Avoid Megabus

roddydogs

Yes i know their cheap, but we missed our Megabus connection as it left 4 minuits before time, yes i know it says allow at least 5 mins before, this was not our fault (wont go into that), but the driver checks ticket and must have known that people were missing. A controller at the site also told me that its not unusual for them to run 40 minuits late. so give them a miss, their Phone no is also a con-premium (45ppm i think) NEVER AGAIN!!:mad:

blue_haddock

Ah but how do you know the driver's watch wasn't a couple of minutes ahead of yours and so according to his watch he was leaving on time? As to running late they drive on congested roads and so they may at times get stuck in traffic therefore run late.

As to knowing about people not being on board because he checks the tickets remember that not everyone who buys a ticket always turns up so he could not sit around waiting for individuals who may or may not turn up.

Dylanwing

I've used them a few times and they have been fine. Best thing is that they are cheap - Family of 4 to London for around £15 return, no complaints at all.

bap98189

I've used the Megabus three times and never had any problems. It's been late a couple of times, but as it had to drive through London traffic on a weekday, that's hardly surprising. You say the bus left 4 minutes early, but they warn you it may leave up to 5 minutes early, so I'm not sure what your complaint is. Megabus is a budget company, if you want decent service you have to pay for it.

Sam_Bee

I'm sure National Express say the same thing about being (at least 5 minutes) early. I was on one from Stansted that left 15 minutes early.

Likewise traffic problems can seriously affect coaches of all sorts, not just Megabus.

I really can't see why it is Megabuses fault, stop passing the buck... you might have had the same problem with anyone.

dzug

And you don't have to book on their premium rate phone line. You can book online for nowt. (Well 50p a booking, which is probably charged on the phone as well)

If you travel on a budget airline (or indeed any airline) they close checkin at a set time before departure. If you are late they 'know' you are missing - but they don't wait for you.

I really don't see how you can justify telling everyone to 'avoid Megabus' over an incident that was not their fault - and indeed, technically, was yours even if you think it wasn't.

Call_Centre_Guru

I have to agree with the points on budget operators and making sure you get there in good time. It's a fact that these guys get the highest amount of no shows as a lot of people book well in advance and don't cancel when they've only paid a very small amount and their travel plans change. This is not a good reason to recommend people not to use them.

x_raphael_xx

Surely you should have been at the station early anyway? I always make sure I'm there 20 minutes early.

megabus

Not 5 minutes - 10 minutes! From the Terms & Conditions "Passengers are required to be at their departure point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, This allows passengers to board in a timely manner avoiding any delays that may impact on the departure of the service".

Yes, the driver will know people are missing. I've been driving for Megabus for 18 months and have never had a trip where *everyone* turned up. You can't be serious in expecting the bus to wait until everyone who's bought a ticket has turned up. Please tell me that's not so?

Regarding running late, that's also true sometimes as it is with National Express, Greenline etc. We all use the same road, all our buses are speed limited by law so no one is quicker than the other. Spending 20 quid to get from Birmingham to London with National Express will get you there no quicker than a £1 MegaBus ticket on the same road, at the same time. If one is held up the other is too!

roddydogs

Silly me, thinking that "departure 6.00 meant "leaves at 6.00"

seftonsun

roddydogs wrote: »

Silly me, thinking that "departure 6.00 meant "leaves at 6.00"

Perhaps you've answered your own comment? If you agree that departure is at the stated time, then for the driver and passengers' to be seated and the bus ready to DEPART at that time then ALL the passenger will need to have been boarded and their tickets checked/fares taken.

If every passenger turned up at the stated DEPARTURE time then the actual departure would be many minutes late. Surely the moral is to read the T&Cs and to arrive earlier than indicated? And, if you are delayed be thankful if you do manage to board but do not get upset if you do not catch the bus.