National Express driver tried to half kidnap me from Heathrow to Victoria.
Comments
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So i've heard the update from NE.
They confirmed there were 3 more passengers due to alight at Heathrow and they couldn't offer any reason or understand why the driver "resisted calling at the airport" but there was no question about it not being the case so in my opinion the other passengers that were due to get off at Heathrow have complained too.
They checked and confirmed i was definitely on the right coach/service and they apologised on behalf of the driver for his behaviour and also for his treatment of the luggage.
They've said the manager for the service is going to speak further with the driver and take any action needed to make sure that behaviour doesn't happen again so that is positive as it really was odd. Maybe just a bad day i don't know.
I'm still none the wiser as to what the reason was...and neither are NE by the sounds of it but i just hope the other 3 passengers made it back in time.0 -
At least they are supporting your story, but I'm surprised they didn't offer a simple "goodwill gesture" such as a free ticket, as an apology. Maybe they figure you got off anyway at your intended destination, so nothing was due to you.wishuponastar wrote: »So i've heard the update from NE.
They confirmed there were 3 more passengers due to alight at Heathrow and they couldn't offer any reason or understand why the driver "resisted calling at the airport" but there was no question about it not being the case so in my opinion the other passengers that were due to get off at Heathrow have complained too.
They checked and confirmed i was definitely on the right coach/service and they apologised on behalf of the driver for his behaviour and also for his treatment of the luggage.
They've said the manager for the service is going to speak further with the driver and take any action needed to make sure that behaviour doesn't happen again so that is positive as it really was odd. Maybe just a bad day i don't know.
I'm still none the wiser as to what the reason was...and neither are NE by the sounds of it but i just hope the other 3 passengers made it back in time.
Can't believe there were 3 other passengers who weren't able to get off. Maybe they kicked off later as they realised the coaqch was leaving the airport.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
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Thanks victor2, no they didn't offer a gesture. Yes i really hope the other 3 passengers managed to make it back in time. I wonder what happened after i got off and at what point did they realise they had missed their stop.
I think they must have kicked off as NE were very apologetic, an explanation would have been nice given the length of time i had to wait as i'm still none the wiser as to why the driver didn't seem to want to let people off at Heathrow. Maybe it's one of these things i will never know.0 -
I’ve complained to NE after 3 out of 4 trips not having seats reserved (and because it was a nice seat someone was in it).
First time I got my whole ticket fee refunded (£15) as they messed me around.
Second time I got the seat reservation fees back plus a voucher.
Unfortunately no sign of a long term resolution.
I am not disabled so don’t urgently need the seat just commenting that they don’t seem very well organised and the drivers are not always helpful and on my route they are on a very tight schedule so don’t want to spend time resolving issues.0 -
What you have missed is that the driver would not be employed by National Express, but by the coach company that "operated" the service. To get any meaningful explanation you would have had to contact that coach company.wishuponastar wrote: »I think they must have kicked off as NE were very apologetic, an explanation would have been nice given the length of time i had to wait as i'm still none the wiser as to why the driver didn't seem to want to let people off at Heathrow. Maybe it's one of these things i will never know.0 -
brianposter wrote: »What you have missed is that the driver would not be employed by National Express, but by the coach company that "operated" the service. To get any meaningful explanation you would have had to contact that coach company.
National Express is the coach company! The drivers are employees... maybe some temp staff are contracted, but the majority are employees.0 -
It is not particularly easy to find, but from wikipedia;National Express is the coach company! The drivers are employees... maybe some temp staff are contracted, but the majority are employees.
"Franchised operators
The majority of National Express services are contracted on long-term agreements to local coach companies, known as Partner Operators. As part of the contract, operators are required to use coaches in full National Express livery. On occasion, an operator will use its own branded vehicle due to lack of availability, but will be penalised financially for doing so. ..............
National Express does operate some services itself, primarily services between Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton airports, and Victoria Coach Station, London Liverpool Street and Woking.
Below is a list of partner operators:- Ambassador Travel,Great Yarmouth
- Bennetts Coaches,Gloucester
- Bruce's Co..................................................................."
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brianposter wrote: »National Express does operate some services itself, primarily services between Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton airports, and Victoria Coach Station, London Liverpool Street and Woking.
If only this thread had been about one of those particular services...1 -
brianposter wrote: »What you have missed is that the driver would not be employed by National Express, but by the coach company that "operated" the service. To get any meaningful explanation you would have had to contact that coach company.
Who may well tell you that you are not their customer and had no contract with them and therefore refuse to engage with you.
What sort of explanation does the OP want beyond the fact that the driver is an imbecile0 -
This discussion has been closed.
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