I traveled up to London and back on the Berry’s super fast from Yeovil. It was very good. I was offered drinks but that was all. I would definitely use it again.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Drinks is fine but still doesn’t feel like a full onboard service. Just reinforces the impression that it’s a bit ‘hit and miss’.

@temparalflux914

8 ай бұрын

Same trip, done it twice this year, for the price compared to alternatives, it definatly is worth it, try getting the train for the same price.

Just found your channel and going back through the older videos. Awesome reviews. You gained a subscriber.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers S&S, appreciate the kind words (and the sub). Don’t go back too far though mate, I’m hoping I’ve improved a bit since my old ‘film it on my phone and hope for the best’ days 😂👍

Back in the 60s the daily 'Royal Blue' service stopping in Seaton in Devon opposite the old Woolworths just off the seafront was a memorable event to me, disgorging holidaymakers in the Summertime and various other travellers at other times, including grandmas for xmas🙂These coaches seemed luxurious and stylish in those days but as there were few motorways then, travel was slow to the West Country. Still, the coaches would stop at roadside cafes every few hours, so you could stretch your legs, have a snack or visit the bathroom.

@robertp.wainman4094

Жыл бұрын

Ah - the famous 'Royal Blue'. Their Bristol/ECW coaches were more comfortable than anything on UK roads nowadays......faster too once on the motorway!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I had to Google these last night and yep those coaches looked lovely. Must’ve been a golden age that.

@mark..A

Жыл бұрын

Aaahhh Seaton! It was my local beach for a while

@colin4850

Жыл бұрын

Your post took me back to my childhood in the 1950s, I remember going on holiday to Looe In Cornwall. We boarded a brand new Royal Blue coach at Victoria coach station, for someone of my age it was real adventure. This super coach only went about 3/4 of the way the final leg was on one of RBs less salubrious vehicles. I still remember the blue livery on that new coach to this day. No motorways then , think it took about 12 hrs all told

Good thing you went into detail about everything on offer since then the review stacks up perfectly!!

@LetsMakeaTrip

5 ай бұрын

Cheers mate. I wouldn’t recommend Berrys based on my experience.

Cheers for that video Mark. As I said in your last video, this is local to me and I have never taken Berry's before, and I won't going on that experience. NX all the way. Hope your toothache was sorted BTW. Keep em coming!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Daz, toothache was sorted when I got back (I got it taken out!).

You said you are "not always moaning about coaches", and yet it is actually quite entertaining when you do. I also enjoy the Kryten-esque (from Red Dwarf) detailed description of the coach number and model. I really should brush up on my coaches but it is my aspiration to spend more time watching your coach videos than actually travelling on them!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Haha, cheers Andrew! I probably sound a bit robotic with the coach descriptions because, tbh, I fell into reviewing them and I don’t have much of a clue what I’m talking about! I do try and be entertaining though and I think, overall, most of my coach trips are reasonably good. Cheers mate 😊👍

Thanks Mark. The day this came out I was confined to bed with Covid and having a miserable time so it was nice to watch an even more miserable one, at least I got cups of tea. All the best, good to see the numbers growing too.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Craig, hope you’re feeling better now. Always drink plenty of tea (unless you’re on the Berrys coach obvs 😂).

Haven’t used them for some years now, but always found them ok. Never had a no show for the courier. Food and drinks were always available, but not free. They were always late into Hammersmith, and sometimes back into Yeovil. My son has booked with them next month flying into Heathrow which is only half an hour on the tube to Hammersmith so fingers crossed all goes well. Probably less problematic than relying on the train!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Hi Christopher, yes tbh I would have paid whatever they were charging for food, drink. I really wanted to try it out but what can I say, this was my experience on the day. I hope your son gets the full service and yes it probably is less hassle than the train, but I would advise maybe he gets a sandwich or something beforehand, just in case 😉

I used to work for Berry's years ago as a courier, used to love it. good times.. Back on SF1, SF2 and Extra SF3.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Tom, wish you’d have been on my trip mate 😊

@tsimeone

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip would have been a pleasure. keeping you hydrated, and plenty of snacks to ease the journey.

Berry’s has always held a special place in my heart, and I know that were you on their split-level flagship coach with full courier service you would be over the moon. I remember delighting in the homemade sandwiches and various treats that would be brought around the bus with teas and coffees made to order. It really does deserve another attempt in the future to show people this special experience, I hope Berry’s see the worth in offering you a complimentary return journey to capture another video in the future

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Hi James! Well yes what you’ve had there is a totally different experience to mine and I wish it had been all those things you mention. Just such a let down tbh but I can only honestly report on my experience at the time. Massive shame.

Fantastic video as always. What a shame, I was thinking of giving the Berry's service a go as I liked the look of the at seat service on the double decker coaches. Berry's has been around for decades based in Taunton so it's a disappointment this has happened.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, my reason for travel was exactly the same as yours. So disappointing!

Just signed up to your Kofi page mate, with the £2 option. Didn't know that Hammersmith bus station also offered coach services at all. In any case, I know the feeling about an advertised service which then is merely provided or not provided at all, which was your case. And totally agree on some alternative compensation in terms of lack of delivery, which is not only to retain customers but show good care of them.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Enrico, welcome aboard and much appreciated 😊 Btw, I’ll be emailing members soon with loads of stuff I’ve got planned for 2023. Thanks for your support! Wrt Berrys, yep, such a shame because I have heard good things but they had such a lacklustre approach to service and their treatment of passengers, I’m not so sure they can get away with such a complacent attitude when NX also operate on the route. Time will tell I guess!

@enricomonti156

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip if they wish to compete better and eventually expand their services, they better change this attitude (which to my understanding was their blame on the courier likely being a third party to the extent they declined any responsibility)

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@enricomonti156 oh yeh, there’ll be something in the t&c’s I’m sure!

Sorry that the experience was not what you expected. Thank you for braving these trips for our information and entertainment! I love your trip reports.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Simon, I’m doing my best!! 😂 Honestly was hoping this would be great but sometimes things don’t always work out like that I guess 🤷‍♂️

@mikedown1250

Жыл бұрын

I hate companies that advertise one thing and offer something else (usually much worse) rip off

Hi Mark great video from a lovely part of the world! All the best.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Harry 😊👍

That's a shame you had that experience. I just took the berry superfast service from Yeovil and back yesterday and today and I can't fault them. Yes j had to ring to change my seat to front top. But so glad, to have onboard food and drink too. Defo will do again. But then it was the double decker. Maybe you should try that.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

What you experienced Terence was what I was hoping to get too. Agree, it was a real shame it didn’t work out like that.

Another well made and entertaining video. I don't think you're too harsh, given that you also highlight the Berry's service could still be competitive on price on certain occasions. Maybe you just got a bad day though when an employee fell sick. As you say, they are a small operation so probably don't have a gang of people back at base ready to jump in. However, if this happens surely popping a couple of slabs of bottled water and some packs of biscuits on board would have made a better apology. And... you also point out the lack of communication. Communication is free and can go a long way in sweetening the pill when there's a reduction in the service offering.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, just if they’d have been seen to be making some kind of effort, that would have improved the day. A training issue?

I’ve done the Superfast 2 countless times and, by and large, it’s a good enough service and there’s change from £30. Valerie Singleton uses it you know.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t know that no! Yep, I think some people who have used this service are surprised at what I found. But I guess I can only show the 100% honest account. Had it been the usual standard they would have had lots of free, positive advertising as a result I’m sure. So I guess, like Ms Singleton, you never know who you’re gonna get on your coach.

Welp i guess its not as bad as when you went with megabus to Glasgow from London and it didnt have the right coach but great video non of the less and at least you got to London safely hope your having a good day bud.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers FG, no I would really be hard-pressed to find anything as bad as the Glasgow trip! Tried to make the video mildly humorous anyway but yeh, not the best.

A very good Saturday morning to you all from Wellington Somerset

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Good morning to you sir!

As iv'e mentioned i drive on the National Express network and have on and off since the days of the Rapide when we had hostess service.....i'm with you on this one....would be nice to have it back....some of my best years out of the 33 iv'e been driving were on the Rapide services

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Do you think it makes economical sense though Lee? Because if you took something like Edwards 040 London to Bristol double decker coaches, stuck them on the London - Scotland routes with a hostess that would be brilliant. Then again it’s one extra employee on each bus. Would people pay the extra? I would, but main driver for most is price…

@leeallen1407

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Good point....iv'e no idea why the hostess service ( rapide ) service was stopped . On the longer runs like you mentioned then yes i think it would be viable ...runs like ours the 400 for instance from Birmingham to London i think not but our 409 London to Aberwysth again i think it would work . Those double deckers on 040 will be the only ones on the network , there will be no more , National Express withdrew all double decker coaches back in early naughties after the one that turned over on the M4/M25 slip road

@dazzlingdaz187

Жыл бұрын

I remember the Rapides. Great double decker buses, used to compete with Trathens

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@robsterbob580 040 London to Bristol

@leeallen1407

Жыл бұрын

@@robsterbob580 Yes that's what i said..read my comment again

I generally have such low expectations for UK public transport and is a real shame. As you say, probably not a bad price as opposed to the dynamic price systems used by NE. To not offer some sort of genuine apology or alternative for what is their USP just makes me think it doesn't exist, and is easy to blame the 'missing employee'. I guess this employee also brings with them the snacks, but the logical thinking for me would be for the snacks to already be on board or supplied in the depot. Maybe a self serve option could have been provided. Odd.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, some good points there. It does make you wonder. Who does the catering? Is it contracted out? Is this a common occurrence? Maybe I’ll never know as I certainly don’t intend to travel with them again in the near future.

Check out the 'luxury' coaches in S. America and Japan - just one sumptuous seat on either side featuring full head support, calf rests and recline - so spacious! Polite staff and spotlessly clean vehicles. National Express 'Rapide' was a fast non stop service in the 1980's featuring hostess service - I regularly travelled on the Hull-London service and on several journeys was served delicous sandwiches made to order on-board with a good selection of other snacks and drinks - by the same lovely "jolly hostess"! Sadly it's been a long time since any coach service in Europe can really be classed as 'superfast' - ever since the EU restricted coaches from using the outside lane and limited top speed to 62mph....they're often constantly changing speed 'stuck' behind overtaking lorries.....whereas in the 'old days' the 70mph smooth cruise made for a really enjoyable journey!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Great comment Robert, thanks. I’ve only been as far as Mexico so far (see my Estrella d’oro video for that one). But yes one day I’d love to try somewhere like Japan for coach travel. I know my good friend Nonstop Eurotrip has been over there recently and will post-up some stuff on that. I still think there’s a case for introducing a ‘better class’ of travel on long distance coach routes in the UK - something that could try to emulate the earlier Rapide service. Maybe with the ongoing rail chaos, this is the right time?

@robertp.wainman4094

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I think you're absolutely right! Coach services in the UK have deteriorated since their 'golden' era - let's hope for an improvement.

Just FYI: if you book to go to London through NE, you'll end up travelling with berries anyway as the sub-contract the journeys to them. Also, I've used berrys the other day and journey and courier were perfect

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

There was a separate National Express coach at Tiverton that left just before the Berry’s one so, unless anything’s changed recently, I would expect to be on that one.

This is a cracker. Keep the crap bus journeys coming. Love the faces you pull and comments you make 😂

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks. I can assure everyone I didn’t set out to make a bad video as I believed it was going to be really good. But I will always say what I see and on this occasion, it was disappointing. Cheers for the comment 👍

Hi mate. Merry xmas and best wishes for New Year.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Jim, same to you mate and also anyone I know who’s still around from the good old days! 😊👍

I used to catch Berries, only because the stops was more conveniently located. Both for getting on the coach as well as travel times. Travelling through London is no joke even at the best of times. As one of the stops is in the west, there's less of that London traffic getting in the way.

Thanks Mark. Really interesting video about a firm would never have known existed ! Yes the onboard product disappointed but with rail strikes ahead we need all the alternatives.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep it’s just the old ‘not as advertised’ thing isn’t it. I get that issues can happen but where’s the contingency?

Oh dear! I’m disappointed just watching this! 👏for remaining cool, calm and collected. I hope Berrys gave you some compensation for a 🗑️trip 🙁🚌. I like the bit about disembarking as quick as possible- cheeky!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I didn’t ask for compensation tbh. Was relieved to get off in the end!

You may have got a view on the bus pulling it in front of your coach but not a USB connection. There are charging points on the Falcon service from Plymouth to Bristol. I guess due to tachograph rules, drivers have to take a break from driving at 4.5 hrs. However, they can work up to 6 hrs with other work so your suggestion of one serving the drinks is valid, depending on where the other driver is with 'other work' on his shift. Mind you having watched this, I'm not sure I'd use this service.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers John, thanks for the info. That Falcon service btw is not one I’ve heard of but will definitely consider trying in the future. I’ll add it to the list 😊👍

Never heard of them.There use to be one that ran from Glastonbury to London run by a small private company called something like Bakers Dolphin.Those normal buses sometimes do have USB ports but they often don't work!I think that it's the vibration on buses that loosens up the wiring.

@ChilternTransportProductions

Жыл бұрын

It probably is Bakers Dolphin, I've heard that name before though I'm not too familiar where they run or what vehicles they use other than somewhere in the west country probably somerset I'm not too sure about the USBs either but don't surprised if people are less decent than you'd think and vandalise them on purpose, that has been known to happen in some places

They may have been "serving the west since 1920", but they won't be for too much longer with second-rate service like that. Made even worse by the fact that there was another member of staff on board for nearly the whole journey!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yes Muz, it’s all about making the effort to retain business I think and on this showing, there wasn’t much.

@leeallen1407

Жыл бұрын

Other driver can't do the hostessing as he is on a tachograph and he would have to put it on other work witch would affect his driving hours and duty time

@clivejohnson9515

Жыл бұрын

All I am concerned with is getting to to London. I'm not n the least bit bothered about getting refreshments on board. I take my own anyway! During these strikes, they actually had to lay on twice as many buses, so they had to find twice as many couriers that they would have otherwise had , had the stakes not been on! No complaints from me given the circumstances

@domlouki9279

Жыл бұрын

And now they've cancelled the Tiverton stretch thanks I don't think.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@domlouki9279 yes I believe so. Never mind though, take the National Express - much better coach!

After this I will stick to national express thank you as experienced this twice before with berries & have never used before especially when it’s a family of 5 travelling every 4 weeks 😢.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yes Yvonne, not a great experience unfortunately. I’d definitely be on the National Express next time 👍

Always a good watch well done

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers John 😊👍

I used National Express from London Victoria to Middlesbrough back in late 80s. We always had catering services on board by the 3rd member of the crew.

@LetsMakeaTrip

11 ай бұрын

The Rapide service?

i have considered them ocassionally from yeovil to london as a cheap way to get to see friends but i will look to megabus or national express.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I would, personally. Especially if you can plan ahead.

Hoping to use the Berry's Superfast 3 service from Warminster down the A303, M3 to Hammersmith and hoping it's better than the one I used where the the hot water sink overheated sending boiling steam through the coach and meaning we had a 3 hour delay at Stonehenge services!

@LetsMakeaTrip

4 ай бұрын

I wish you all the best! 😊

Sorry that you had such a disappointing journey and didn't get to have the proper experience. Hope that you will decide to try the service again one day and that you'll have a better time of it

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin. Maybe one day but it’s not on my list of priorities at the moment now tbh.

Awesome video

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thanks mate 😊

Interesting, not heard of this service. As for catering in coaches , Scottish citylink gold services used to have refreshments and sandwiches.

Top review as always. Disappointing that the advertised service wasn’t delivered.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I know mate, never mind I’ll be heading up north at some point soon so these citylink services better be decent! 😂

@Timstravels01

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I’ll look forward to getting your thoughts.

Sorry to hear things did not go entirely to plan. From a certain perspective ,occasional setbacks make for realistic viewing .I sincerely hope Berry's provide you with a book of tickets plus coffee vouchers for future use . Good health .

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Well, I don’t suppose they will and I’m not really bothered tbh as I don’t live down there. Tbh, I went out of my way to try it out and that made it worse. But ultimately, it’s a 100% honest review as always and if they don’t like it, we’ll, that’s too bad I guess. Cheers for the support as always 😊👍

@Useaname

Жыл бұрын

These setbacks are rarely occasional. On nearly every single coach trip I've ever been been on, they've not provided the advertised service, blaming technical difficulties or employee illness, and have been late due to road conditions. I love coach travel but they simply can't get their act together in the UK. In Europe it's entirely different

Would love to see a courier service vid where the courier turns up...just to see what it is and how it works!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I hope someone does one. It won’t be me unfortunately (probably big black mark against my name now anyway 😂)!

£21 from Devon to London is great value £26 return amazing wish we had a service like this from Cardiff/Newport when the fare from Cardiff to London by rail is £250 not even guarantee of a seat and no food included once travelled on Megabus to the Midlands from s Wales turned out to a standard bus run by a bus company with the same name as a John Wayne film not even a coach

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Andrew, I’ve seen Flixbus prices from Cardiff to London for £3 o/w. I’m probably going to do that route myself shortly and film it. That’s pretty good value imo.

They used to have an at seat service on the National Express years back and Megabus Gold services once

Go to the adelphi it's being slated with reviews and has the cheapest rates In Liverpool which is a shame as the building iconic. Stagecoach advertised free WiFi but gave me a message they were not providing it at this time.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Charlotte. I might give it a go. There’s a few KZreadrs doing these bad hotel reviews though and I think some of them are really contrived tbh.

Sorry you didn't have a good experience. Berry's is a bit random - last time I used them I had a nearly empty an luxurious coach. I tend to prefer Berry's for this route as you save time by not ploughing onto Victoria Coach Station through London Traffic. National Express have really raised their game in the last few years I think.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I think that’s a very fair assessment. Looking at others comments of ‘good’ experiences or not, it just all seems a bit ‘luck of the draw’ so I can see why NX is a better alternative - it’s just so much more consistent.

@connorhamilton7584

Жыл бұрын

I have also noticed national express have upped there game but I’ve only noticed it since flixbus started in the UK fully as flix already took out one of national express’s other firms

Berry Coaches have said today,that from Jah.12th.they will be scrapping the Tiverton to London service,and will be starting/finishing at Wellington / London from 13th.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Interesting, did they give a reason?

@mikeamos5044

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Just stating, low passenger numbers, and may start it up again in the future, so very doubtful that will happen

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@mikeamos5044 cheers Mike, yep not many got on when I did it tbf. Up to them I suppose as National Express will still run the route.

I live near Willesden Junction in London and regularly see these Berry's coaches going to or leaving Metroline WJ garage. Although they look interesting for a bus spotter perspective, I honestly have never considered using their services. And probably wouldn't consider after watching your video. Not having the advertised catering is a huge disappointment, but not being able to ask for refund easily on their website is even worse.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Fabio. Yep, no compensation was offered. Not that I was expecting anything but as a gesture of goodwill I think something could have been done.

Thing about coaches is that you at least get a seat, by law you cannot stand on a long distance coach. Have done trips on our wonderful rail network when I have had to stand even though the train was probably travelling at 100 mph.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

That is a very good point vulgivagu.

Be lucky to find a USB connection on the Stagecoach fleet in Devon. Stagecoach in Exeter have gone downhill since they were sold to a German consortium. Drivers are leaving in their droves as they've had enough of the management. Stagecoach South West were investigated for their unreliability for their incompetence and laying on free travel for the next two weekends as compensation within the Exeter Dayrider Plus.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Marvin, cheers for the comment. You must tell me your absolute worst route down there and I’ll quite happily add it to my list of journeys to review. Let’s see how they do 👍

@marvinnappermarvo

Жыл бұрын

@Let’s Make a Trip! The No.2 service that serves Exeter to Newton Abbot is the worst culprit at the moment. It runs from Exeter serving Exminster, Kenton, Starcross, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Kingsteignton, then onto Newton Abbot. A service can be cancelled if a bus is running late. The Stagecoach App isn't that good either half of the time tracking the whereabouts of the bus. I used to enjoy the 6A service from Exeter to Lyme Regis which ran an hourly service but now terminates at Seaton. There is a family run business, (AVMT) that was given a contract by Devon County Council but they only run 4 buses to Lyme. It takes slightly longer to travel by the 44 to Axminster to catch First bus X51 to Lyme. 6A to Okehampton used to be hourly but now runs every 3 hours now that the Dartmoor Railway line has reopen over the past year.

@marvinnappermarvo

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, it was the 9A that went to Lyme Regis. Some of the Plymouth buses serve the rural areas like Chulmleigh and further afield such as North Tawton, Winkleigh, Hatherleigh, Okehampton and Torrington. I do love the first bus service that does the Dartmoor Explorer serving Exeter, Moretonhampstead, Postbridge, Princetown and then onto Tavistock but I can't see that lasting long as I never seen many people using the service when I go out on the Moor wild camping.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@marvinnappermarvo that Dartmoor Explorer though I bet is really picturesque. Cheers for the info Marvin, lots of ideas for the future 👍

Booked Flix Bristol to London a few weeks ago and a Berry's coach turned up. Interior was poor and dirty as noted on your video. Trend?

If I'm correct, it's a lot cheaper than National Express, unless you book NE well in advance.nd has local stops before the M5. Then it terminates at Hammersmith bus station, much more a good transport link for London than Victoria. I'll definitely use it again.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

A couple of weeks in advance you can currently find NX Tiverton - London for £5.50 (Tuesday 10th Jan 09:40) and it stops at Wellington, Taunton, North Petherton, Bridgewater, Bristol & Earls Court before reaching Victoria. It takes a bit longer (mainly I suspect because of the stop in Bristol) but yep, there’s no way I’d risk Berrys again in this scenario. Like I said in the video, they would be better for last minute trips though, and I do agree with you about Hammersmith Bus Station. Cheers.

Great trip. Bit disappointed no on board courier service like on what they advertise.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, very disappointed about that. Won’t be back.

In the 80s national express did do food on the London to Manchester service

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Peter, yep, would’ve loved to try that - I’m assuming that was the Rapide 👍

Tbh. If you were a regular traveller, in my case every Friday early afternoon and late Sunday night's on return the courier got to know you and you could get a little more than just tea, coffee and soft drinks usually a few cans were kept available along with normal sandwiches or " special " sandwiches were available.

Nations express, once had on board catering

A nice thermos flask is needed

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, I would have loved that and, you know, if I was taking the NX coach, I would’ve done that (if I had one) because I wouldn’t be expecting anything else. Cheers.

How many bus & coach stations does have the whole city of London? (With the City of London & all of its 32 boroughs included) *ONLY counting national & international bus & coach services*

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I’ll start with some of the major ones: Victoria, Hammersmith, Finchley Road and here’s a link to the Wiki page with a list: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_and_coach_stations_in_London

@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Wow, 43 bus stations in London. In order to compare, there are only 6 bus stations in Madrid (For a city of 3 Million people): -Méndez Álvaro - Estación Sur for national services to all around Spain and the only bus station with international bus services; - Avenida de América & Moncloa for urban, metropolitan and national bus services to Northeastern & Northwestern Spain, respectively *Some bus services from Northern Spain leave/stop at/from Avenida de América and bus services to Northwestern Madrid Region and cities out of the region of Madrid, but near to it (Under 100 kilometres out from Madrid) leave from Moncloa* - Príncipe Pío & Plaza Elíptica for metropolitan bus services to Western & Southern Madrid Region and, as Moncloa, some national bus services to cities & towns under 100 kilometres out from Madrid - And Plaza de Castilla for urban & interurban bus services to Northern Madrid Region. *They are all connected by the Madrid Underground* But, How many of these 43 bus stations in the City of London and the 32 boroughs of Great London have national & international bus & coach services?

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt I’m going to guess at 5. Any advance on that?

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt I’m going to guess at 5. Any advance on that?

@NonstopEurotrip

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I can only think of Liverpool Street in the actual city Square mile

The courier service did turn up?? It woud have been interersting to see if they'd let you on if your payment hadn't 'turned up'.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, don’t understand your comment 🤷‍♂️

@smokeybarr

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip The company's excuse for you not getting fed was the courier simply didnt turn up. I was suggesting their attutite may not have been so blasé had you turned up at the coach station expecting a ride without paying.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@smokeybarr ah yes mate, sorry makes perfect sense 👍 yep, actually I think blasé is a great word to describe this and tbh, I was surprised nobody on the coach questioned it. If I hadn’t bothered to go up to the guy at the end of the trip and ask him specifically about it, I’d have been non the wiser and the response then was quite blasé aswell. Cheers SB 😊👍

At least they could have brought a brand new EMPTY coffee cup. In that way, you'd see them as somewhat contrite and about 2% accommodating.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Haha, yeh maybe!

Is there a bus service from Cardiff to Dundee and return?

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Rome to Rio website may help with this 👍

@s125ish

Жыл бұрын

No there is not. National express don’t serve Dundee anymore . You would have to change twice either Glasgow or Edinburgh and Birmingham or go via London

Bearing in mind the train from Tiverton parkway can do London in under 2 hours, no traffic jams!!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I did see that Gordon. I guess it’s the only drawback with Tiverton in that the railway station is not in the town centre.

A very good Friday evening buddy from Alan in Lowestoft buddy

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Alan 😊👍

PS Was that a ‘smart’ motorway you travelled on? 😳

Surely it would be essential to do a drop at LHR on this route...? The coach drives straight past it....!

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I guess they maybe want to get to London as quickly as possible so don’t feel the need?

Excellent quality 🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🥂🥂🥂🥂😄😄😄😄😄😄

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊⛴⛴⛴⛴⛴🚍

The colleagues are often hitching free rides home and don't work.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Doesn’t surprise me.

Since when was catering called courier?

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

You would have to ask Berrys why they call it that.

Probably the only saving grace is the final stop being at Hammersmith instead of the regular Victoria.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

The connectivity for London at Hammersmith is so much better than Victoria I agree👍

I'd want a couple of wines forget coffee ! And why are these lack of services never followed up? They don't do themselves any favours. Most of these coaches have a 62moh speed limiter as well. Don't envy you mate !

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Thing is DOF, it should’ve been great. But I can only show what I found and yeh, I probably would’ve had a couple of wines (if they sell it) plus other stuff and their mark-up. So they’ve lost money, what can I say. Cheers mate 😊👍

Just be aware that sometimes if the bus is not full enough they will run a coach instead of the double decker coach

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Which is fine but then the catering should still be provided imho

@fredstrainandbusvids.

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yeah.

They look nice

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

There are much nicer coaches around though Julia. Try the Nat Ex 040 London - Bristol for example.

Good grief, that isn't normal for Berry's at all! Normally it's a brand-new double-decker with USB chargers. Or a minibus and change in Taunton! This is way below normal service, the courier is usually the difference. The last time I used Berry's was in August coming back from London. The safety announcement is normally the thing they do when they start moving. The premium seat is for the front seat on both the double-decker or the single decker. I can honestly say, this isn't a good example of the service. To rush all the passengers off is again strange as the return service isn't until 15:00. I know I had an issue once with a courier and mentioned it to the office. I was issued £10 off my ticket, I would maybe suggest leaving feedback at the office. This does not show Berry's in a good light, that was truly a bad trip.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, yep, I don’t know what to say really, I was so looking forward to this for all the reasons you mention and yep it was a total let down. I made a point of asking the guy what had happened about the courier service because I owe it to every single person who watches this to find out what happened. The explanation given was that they hadn’t turned up. OK I get that could happen but there should be a ‘plan B’ as in any competent business. I got the impression that it was well y’know shit happens but I tell you what, if I hadn’t have got some food prior to boarding, I would have been severely peed off! I agree it doesn’t show them in a good light but in these videos I’m going to be 100% honest and tell it like it is. I guess from Berrys perspective, they need to be consistent or at least be prepared for these instances because you never know who’s on the coach do you…

@chris200179

Жыл бұрын

@Let’s Make a Trip! No, you have every right to show them warts and all. This is really below par, I have done the old Megabus journey from Victoria to Tiverton and it wasn't as bad as that. At least you knew there wasn't going to be any form of catering. I would still look at contacting the office about this.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully I can give them the ‘right to reply’ via the channel. It’s up to them really. I sincerely hope this was just a one-off and I was unlucky but I made a special effort to travel down and film this as I’d heard it was so good and it’s unlikely I’ll do it again tbh with the expense of hotels either side of the trip. But y’know ups and downs and all that. Not the first poor coach trip I’ve had and I’m sure it won’t be the last!!! Onwards 😊🤞🚌

I would have contacted head office tbh. The lack of catering, which is their usp, the lack of safety briefing and the rudeness in hammersmith would be to me well worth a refund or even credit to me.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

If I lived down that way I’d probably consider it. I did make a special effort to go to Tiverton and try them out. If they’d have been what I was expecting, it would have been a great video and totally free positive advertising for them. Them’s the breaks I guess.

@bexxy629

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip It does show how key consistency is the key. Like in a restaurant the food could be the best, but if on the day of a food critic turning up the sous chef or head chef calls in sick and quality drops it will be constantly tarred with that review. They definitely need backups to maintain this anyways brilliant video and thanks for the hard work you put into each one.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@bexxy629 thanks bexxy 😊

I think the person on the Tiverton to London coach needs to try Megabus then he might appreciate Berrys super fast.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

David, if you mean me then yes, I have tried Megabus and the last one I was on was way better than this. Besides, I don’t think you should accept mediocrity in anything in life just because you may have had a worse experience with something else. Cheers for the comment anyway.

oh that is a shame, I've been looking forward to your video on Berry's for a while. You would have thought when they are up against the "big" companies they would up their game because if you can go cheaper and get what they promise you, you'll just choose them.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I was looking forward to the trip. Just one of those things isn’t it and I’m only going to film what I experienced. The videos will always be 100% real. Cheers mate 😊👍

@flyingmyles

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip you can tell its 100% accurate, I look forward to them each week

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@flyingmyles cheers Myles, appreciate that 😊

Sounds a bit like gwr non london rail services.

Did they not stop for a comfort break ?

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not.

@cannyexplorer5357

Жыл бұрын

The down the steps toilet facilities is a right turn off for me. Always think they are not safe while the coach is travelling at speed. Also did the same guy drive the whole journey without a break?

@gracedenton3737

Жыл бұрын

@@cannyexplorer5357 drivers can only do 4 hrs then 45 min break

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@cannyexplorer5357 no they did change drivers after the stops in the West Country tbf.

If the coach had a crack in the windscreen it should not have gone out

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Two massive cracks but they weren’t obscuring the drivers view I reckon so not sure but I presumed it was still legal.

I thought Courier Service meant delivering mail not supplying food, isn't that a catering service.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I thought that when I read it on Berrys website. Does seem an odd choice of word but that's what they call them!

They are connected to flixbus. In the 80,s most motorway services had a full selection of. refreshments

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yes I noticed you can book through the Flixbus app 👍

You would think they could have at least provided a bottle of water each

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yes you would 👍

I live in Bridgwater

Hi

Strange ..i thought they ran double decker coaches on that service !!!....Other driver wouldn't be able to the hostessing as his tacho would have to go on other work and would mess his drivers hours and duty time up.......stick to us lot lol.....interesting view of an independant express service .....Berry's have been operating it for about 40 years i think

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

So did I. Your comment about the other driver (which I’m assuming he was) makes sense so I was hoping someone like yourself would comment on that. Yep still preferring NX to others but I am enjoying looking at some other companies. Any suggestions, let me know 👍

@leeallen1407

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Don't know if they still do but Bakers from Weston super mare used to service to London as well might be worth looking into

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@leeallen1407 I’ll have a look. Not sure when I’m going to be down in that part of the world again but always looking for ideas. Cheers 👍

@martindavis6115

Жыл бұрын

The Bakers Dolphin London Flyer service was stopped nearly a decade ago now.

@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ

Жыл бұрын

Berrys have the decker(s) out on Superfast but not all trips. I think they know which trips are busier and so save the deckers for those times. IT would cost more to send the decker out and so why waste money on big buses if you don't need to.

Mark I always find your coach journeys of great interest and entertaining, but to be honest mate, I think I'd rather stand on a train than travel any great distance by coach. Notwithstanding that, I've been on coach holidays in Europe, which is a totally different experience I think. 👍

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Gazza, you’ve just given me an idea. Shearings Holidays next year 🤔😂

@gazza2933

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I went to the Rhineland many years ago with National Express. North Sea Ferries, Hull to Rotterdam, then down to Rüdesheim (think I've spelt it correctly) I thought that it was very good.

they don't even get you to central london.

@LetsMakeaTrip

10 ай бұрын

True

Coach services in the UK are appalling. Suggest you take a trip to Singapore or Malaysia and see what luxury coach travel is really like.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I would love that Robert. Looking for sponsorship as we speak! 😂

I would ask for a refund due to misleading marketing

Very sad. Coach companies simply shouldn't be advertising super fast services when they know that 9 times out of 10, such services will be delayed because of road conditions. It's completely unacceptable.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Just be nice to get what is advertised and if you don't, some kind of recompense.

Not good. Although not the first or indeed last time this will happen. I flew Heathrow to Singapore. Catering ‘forget’ to load my meal. So 18 hours without any food. Well one can eat only a limited amount of airline fruit. No compensation only - oops sorry.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

18 hours!! Who was that with? BA? Not good and there’s me getting grumpy - mainly because I hadn’t had my morning coffee 😂😂

@MrCobo04

Жыл бұрын

Airline was Singapore airlines.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@MrCobo04 surprised, there again I’ve never flown them but I thought they were one of the best!

@MrCobo04

Жыл бұрын

So did I hence I booked with them. All I wanted was a non lactose meal. Both legs (Heathrow to Singapore and Singapore to Melbourne) they failed to provide any food package I could eat safely. Then BA Heathrow to Phoenix, AZ. The ‘low lactose’ meal had a chocolate bar in it!

@iankemp1131

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip Singapore Airlines used to have a very high reputation 30-odd years ago (as, rightly, did the airport itself) so I was surprised to see them listed recently as an airline with poor customer satisfaction scores. It seems they have gone downhill. Reputations come and go. I remember being surprised in 1989 to see Pan Am and TWA - iconic names of flying - listed in the bottom category. Then I flew TWA transatlantic and found out why. Both companies were heading for bankruptcy at the time.

Not too harsh- they should be upfront and provide compensation if they can't deliver, basic business sense

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Yep, some kind of gesture of goodwill would’ve made a difference and obviously that would have been included in this video. Nothing was offered though on this occasion.

@valuetraveler2026

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip well I’ll take it as an avoid until further notice

No service no premium seat and no or little information from staff as to why and then being asked to hurry up getting off, I would have been furious and demanded a full refund, so glad I don't have to travel by these bus companies. Thanks and hope you have better luck next time, cheers.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Simon, yep such a disappointing trip in the end as I had great expectations before it turned up. And it was all downhill from there I’m afraid.

What a terrible service. I'd have charged back my credit card for not providing the service I paid for. Atrocious.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Didn’t think of that tbh.

@NonstopEurotrip

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip I do it all the time 🙃

@oilburner225

Жыл бұрын

Not everyone has a credit card so not an option.

Just to let you know that the Coach you went on wasn't the official Coach it was a backup Coach. Those Coaches are normally used for Private Hire not the Superfast.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Hi KITT. Makes sense, but an explanation to that effect would have been useful at the time.

Companies see quite happy to provide 85% of the service they promise due to ‘difficulties’. Would they consider you offering to pay 85% of the price as fair? Heads they win, tails you lose

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Exactly TB, totally agree 👍

Bit naughty not to provide service advertised

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t have minded so much if there had been some effort to produce a plan b.

I would of phoned Berry's while I was on the coach to complain and get a refund 😉

Tip top service then? 🤣 Passing their coaches on the M5 I have to say they’re always old buses and completely unappealing. Trains for me thx even the slower Exeter Waterloo service. Faster than knackered old buses

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

Haha, yeh disappointing when I was expecting so much more. Never mind I guess and tbh I’d happily take the NX service next time. Generally speaking, I’m pretty confident by now that I know what to expect with them. Cheers John 😊

@hoof2001

Жыл бұрын

@@LetsMakeaTrip well how much would a bottle of water and a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer cost at the door on boarding. It’s just tight fisted blaming the absence of an attendant at yet further saving. It’s rubbish

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

@@hoof2001 totally agree

@Househead1200

Жыл бұрын

The trains on that route are almost 30 years old and noisier than a coach.

@oilburner225

Жыл бұрын

@@Househead1200 Last time I used a train (several years ago) I advised the ticket seller that I didn't want to buy the train, merely ride on it for an hour!

At least I know never to use Berrys dreadful service.

@LetsMakeaTrip

Жыл бұрын

It would be Nat Ex for me next time and take my own food on.