National Express is on a drive to capture the memories of the Great British travelling public to help celebrate its 45 th birthday.
The largest coach operator in the UK is getting in gear for the special anniversary next year by asking people to share their special or interesting experiences of coach travel.
The memories - which could include recollections, photos or even videos - will be added to the National Express archive, with the best forming part of its special birthday celebrations - details of which are still under wraps.
Since 1972 National Express has played a role in making memories - from the everyday to the life-changing - for millions of people across the UK.
During that time coach travel has changed beyond all recognition, with modern vehicles benefitting from free WiFi, air-conditioning, toilets and leather seats. The business is now also a round-the-clock operation with drivers backed up 24/7 with cutting-edge technology and a service support team.
Prices have also fallen. For example, a typical ticket from Birmingham to London, which could only be bought in person, cost £1.20 - equivalent to around £15 in today's money. Today fares start at £5 and can be bought in person, online or over the phone.
More memorable events in National Express' 45 year history include:
- Staff assisting with the unexpected arrival of a baby girl at Victoria Coach Station - she was subsequently named Victoria in tribute to their efforts
- Countless couples who married after meeting onboard including Geoff and Patricia Lambert who found love on the 250 from Stansted to Colchester
- A bride who chose to forgo a traditional horse and carriage to have a 40ft National Express coach get her to the church on time
- Unusual passengers including a cat who used up one of her nine lives hitching a 100-mile lift from Westward Ho! To Bristol - on board a fuel tank
- Being immortalised in song and silver screen including Divine Comedy's 'National Express' and the Oscar-nominated Billy Elliot
National Express is particularly keen to hear from people who may be able to share historical photographs, so they can use preserve them for posterity in the company's archive. But it also wants to hear from people who have fond memories of using its services - whatever they might be. To help build the archive, as part of the celebrations, the coach company is also enlisting the services of a resident photographer. Adam Fradgley of Exposure Photography will be photographing customers over the course of the year at stations across the UK in a bid to showcase the diversity of people who choose National Express coach.
Managing Director Tom Stables said: "They say life is about the journey and it is our privilege to have served the Great British public for the past 45 years. We want to hear from people who are as passionate about travel as we are and are absolutely brimming to hear people's travel tales".
To share you memories of National Express write to the communications team at the firm's head office, Mill Lane,Birmingham B56DD, clearly marketing your envelope 'National Express 45', alternatively email: [email protected].
For more information about National Express services call 08717 818181 or visit www.nationalexpress.com
