Berrys Unimpressive 'Superfast 1' Scheduled Coach Service from Tiverton to London
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 6. 07. 2024
- Sometimes, travel doesn't always quite work as you would expect it to. Whilst that is often unavoidable (weather, breakdowns etc), when the company over-promises and under-delivers, I 'm quite happy to call it out.
I was so looking forward to this trip and had been recommended to try it because of the 'amazing' coaches and service that Berrys provide. Looking on their website, I saw pictures of luxury double-decker coaches (some with table seating) and the words 'onboard courier service' prominently displayed near the top.
However, what was advertised, what I paid for and what I got for the money was distinctly different and ultimately, I was left disappointed.
But was I being too harsh? I'm sure you'll let me know in the comments if you think so. I'll probably be banned from travelling with them again after posting this up but, in all honesty, I don't really care because I don't live in Devon and I don't need to use their service. But if you do use them, I'd be interested to hear of your experiences. Maybe this was a one off, maybe not? As always guys, I look forward to reading your comments.
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel. It is very much appreciated.
Cheers for now.
Mark
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đChapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:25 - Here comes the coach!
02:08 - 'Premium' seat review
04:03 - Please sign-up!
04:50 - Important announcement
05:55 - Non-stop to London
07:30 - Loo review
10:30 - Hammersmith Bus & Coach Station
11:36 - Summary
Picture Credits:
Route Map: OpenStreetMap (route added)
www.openstreetmap.org/
I traveled up to London and back on the Berryâs super fast from Yeovil. It was very good. I was offered drinks but that was all. I would definitely use it again.
Drinks is fine but still doesnât feel like a full onboard service. Just reinforces the impression that itâs a bit âhit and missâ.
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.
Good thing you went into detail about everything on offer since then the review stacks up perfectly!!
Cheers mate. I wouldnât recommend Berrys based on my experience.
Just found your channel and going back through the older videos. Awesome reviews. You gained a subscriber.
Cheers S&S, appreciate the kind words (and the sub). Donât go back too far though mate, Iâm hoping Iâve improved a bit since my old âfilm it on my phone and hope for the bestâ days đđ
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!
Cheers Daz, toothache was sorted when I got back (I got it taken out!).
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 xmasđThese 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.
Ah - the famous 'Royal Blue'. Their Bristol/ECW coaches were more comfortable than anything on UK roads nowadays......faster too once on the motorway!
I had to Google these last night and yep those coaches looked lovely. Mustâve been a golden age that.
Aaahhh Seaton!
It was my local beach for a while
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
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!
Haha, cheers Andrew! I probably sound a bit robotic with the coach descriptions because, tbh, I fell into reviewing them and I donât have much of a clue what Iâm talking about! I do try and be entertaining though and I think, overall, most of my coach trips are reasonably good. Cheers mate đđ
Berryâs 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 Berryâs see the worth in offering you a complimentary return journey to capture another video in the future
Hi James! Well yes what youâve 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.
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.
Cheers Craig, hope youâre feeling better now. Always drink plenty of tea (unless youâre on the Berrys coach obvs đ).
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.
Cheers Tom, wish youâd have been on my trip mate đ
@@LetsMakeaTrip would have been a pleasure. keeping you hydrated, and plenty of snacks to ease the journey.
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.
Cheers Simon, Iâm doing my best!! đ Honestly was hoping this would be great but sometimes things donât always work out like that I guess đ€·ââïž
I hate companies that advertise one thing and offer something else (usually much worse) rip off
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.
What you experienced Terence was what I was hoping to get too. Agree, it was a real shame it didnât work out like that.
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.
Yep, my reason for travel was exactly the same as yours. So disappointing!
Just signed up to your Kofi page mate, with the ÂŁ2 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.
Cheers Enrico, welcome aboard and much appreciated đ Btw, Iâll be emailing members soon with loads of stuff Iâve 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, Iâm not so sure they can get away with such a complacent attitude when NX also operate on the route. Time will tell I guess!
@@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)
@@enricomonti156 oh yeh, thereâll be something in the t&câs Iâm sure!
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.
Yep, just if theyâd have been seen to be making some kind of effort, that would have improved the day. A training issue?
This is a cracker. Keep the crap bus journeys coming. Love the faces you pull and comments you make đ
Haha, thanks. I can assure everyone I didnât 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 đ
Havenât 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!
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 đ
Oh dear! Iâm disappointed just watching this! đfor remaining cool, calm and collected. I hope Berrys gave you some compensation for a đïžtrip đđ. I like the bit about disembarking as quick as possible- cheeky!
I didnât ask for compensation tbh. Was relieved to get off in the end!
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
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 itâs one extra employee on each bus. Would people pay the extra? I would, but main driver for most is priceâŠ
@@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
I remember the Rapides. Great double decker buses, used to compete with Trathens
@@robsterbob580 040 London to Bristol
@@robsterbob580 Yes that's what i said..read my comment again
Hi Mark great video from a lovely part of the world! All the best.
Cheers Harry đđ
Iâve done the Superfast 2 countless times and, by and large, itâs a good enough service and thereâs change from ÂŁ30. Valerie Singleton uses it you know.
I didnât 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 Iâm sure. So I guess, like Ms Singleton, you never know who youâre gonna get on your coach.
Hi mate. Merry xmas and best wishes for New Year.
Cheers Jim, same to you mate and also anyone I know whoâs still around from the good old days! đđ
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.
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
Good morning to you sir!
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.
Yep itâs just the old ânot as advertisedâ thing isnât it. I get that issues can happen but whereâs the contingency?
Always a good watch well done
Cheers John đđ
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.
Yep, some good points there. It does make you wonder. Who does the catering? Is it contracted out? Is this a common occurrence? Maybe Iâll never know as I certainly donât intend to travel with them again in the near future.
Awesome video
Thanks mate đ
Top review as always. Disappointing that the advertised service wasnât delivered.
I know mate, never mind Iâll be heading up north at some point soon so these citylink services better be decent! đ
@@LetsMakeaTrip Iâll look forward to getting your thoughts.
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!
Great comment Robert, thanks. Iâve only been as far as Mexico so far (see my Estrella dâoro video for that one). But yes one day Iâd 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 thereâs a case for introducing a âbetter classâ 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?
@@LetsMakeaTrip I think you're absolutely right! Coach services in the UK have deteriorated since their 'golden' era - let's hope for an improvement.
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.
Cheers John, thanks for the info. That Falcon service btw is not one Iâve heard of but will definitely consider trying in the future. Iâll add it to the list đđ
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!
I wish you all the best! đ
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!
Yes Muz, itâs all about making the effort to retain business I think and on this showing, there wasnât much.
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
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
And now they've cancelled the Tiverton stretch thanks I don't think.
@@domlouki9279 yes I believe so. Never mind though, take the National Express - much better coach!
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.
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.
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
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.
The Rapide service?
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
There was a separate National Express coach at Tiverton that left just before the Berryâs one so, unless anythingâs changed recently, I would expect to be on that one.
Interesting, not heard of this service. As for catering in coaches , Scottish citylink gold services used to have refreshments and sandwiches.
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
Thanks Martin. Maybe one day but itâs not on my list of priorities at the moment now tbh.
After this I will stick to national express thank you as experienced this twice before with berries & have never used before especially when itâs a family of 5 travelling every 4 weeks đą.
Yes Yvonne, not a great experience unfortunately. Iâd definitely be on the National Express next time đ
ÂŁ21 from Devon to London is great value ÂŁ26 return amazing wish we had a service like this from Cardiff/Newport when the fare from Cardiff to London by rail is ÂŁ250 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
Andrew, Iâve seen Flixbus prices from Cardiff to London for ÂŁ3 o/w. Iâm probably going to do that route myself shortly and film it. Thatâs pretty good value imo.
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 .
Well, I donât suppose they will and Iâm not really bothered tbh as I donât live down there. Tbh, I went out of my way to try it out and that made it worse. But ultimately, itâs a 100% honest review as always and if they donât like it, weâll, thatâs too bad I guess. Cheers for the support as always đđ
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!
I hope someone does one. It wonât be me unfortunately (probably big black mark against my name now anyway đ)!
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.
I would, personally. Especially if you can plan ahead.
They used to have an at seat service on the National Express years back and Megabus Gold services once
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.
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.
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?
Excellent quality đŸđŸđŸđŸđŸđ„đ„đ„đ„đđđđđđ
Thank you đđđđđđđâŽâŽâŽâŽâŽđ
A nice thermos flask is needed
Yep, I would have loved that and, you know, if I was taking the NX coach, I wouldâve done that (if I had one) because I wouldnât be expecting anything else. Cheers.
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.
That is a very good point vulgivagu.
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.
A couple of weeks in advance you can currently find NX Tiverton - London for ÂŁ5.50 (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, thereâs no way Iâd 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.
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.
Cheers Charlotte. I might give it a go. Thereâs a few CZcamsrs 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.
I think thatâs a very fair assessment. Looking at others comments of âgoodâ experiences or not, it just all seems a bit âluck of the drawâ so I can see why NX is a better alternative - itâs just so much more consistent.
I have also noticed national express have upped there game but Iâve only noticed it since flixbus started in the UK fully as flix already took out one of national expressâs other firms
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*
Iâll start with some of the major ones: Victoria, Hammersmith, Finchley Road and hereâs a link to the Wiki page with a list: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bus_and_coach_stations_in_London
@@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):
-MĂ©ndez Ălvaro - EstaciĂłn 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*
- PrĂncipe PĂo & Plaza ElĂptica 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?
@@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt Iâm going to guess at 5. Any advance on that?
@@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt Iâm going to guess at 5. Any advance on that?
@@LetsMakeaTrip I can only think of Liverpool Street in the actual city Square mile
Great trip. Bit disappointed no on board courier service like on what they advertise.
Yep, very disappointed about that. Wonât be back.
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 !
Thing is DOF, it shouldâve been great. But I can only show what I found and yeh, I probably wouldâve had a couple of wines (if they sell it) plus other stuff and their mark-up. So theyâve lost money, what can I say. Cheers mate đđ
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'.
Sorry, donât understand your comment đ€·ââïž
@@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.
@@smokeybarr ah yes mate, sorry makes perfect sense đ yep, actually I think blasĂ© is a great word to describe this and tbh, I was surprised nobody on the coach questioned it. If I hadnât bothered to go up to the guy at the end of the trip and ask him specifically about it, Iâd have been non the wiser and the response then was quite blasĂ© aswell. Cheers SB đđ
PS Was that a âsmartâ motorway you travelled on? đł
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.
Marvin, cheers for the comment. You must tell me your absolute worst route down there and Iâll quite happily add it to my list of journeys to review. Letâs see how they do đ
@Letâs 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.
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.
@@marvinnappermarvo that Dartmoor Explorer though I bet is really picturesque. Cheers for the info Marvin, lots of ideas for the future đ
Is there a bus service from Cardiff to Dundee and return?
Rome to Rio website may help with this đ
No there is not. National express donât serve Dundee anymore . You would have to change twice either Glasgow or Edinburgh and Birmingham or go via London
A very good Friday evening buddy from Alan in Lowestoft buddy
Cheers Alan đđ
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.
Interesting, did they give a reason?
@@LetsMakeaTrip Just stating, low passenger numbers, and may start it up again in the future, so very doubtful that will happen
@@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.
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.
In the 80s national express did do food on the London to Manchester service
Cheers Peter, yep, wouldâve loved to try that - Iâm assuming that was the Rapide đ
They look nice
There are much nicer coaches around though Julia. Try the Nat Ex 040 London - Bristol for example.
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.
Haha, yeh maybe!
I live in Bridgwater
Probably the only saving grace is the final stop being at Hammersmith instead of the regular Victoria.
The connectivity for London at Hammersmith is so much better than Victoria I agreeđ
Surely it would be essential to do a drop at LHR on this route...? The coach drives straight past it....!
I guess they maybe want to get to London as quickly as possible so donât feel the need?
Bearing in mind the train from Tiverton parkway can do London in under 2 hours, no traffic jams!!
I did see that Gordon. I guess itâs the only drawback with Tiverton in that the railway station is not in the town centre.
Since when was catering called courier?
You would have to ask Berrys why they call it that.
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.
I was looking forward to the trip. Just one of those things isnât it and Iâm only going to film what I experienced. The videos will always be 100% real. Cheers mate đđ
@@LetsMakeaTrip you can tell its 100% accurate, I look forward to them each week
@@flyingmyles cheers Myles, appreciate that đ
Hi
The colleagues are often hitching free rides home and don't work.
Doesnât surprise me.
Just be aware that sometimes if the bus is not full enough they will run a coach instead of the double decker coach
Which is fine but then the catering should still be provided imho
@@LetsMakeaTrip Yeah.
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 ÂŁ10 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.
Hi Chris, yep, I donât 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 hadnât turned up. OK I get that could happen but there should be a âplan Bâ as in any competent business. I got the impression that it was well yâknow shit happens but I tell you what, if I hadnât have got some food prior to boarding, I would have been severely peed off! I agree it doesnât show them in a good light but in these videos Iâm 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 whoâs on the coach do youâŠ
@Letâs 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.
Hopefully I can give them the âright to replyâ via the channel. Itâs 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 Iâd heard it was so good and itâs unlikely Iâll do it again tbh with the expense of hotels either side of the trip. But yâknow ups and downs and all that. Not the first poor coach trip Iâve had and Iâm sure it wonât be the last!!! Onwards đđ€đ
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.
If I lived down that way Iâd probably consider it. I did make a special effort to go to Tiverton and try them out. If theyâd have been what I was expecting, it would have been a great video and totally free positive advertising for them. Themâs the breaks I guess.
@@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.
@@bexxy629 thanks bexxy đ
I think the person on the Tiverton to London coach needs to try Megabus then he might appreciate Berrys super fast.
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 donât 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.
Did they not stop for a comfort break ?
Unfortunately not.
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?
@@cannyexplorer5357 drivers can only do 4 hrs then 45 min break
@@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
Two massive cracks but they werenât obscuring the drivers view I reckon so not sure but I presumed it was still legal.
Sounds a bit like gwr non london rail services.
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. đ
Gazza, youâve just given me an idea. Shearings Holidays next year đ€đ
@@LetsMakeaTrip
I went to the Rhineland many years ago with National Express.
North Sea Ferries, Hull to Rotterdam, then down to RĂŒdesheim (think I've spelt it correctly)
I thought that it was very good.
They are connected to flixbus. In the 80,s most motorway services had a full selection of. refreshments
Yes I noticed you can book through the Flixbus app đ
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
So did I. Your comment about the other driver (which Iâm 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 đ
@@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
@@leeallen1407 Iâll have a look. Not sure when Iâm going to be down in that part of the world again but always looking for ideas. Cheers đ
The Bakers Dolphin London Flyer service was stopped nearly a decade ago now.
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.
I thought Courier Service meant delivering mail not supplying food, isn't that a catering service.
I thought that when I read it on Berrys website. Does seem an odd choice of word but that's what they call them!
You would think they could have at least provided a bottle of water each
Yes you would đ
Not too harsh- they should be upfront and provide compensation if they can't deliver, basic business sense
Yep, some kind of gesture of goodwill wouldâve made a difference and obviously that would have been included in this video. Nothing was offered though on this occasion.
@@LetsMakeaTrip well Iâll 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.
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 Iâm afraid.
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.
I would love that Robert. Looking for sponsorship as we speak! đ
Not good. Although not the first or indeed last time this will happen. I flew Heathrow to Singapore. Catering âforgetâ 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.
18 hours!! Who was that with? BA? Not good and thereâs me getting grumpy - mainly because I hadnât had my morning coffee đđ
Airline was Singapore airlines.
@@MrCobo04 surprised, there again Iâve never flown them but I thought they were one of the best!
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 âlow lactoseâ meal had a chocolate bar in it!
@@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.
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.
Just be nice to get what is advertised and if you don't, some kind of recompense.
I would of phoned Berry's while I was on the coach to complain and get a refund đ
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.
Hi KITT. Makes sense, but an explanation to that effect would have been useful at the time.
I would ask for a refund due to misleading marketing
they don't even get you to central london.
True
Bit naughty not to provide service advertised
I wouldnât have minded so much if there had been some effort to produce a plan b.
Companies see quite happy to provide 85% of the service they promise due to âdifficultiesâ. Would they consider you offering to pay 85% of the price as fair? Heads they win, tails you lose
Exactly TB, totally agree đ
What a terrible service. I'd have charged back my credit card for not providing the service I paid for. Atrocious.
Didnât think of that tbh.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I do it all the time đ
Not everyone has a credit card so not an option.
Tip top service then? đ€Ł Passing their coaches on the M5 I have to say theyâre always old buses and completely unappealing. Trains for me thx even the slower Exeter Waterloo service. Faster than knackered old buses
Haha, yeh disappointing when I was expecting so much more. Never mind I guess and tbh Iâd happily take the NX service next time. Generally speaking, Iâm pretty confident by now that I know what to expect with them. Cheers John đ
@@LetsMakeaTrip well how much would a bottle of water and a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer cost at the door on boarding. Itâs just tight fisted blaming the absence of an attendant at yet further saving. Itâs rubbish
@@hoof2001 totally agree
The trains on that route are almost 30 years old and noisier than a coach.
@@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.
It would be Nat Ex for me next time and take my own food on.
It's a shame that Berrys can't comply with the law for this service which is that vehicles on all scheduled services which pick up and drop off in the UK should be PSVAR Compliant (the obvious points are proper destination blinds and wheelchair lift but plenty of other points too). None compliant vehicles can only be provided for 20 days per year and from my observations, Berrys far exceed that.
In short, Berrys are criminals since they aren't complying with the law.
It was a spare coach which is normally on private hire. At least they run the service and on public services you can use a non PSVAR vehicle for 20 days in a year
@@connorhamilton7584 it's really not. It's a regular occourance on Berry's.far beyond the 20 days.
@@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ Its per vehicle so they can put different coaches out as long as each are not on the road more than 20 days. I work for a company who uses the same loophole
@@connorhamilton7584 Berry's are the only one doing this sort of thing, on this scale anyway.
One offs aren't bad but Berry's does it daily.