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National Express was established in the late 1960s, shortly following the enactment of the Transport Act of 1968.
Answer: False
Explanation: The company was officially founded on December 4, 1972, not in the late 1960s. While the Transport Act of 1968 was significant in shaping the public transport landscape, it predates National Express's establishment.
The 'National' brand for coach services was developed by Norman Wilson in collaboration with the National Bus Company (NBC).
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'National' brand was a collaborative effort, developed by NBC chair Frederick Wood and design consultant Norman Wilson, not independently by Wilson.
The Transport Act 1968 led to the privatization of National Express.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1968 was instrumental in the formation of the National Bus Company (NBC), a state-owned entity. Privatization occurred much later, in 1988.
Frederick Wood was a design consultant involved in branding NBC's coach services.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frederick Wood served as the chair of the National Bus Company (NBC), while Norman Wilson was the design consultant involved in developing the 'National' brand.
In which year was National Express founded?
Answer: 1972
Explanation: National Express was founded on December 4, 1972.
The Transport Act 1968 was instrumental in forming which organization?
Answer: The National Bus Company (NBC)
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1968 led to the establishment of the National Bus Company (NBC), a consolidation entity for state-owned bus and coach operators.
Who collaborated on developing the 'National' brand for NBC's coach services?
Answer: Frederick Wood and Norman Wilson
Explanation: Frederick Wood, the chair of NBC, and Norman Wilson, a design consultant, collaborated on the development of the 'National' brand for NBC's coach operations.
Deregulation of coach services occurred in 1985, impacting National Express operations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1980 specifically deregulated coach services, while the Transport Act of 1985 deregulated bus services. Therefore, the statement that coach deregulation occurred in 1985 is incorrect.
National Express underwent privatization through a management buyout in March 1988.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company transitioned from state ownership to private enterprise via a management buyout in March 1988.
In 1989, National Express acquired a majority stake in Yelloway Trathen.
Answer: False
Explanation: National Express acquired a 50% share in Yelloway Trathen in 1989, not a majority stake.
National Express expanded its international operations in August 1989 by purchasing routes from Stagecoach.
Answer: True
Explanation: In August 1989, National Express acquired express routes in Scotland and routes to London from Stagecoach, alongside Eurolines services from Wallace Arnold, thereby expanding its international and domestic reach.
National Express Group plc became a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange in December 1992.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company's shares were made available for public trading when it was floated on the London Stock Exchange in December 1992.
The Transport Act 1980 deregulated bus services nationwide.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1980 specifically deregulated coach services, while the Transport Act of 1985 deregulated bus services nationwide.
Which legislative act is primarily associated with the deregulation of coach services in the UK, impacting National Express?
Answer: Transport Act 1980
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1980 deregulated coach services across the UK, significantly altering the competitive landscape for operators like National Express.
What significant event occurred in March 1988 concerning National Express?
Answer: It was privatized through a management buyout.
Explanation: In March 1988, National Express was privatized via a management buyout, marking a significant shift in its corporate structure.
What was the impact of the Transport Act 1985 on National Express?
Answer: It deregulated bus services, increasing competition.
Explanation: The Transport Act of 1985 deregulated bus services across the UK, which consequently increased competition within the sector, affecting National Express.
National Express consolidated its airport brands under the 'Airlink' name in 2003.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2003, National Express consolidated its airport services under the unified 'Airport' brand, not 'Airlink', to update its image and streamline offerings.
National Express tickets cannot be purchased through third-party booking sites.
Answer: False
Explanation: National Express tickets are available through multiple channels, including the company's official website, telephone bookings, traditional ticket offices, and importantly, third-party booking sites.
The partnership with the Post Office for ticket sales began in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: Since 2013, National Express has expanded ticket sales accessibility by partnering with the Post Office, offering tickets through its nationwide network of branches.
National Express offers a 'Family Coachcard' for discounts.
Answer: False
Explanation: National Express offers discount programs known as Coachcards, including those for Young Persons, Seniors, and Disabled individuals, but a 'Family Coachcard' is not listed among them.
The Young Persons Coachcard provides a 50% discount on standard fares for eligible individuals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Young Persons Coachcard offers a one-third discount on standard and fully flexible fares for individuals aged between 16 and 26 years old, not a 50% discount.
The Senior Coachcard was introduced after the government eliminated concessionary half-price fares for seniors.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the government's decision in October 2011 to discontinue concessionary half-price fares for individuals aged 60 and over, National Express introduced the Senior Coachcard to continue offering discounts.
The Disabled Coachcard is available to anyone who requires assistance, regardless of official disability status.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Disabled Coachcard is specifically available to adults who are registered as disabled, not to anyone requiring assistance irrespective of official status.
National Express coaches primarily use Plaxton Elite bodywork.
Answer: False
Explanation: National Express and its franchisees primarily standardize on the Caetano Levante bodywork, which is mounted on various chassis, rather than Plaxton Elite.
The Caetano Levante coach body was designed specifically for National Express.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coach body was developed by Salvador Caetano between 2003 and 2005 with National Express as the specific client.
Accessibility features like wheelchair lifts are absent in the Caetano Levante models used by National Express.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coaches operated by National Express are equipped with a wheelchair lift at the front entrance door, ensuring accessibility for passengers with mobility needs.
National Express is trialing battery-electric coaches for airport services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company is actively exploring electric vehicle technology, including trials of battery-electric coaches such as the Yutong GTe14 for airport services.
The Van Hool Altano TDX21 coaches are intended for services between London and Birmingham.
Answer: False
Explanation: The new Van Hool Altano TDX21 coaches are designated for services connecting London to Bristol (040) and London to Manchester via Milton Keynes (540).
Edwards Coaches exclusively operates all double-decker coaches within the National Express network.
Answer: False
Explanation: Edwards Coaches exclusively operates the ten Caetano Boa Vista bodied Scania K410 double-decker coaches for National Express, but this does not imply they operate all double-decker coaches in the network.
Historically, National Express used the MCW Metroliner for its 'Rapide' services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The MCW Metroliner was a double-decker coach model historically utilized by National Express for its premium 'Rapide' services.
National Express offered on-board catering services until the early 2000s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The on-board catering service provided by National Express was phased out in April 2001, aligning with the early 2000s timeframe.
The NXTV service was primarily phased out because it offered too much variety in programming.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NXTV service was discontinued due to a lack of passenger interest and the increasing popularity of personal entertainment devices, not because of excessive programming variety.
NXTV featured programs commissioned by ITV and the BBC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NXTV service displayed episodes of British television series that had been commissioned by major broadcasters such as ITV and the BBC.
The 'Airport' brand was introduced to unify various existing airport service brands under National Express.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2003, National Express launched the unified 'Airport' brand to consolidate its diverse airport service offerings, including Airlink, Flightlink, Jetlink, and Speedlink, under a single identity.
The Post Office partnership expanded ticket sales accessibility by offering an online-only channel.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Post Office partnership, initiated in 2013, expanded ticket sales accessibility by providing a traditional retail channel at Post Office locations, complementing existing online and telephone options, rather than being online-only.
Government policy changes in 2011 led National Express to introduce the Senior and Disabled Coachcards.
Answer: True
Explanation: In response to the government's discontinuation of concessionary half-price fares for seniors and disabled individuals in October 2011, National Express introduced the Senior and Disabled Coachcards.
The Caetano Levante coaches are built on chassis from MAN and DAF manufacturers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coaches operated by National Express are built on chassis from Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Volvo, not MAN and DAF.
The Levante IIIA is the most recent iteration of the Caetano Levante, introduced in late 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Levante IIIA represents the latest development of the Caetano Levante coach body, with its introduction onto the network commencing from late 2022.
The trial of the Yutong GTe14 electric coach signifies a move towards hybrid technology for National Express.
Answer: False
Explanation: The trial of the Yutong GTe14 signifies exploration into battery-electric vehicle technology, not hybrid technology, reflecting a commitment to sustainable operations.
The Plaxton Premiere bodied Volvo B10M was used for National Express's 'Rapide' services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Plaxton Premiere bodied Volvo B10M was indeed utilized for National Express's premium 'Rapide' services, contributing to the brand's image.
The NXTV service was discontinued due to excessive headphone sales.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NXTV service was discontinued primarily due to a decline in passenger interest and the rise of personal devices, not because of issues related to headphone sales.
What was the purpose of creating the 'Airport' brand in 2003 for National Express?
Answer: To consolidate existing airport service brands under a unified identity.
Explanation: The 'Airport' brand was introduced in 2003 to update the company's image and consolidate various pre-existing airport service brands, such as Airlink and Flightlink, into a single, cohesive identity.
Which of the following is a primary channel for purchasing National Express tickets?
Answer: Through the company's official website.
Explanation: The company's official website serves as a primary channel for purchasing National Express tickets, alongside other methods like third-party booking sites and telephone bookings.
What discount does the Senior Coachcard offer on standard and fully flexible fares?
Answer: One-third (33.3%)
Explanation: The Senior Coachcard provides a one-third discount on both standard and fully flexible fares for individuals aged 60 and over.
The Disabled Coachcard was introduced in response to which policy change?
Answer: Government scrapping concessionary half-price fares for disabled people.
Explanation: The Disabled Coachcard was introduced by National Express following the government's decision to eliminate concessionary half-price fares for disabled individuals in October 2011.
What is the primary coach body standardization for National Express?
Answer: Caetano Levante
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coach body is the primary standardization for National Express and its franchisees, mounted on various chassis manufacturers.
Which feature is incorporated into the Caetano Levante coaches for accessibility?
Answer: A wheelchair lift at the front entrance.
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coaches are equipped with a wheelchair lift situated at the front entrance door, enhancing accessibility for passengers with mobility impairments.
What type of coach is National Express trialing for Stansted Airport services starting in March 2024?
Answer: Yutong GTe14 battery-electric coach
Explanation: National Express is trialing the Yutong GTe14 tri-axle battery-electric coach for its Stansted Airport services, commencing in March 2024.
Which specific routes are the new Van Hool Altano TDX21 coaches intended for?
Answer: London to Bristol and London to Manchester via Milton Keynes
Explanation: The 25 new Van Hool Altano TDX21 coaches are designated for service 040 (London to Bristol) and service 540 (London to Manchester via Milton Keynes).
Which operator exclusively manages the Caetano Boa Vista bodied Scania K410 double-decker coaches for National Express?
Answer: Edwards Coaches
Explanation: Edwards Coaches is the exclusive operator for National Express's fleet of ten Caetano Boa Vista bodied Scania K410 double-decker coaches.
What historical double-decker coach model was used for National Express 'Rapide' services?
Answer: MCW Metroliner
Explanation: The MCW Metroliner was a double-decker coach model historically employed by National Express for its 'Rapide' services.
When was the on-board catering service offered by National Express phased out?
Answer: April 2001
Explanation: The on-board catering service provided by National Express was discontinued in April 2001.
Which factor contributed to the discontinuation of the NXTV service?
Answer: Lack of passenger interest and rise of personal devices.
Explanation: The NXTV service was phased out in 2006 due to diminishing passenger interest, exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of personal entertainment devices like the iPod.
What type of television series were featured on the NXTV service?
Answer: British series commissioned by ITV and the BBC
Explanation: The NXTV service featured episodes of British television series, including popular titles commissioned by broadcasters such as ITV and the BBC.
Which of the following coach models is mentioned as being photographed at Manchester Airport in April 2003?
Answer: Plaxton Premiere bodied Volvo B10M
Explanation: A Plaxton Premiere bodied Volvo B10M coach is noted as being photographed at Manchester Airport in April 2003.
What livery is displayed on the Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo B12B coach shown in Southampton?
Answer: The 2003 livery
Explanation: The Plaxton Panther bodied Volvo B12B coach illustrated in Southampton is displayed in the 2003 livery.
Which company operated the Caetano Boa Vista bodied Scania K410 double-decker coaches primarily for London Victoria and Luton Airport routes?
Answer: Edwards Coaches
Explanation: Edwards Coaches exclusively operates the Caetano Boa Vista bodied Scania K410 double-decker coaches for National Express, primarily serving routes such as London Victoria and Luton Airport.
What was the primary reason cited for the phasing out of the NXTV service in the summer of 2006?
Answer: Passengers preferred watching content on their personal devices.
Explanation: The NXTV service was phased out in 2006, with a primary reason being that passengers increasingly preferred using their own personal devices for entertainment, diminishing the demand for the on-board service.
Which of the following is a key chassis manufacturer for the Caetano Levante coaches used by National Express?
Answer: Both A and C
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coaches operated by National Express are built on chassis supplied by Volvo and Scania, among other manufacturers.
What does the latest iteration of the Caetano Levante, the Levante IIIA, signify?
Answer: An updated version introduced from late 2022.
Explanation: The Levante IIIA represents an updated version of the Caetano Levante coach, with its introduction onto the network commencing from late 2022.
What is the significance of the Yutong GTe14 trial for National Express's fleet strategy?
Answer: It signifies exploration of electric vehicle technology for sustainability.
Explanation: The trial of the Yutong GTe14 battery-electric coach demonstrates National Express's commitment to exploring electric vehicle technology as part of its strategy for more sustainable operations.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a brand consolidated under the unified 'Airport' brand in 2003?
Answer: SkyLink
Explanation: The 'Airport' brand consolidation in 2003 included brands like Airlink, Flightlink, Jetlink, and Speedlink, but SkyLink was not among them.
Which of the following is a correct description of the Caetano Levante's accessibility feature?
Answer: It features a wheelchair lift at the front entrance.
Explanation: The Caetano Levante coaches are equipped with a wheelchair lift located at the front entrance, facilitating easier boarding for passengers with mobility challenges.
Competition in the long-distance coach market remained minimal for National Express throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following initial deregulation, most competitors like British Coachways ceased operations by the end of the 1980s, leading to a period of limited competition for National Express through the 1990s, until the arrival of Megabus in 2003.
The introduction of Megabus by Stagecoach in 2003 led to a price war with National Express.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stagecoach's launch of the low-cost Megabus service in 2003 intensified competition and initiated a price war with National Express, beginning in autumn 2004.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, National Express services were suspended indefinitely from March 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: While services were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they were not suspended indefinitely from March 2020. Services were initially replaced with a limited network for essential travel, and a full suspension occurred from April 6, 2020.
The withdrawal of Neoplan Skyliner coaches was due to low passenger numbers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Neoplan Skyliner fleet was withdrawn following a serious incident in January 2007 involving a speeding driver, which resulted in fatalities, rather than due to low passenger numbers.
British Coachways was a successful competitor that significantly challenged National Express throughout the 1980s.
Answer: False
Explanation: British Coachways was a consortium that attempted to compete with National Express after deregulation, but most of its operations had ceased by the end of the 1980s, indicating it was not a sustained successful competitor.
National Express services were fully restored to pre-pandemic levels by March 2021.
Answer: False
Explanation: While limited services resumed on March 29, 2021, following a period of suspension, the full restoration of National Express services to pre-pandemic levels had not yet been achieved by that date.
Which company's introduction of the Megabus service in 2003 significantly increased competition for National Express?
Answer: Stagecoach
Explanation: Stagecoach's introduction of the low-cost Megabus service in 2003 intensified competition and led to a price war with National Express.
What action did National Express take regarding its services on April 6, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: Suspended all services.
Explanation: Due to declining passenger numbers and government guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, National Express suspended all of its services from April 6, 2020.
What was the primary reason for the withdrawal of Neoplan Skyliner coaches from National Express service?
Answer: A fatal accident involving a speeding driver.
Explanation: The Neoplan Skyliner coaches were withdrawn from service following a serious incident in January 2007 where a speeding driver caused a fatal rollover accident.
What was the initial response of National Express to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020?
Answer: Replacement with a limited network for essential travel.
Explanation: In March 2020, National Express initially replaced its standard services with a limited network designed to cater to essential travel needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the name of National Express's parent company?
Answer: Mobico Group
Explanation: National Express operates as a subsidiary under the umbrella of Mobico Group, a British multinational public transport company.
As of 2022, National Express operates fewer than 500 routes across Great Britain.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2022, National Express operates over 550 routes across Great Britain, facilitating approximately 11,000 cross-country journeys weekly.
National Express operates services connecting London to Alicante, Barcelona, and Paris.
Answer: True
Explanation: National Express expanded its international operations by acquiring Eurolines services connecting London with cities such as Alicante, Barcelona, and Paris.
The company's head office is located above Birmingham Coach Station.
Answer: True
Explanation: The administrative headquarters for National Express are situated in offices located directly above Birmingham Coach Station.
National Express operates 1,100 airport services weekly.
Answer: False
Explanation: National Express operates approximately 1,100 airport services daily, connecting passengers to major UK airports, not weekly.
What is the name of National Express's parent company?
Answer: Mobico Group
Explanation: National Express is a subsidiary of Mobico Group, a multinational public transport company.
What is the approximate number of weekly cross-country journeys facilitated by National Express as of 2022?
Answer: Around 11,000
Explanation: As of 2022, National Express facilitates approximately 11,000 cross-country journeys each week, connecting over 550 routes nationwide.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key hub served by National Express?
Answer: Liverpool
Explanation: Key hubs for National Express include major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol, as well as London and various airports. Liverpool is not explicitly listed among the primary hubs in the provided information.