Megabus to launch sleeper service

Stagecoach's budget service will offer passenger berths on overnight coach journeys between London and GlasgowThink of travelling by sleeper and you probably imagine a steam train chugging through the countryside, lulling you to sleep in your private oak-panelled haven, rather than nodding off on a coach on the M1. But that could change after September, when Megabus launches the UK's first budget sleeper coach service.From 5 September Megabus will offer passengers their own berths on an overnight service between London and Glasgow. Each of the berths, which are laid out in sets of three with just a curtain for privacy, will be kitted out with a reading light, duvet, pillow and blanket.The company, which launched nationally in 2004 as a budget alternative to National Express, will operate the service on three specially refurbished coaches, each fitted with 24 berths and seats.Although Megabus operates at the no-frills end of the travel market, passengers on the sleepers will receive a free overnight pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste and an eye mask, so they can freshen up before they reach their destination.Coaches will run seven nights a week in both directions, leaving Glasgow at 23:15 and arriving in London at 07:20, and departing from London at 23.59 and arriving in Glasgow at 8:05.Sir Brian Souter, the chief executive of Megabus's parent company Stagecoach, said there had already been growing demand for its overnight services."We believe the best way to find out if it's a service our customers want is by offering them the chance to try it out for real."Travelling direct from city centre to city centre beats the hassle of a red-eye flight from an airport and is a greener, smarter way to travel."The company will be running passenger trials of the sleeper service during August before the first scheduled services go live.It may lack some of the romance of catching the train, but tickets for the service start at �1, plus booking fee, and go up to �40, while ScotRail's sleeper service starts at �19.Saving moneyConsumer affairsCoach travelStagecoachRoad transportTravel & leisureScotlandHilary Osborneguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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