can't believe they dropped people at Fosse Park as the 'Leicester' stop. Fosse Park is still some way away from Leicester city centre. Shocking! I should know as a Leicester native who used to work in Fosse Park M&S.

[@good7saint]

This video is the sort of story I've heard about mega bus that puts me off using them. Got to say I've never had a problem with national express.

[@therealyogibear2k225]

This is why I always travel by train, or, preferably by car. Yes, the train is a little more expensive, but a far better service. I am sorry you had to take your journey like that. Personally, i would have gotten off and gone straight to the Megabus kiosk and complained and asked for a refund.

[@EdgyNumber1]

25:45 THAT'S ACTUALLY a really good point. I've travelled in from the West Mids many times and avoided Victoria like the plague. I usually use Golders Green because of the convenience. Are there any other coach points all around London that also feature a tube/train/tram station so that Victoria can be bypassed? Whether in the north, south, east or west of London? It would be interesting to know.

[@stevenmccolm1531]

In the past I've only used National Express, however its the driver's responsibility to keep the coach clean and tidy. The overnight service from London to Falmouth does get over booked and there has been a few disgruntled passengers who have booked seats only to find out that their seat has been taken. On the one occasion that the coach broke down, Megabus did have the capacity to take the passengers to their destination however they didn't stop for any breaks unlike National Express. Since having survived four pulmonary embolisms back in May 2021,my doctor has advised me not to undertake any coach trips of more than two hours.

[@davidwil58]

Sometimes passengers mess about so long instead of getting seated. If I had a tight connection (or just wanted to get to my destination), I would be grateful for a driver who would get us moving.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I wouldn’t. Safety should come first tbh. If the connection is that tight, it’s maybe worth re-thinking your travel plans.

[@fiveYqueue]

Another good review, thanks. I like the idea that motorway coaches don't go right into the cities such as Leicester and Sheffield but pick up/drop off at a location just off the motorway itself and are linked to local transport into the centres. This saves so much time on through journeys. The cleanliness of Megabus and the other shortcomings are certainly lamentable. But I am inclined to wonder, as does another observer on here, why some people do actually take so long to find/decide upon and then finally occupy their seats at en-route stops. Sometimes the indecision is painful and even annoying to watch especially when anxious about making an onward connection. But perhaps I am like that myself too and just don't realise, haha! Finchley Road for leaving a vehicle....definitely yes. Unless your destination is close to Victoria coach station why wait in traffic or experience diversions when you can easily get the tube. I think we need to remember just how inexpensive these coach tickets can be. Your deals were fantastic.

[@Deepthought-42]

Standard Safety announcements prior to setting off should be compulsory and standrdsed in accordance with Department for Transport Regulations. Otherwise remove their operator’s licence.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

They should be really, I agree.

[@TiredMorgan]

Road Work... "WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?" You ask... Because the contractor who won the tender has no other work on its books until nearer to the completion date, this it stretches the work until just before its next contract is due to start. You'll notice the work is usually completed much quicker then suddenly see same construction company at a new site else where.

[@martindavis6115]

Sounds like you had a pretty bad Megabus journey. On the whole I've found Megabus to be a pretty good company and the coaches to be a high standard. I did Flixbus Leeds to London a few years back when Whippets used Levantes. We unfortunately had a delay due to the driver running out of hours and needing a break but the driver was really nice about it. I stayed at Ibis Budget back in December 2012 when I went to an open day at Huddersfield Uni. From memory I did my first ever cross country Megabus trip back to Bristol afterwards (and came home with an unconditonal offer for my course).

[@AndreiTupolev]

Maybe because the Neoplan was designed for left hand drive, the seats are numbered from the Continental nearside, i.e. our offside?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That is a good theory. Seems like they’re all the same?

[@regularguy3665]

11.00 you make a point about 50mph signs. Currently around 87 mile of the 190 or so length of the M1 is restricted. This is before you take into account ‘smart’ sections where highways alter the limits accordingly.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That’s quite a lot isn’t it! Thanks for the info 😊👍

[@regularguy3665]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yes it now a lot - sadly I’m a regular between Nottingham - Leeds so get to suffer accordingly.

[@tashasgran]

I’ve used National Express a few times. No problems whatsoever.

[@andrewcairns7719]

Love the channel Mark👍🏻

[@jaseinclee]

Great account of your trip. Haven't used Megabus for ages thankfully. They were never brilliant

[@paulgibsonphotography]

Great Video Mark

[@MrBradfordbiker]

vlogging on a mega bus is wild, but im here watching it lol

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, cheers mate 😊👍

[@petersp63]

Even if Coach Full you have to pull into stops so anyone waiting can see the coach full sign! otherwise they ring in and say you drove past!

[@daz1975ify]

It takes so long as there not actually doing anything. I drive the section most weeks and it always looks the same . No new barriers in sight!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Doesn’t surprise me Daz!

[@peteratkinson001]

One more thing to say got an an idea foir you is for a set of vid on Traveling on trains , buses, coaches and ferrys and show us what problems and what is in place for disabled people

[@PeterPete37]

24:33 be honest, it was the van that caught your eye wasn't it mark?

[@harrysimmonds1842]

Great video!! Only recently discovered the joys of coach travel with two great journeys, one with NX and one with Flixbus, but never tried MegaBus, and after watching this I should probably avoid them! Have subscribed, and look forward to watching more videos!

[@AppleyardAndy]

It's hard to give FlixBus the win on cleanliness as it would have had cleaning staff on it overnight while the MegaBus it's supposed to be the driver giving the bus a quick clean between trips and getting his break in as well.

[@sandraferreira428]

Coach journeys and bus journeys are classified differently on motorways. Therefore, a bus journey has to make a 'stop' on the motorway to ensure it isn't reclassified as a coach journey

[@enricomonti156]

Last time I used Flixbus in the UK was also on a Neoplan Tourliner similar to yours but between Manchester and Birmingham and also that coach was perfect. The conditions of that Megabus coach were absolutely disgusting and there should have been no way for it to be allowed to travel without a proper cleaning. I did use Megabus twice and both services were relatively cleaner I also stayed at the Ibis Budget hotel in Leeds back in 2022 due to having to take a direct National Express coach to Luton Airport, very convenient location for a hotel if you need to take any sort of bus out of town

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

The two services were worlds apart. I must admit, I wasn’t expecting Megabus to be like that. Complete disregard for passengers but reading some of the comments on here there seems to be one or two plausible reasons why it would be so.

[@enricomonti156]

​@@LetsMakeaTrip not to mention the fact that at times you have also private operators on Megabus Routes but with the Megabus livery on. However, I checked that the one you took is actually owned by Stagecoach (which owns Megabus). Had I seen a coach driver not following safety protocols like what happened at Finchley Road, I would have reported it right away

[@darransykes3406]

Megashite was terrible and would never use one again. Glad I'm driving now.... National Express is so much better but is slow. I first caught National Express back in the early 90s going from my home town of Leeds to London as I had friends who lived in London. The cost was £15 round trip and took only 2 hours 30 minutes, very fast indeed with a stewardess service where you could buy food and snacks onboard. Now, it's just a shell of its former self which is a pity and now takes 4 hours or more to get to London.

[@BugPowderDust]

Great video, can’t believe how bad Mega has got Do you happen to know how far in advance FlixBus publish their timetables? Looking to book next Mar but nothing is available

[@mikeburton7077]

As a recently retired coach and tour operator l was appalled at the rubbish left on the floor. We never let a coach out without being spotless and having supplies. Must admit never did express work as it comes with what was shown, not a good reccomendation for Plaxtons!

[@peterworsley]

I am on a Megabus M20 Service tonight 3/9/24 I must already give you a 1 out of 10 before just leaving M25. No customer or safety announcements, not even tables as I paid for extra legroom and considering it is a night service still full lights on

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Good luck mate, hope you get some sleep! 🤞

[@garethsmith2250]

Remember with roadworks to allow for the numerous coffee breaks etc then towards the end loads of workers as on OT to finish the work!

[@simonwhitlock9189]

So just a thought regarding the picking up of rubbish at the end of each trip,if when boarding,each passenger paid a fifty pence levy to the driver and at the end of the trip the driver took a bin bag and picked up the rubbish and disposed of it at the depots industrial bin and that levy then became the drivers pay for cleaning duties.problem solved.

[@MarcsCupofTea]

Interesting findings here. Megabus is absolutely shameful by the looks of this. I did a similar review earlier in the year comparing both back in January between Bristol and London. Only positive on my trip was the driver was polite and professional but the coach itself was filthy. Flixbus was much, much better. Would happily use Flixbus again in the future but unfortunately they don't serve my local stops like National Express. I also went on the Flixbus electric coach too so be interested to see you review that one too.

[@Rob_Star]

I do like the 1st Flixbus Driver, 100% good driver etc :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

He was excellent Rob 👍

[@bramosborne3078]

I’m not too sure but think stagecoach who’s coach you were on are not on the mega bus network from this week a strange set up considering it was once owned by them it’s all now 3rd party operators hence the driver may not have been happy on his last few days on megabus and maybe moving to bus work next week! Still no attitude to have is it.