First Glasgow comes to London...

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Before I post the story of my last week, here’s one I never saw coming...

 

Silver Choice of East Kilbride have been running a cross-border overnight express coach service since the early-mid 90’s. The route (numbered S11, although this designation is not displayed) from Glasgow via Hamilton to London (latterly using Bova coaches, with another coach doing a feeder from Edinburgh to Hamilton, and a minibus doing a feeder from East Kilbride to Hamilton), with stops at Milton Keynes Coachway and London Victoria Coach Station. The route is notable in continuing hostess service, when National Express discontinued this around ten years ago.

 

With effect from Friday 19^th December 2008, this operation has been acquired by First Glasgow. For the first three months, operation is expected to continue as now, using the existing fleet (although I believe Cumbernauld depot have a small hand in the administration, tickets are still being sold by SC HQ).

 

 

First's NEW Scotland-London Overnight Coach Service

 

 

A popular Scotland-London overnight coach service, formerly operated by Silver Choice, will be operated by First in Glasgow from today (Friday 19 December) following First's purchase of the service.

The service, which offers departures from Glasgow, East Kilbride, Edinburgh and Hamilton, will depart nightly from the four pick-up points and return from London Victoria Coach Station.

Offering great value fares, First's new express service provides a comfortable mode of transport between Scotland and the UK capital.

For further information and bookings, call 01355 249499.

 

 

At the moment, First Glasgow’s webpage links to that of Silver Choice, although no doubt that will change in time. First Glasgow management have posted to the

Scotlandbus group that the Volvo/Wright Gemini double deckers from the ClydeCoaster 901/901X (now weekends only, in any case) are to be rebranded as City Coaster, fitted with reclining seats, toilets, and servery etc. However, one (37166 - dubbed “The Hoover”, presumably from the engine noise!) has been done, and stuck out in service on the 75 (Milton to Castlemilk), so the local neds had the loo roll hanging out the back of the top deck…

Interestingly, the current First Capital Connect “your journey” magazine (for passengers) includes mention of a special offer for Scotrail Caledonian Sleepers, also operated by First.