I WOULD refer to Bonnie Hampton’s letter about National Express coach prices between Chepstow and Heathrow.

In September we used this service for the first time, having booked a return trip from Chepstow to Gatwick for approximately £40 each.

Surprisingly, on our outward journey there were only six to eight people on the coach until we reached Heathrow.

On our return, having arrived back in the UK early enough to consider trying for an earlier-than-booked coach back to Chepstow, we went in search of National Express’s office.

Oh yes, they were quite willing to get us on an earlier coach but at an extra cost of £14 for the privilege.

Not only that, this released our two seats on the booked coach, which, if they could fill, would make them a further £14.

Needless to say, we did not offer to fill their coffers any more, and waited for our return, pre-booked coach.

Having gone through a hypothetical booking process, the cost for the same journey that we made now stands at £38 each next January, and I assume prices vary with more notice given when booking and for less popular times.

I consider £38 for the distance travelled to be good value for money.

The reason, I believe, the cost quoted by Bonnie has gone up to £70 is because they don’t want to have to leave the M4/M48 and come to Chepstow to pick up us poor mortals who have no other coach service to get us to Heathrow/Gatwick,

How can it cost £30 more per person to do so? They are really hoping we’re too dumb to question it.

– Traveller, Forest of Dean.