Coach bliss

13 January 2012

Oxford to London on the coach. London Road stop in Headington has good information even if you do have to cuddle up to a rubbish bin to read the Tube information. Real-time information was spot on – the X90 rolled in as the screen said “due”. Clear fares, pay the friendly driver, coach spotlessly clean if a little tired, a socket at every pair of seats, and a loo. Usual traffic snarl in London, but arrived at Victoria Coach Station early. No wonder our research found passengers who use coaches really like them – the service delivers what it promises. While the current waves of rail and bus investment are really welcome, it seems a pity that more long-term thought isn’t devoted to using coach to plug gaps or help relieve capacity problems. An electric coach network could really help keep the country moving.