National Express is introducing faster services between Stansted Airport and London as it ramps up capacity by nearly 25% to 200 round trips a day.
A 45-minute journey to Tottenham Hale will be a feature of its enhanced A8 service with new stops at the North London transport interchange, Farringdon and Barbican and Kings Cross St Pancras.
John Boughton, commercial director, said: “In anticipation of a busy summer period, we are thrilled to be providing even faster, better connectivity between London and Stansted Airport this year, with our coaches now as frequent and virtually as fast as rail services - but at a much lower price.
“National Express plays a significant role in supporting London Stansted Airport’s phenomenal growth and their aim of being the leading airport with the highest public transport mode share, providing Stansted flyers with quick, reliable and frequent coach services to and from the capital.
“More and more people are choosing to travel with National Express as a reliable, affordable and sustainable way to get around, and we're responding by investing in new and improved services while delivering a brilliant customer experience to give savvy customers a relaxing, comfortable journey for their summer getaways.”
Steve Mills, Stansted Airport’s head of landside operations, said: “This increase will improve the choice of cost-effective and sustainable travel options for both passengers and airport staff alike, especially with the introduction of stops at Tottenham Hale which is an important interchange to the Victoria Line, and also one of our key recruitment areas in North London.
“Nearly 50% of our passengers already choose sustainable modes of transport when travelling to and from the airport, and this very welcome boost in coach frequency by National Express will further help cement London Stansted’s leading position as the UK’s best-performing airport for public transport use by passengers.”
From Friday, July 12, the following enhanced National Express services will be available:
A6 increased from 26 to 45 journeys a day between Marble Arch, Paddington, Baker Street, St Johns Wood, Finchley Road, Golders Green and Stansted Airport.
A7 increased from 20 to 49 journeys a day between London Victoria Coach Station, Victoria Rail Station, Waterloo, Southwark, Whitechapel, Mile End, Bow and Stansted Airport.
A8 sees Kings Cross St Pancras, Farringdon and Barbican, and Tottenham stops added to the journey, also serving Liverpool Street and Shoreditch
A9 increased from 40 to 50 journeys a day - dedicated service direct between London Stratford and Stansted Airport.