Passengers were left scrambling for last-minute alternatives
One of the Stagecoach Falcon buses(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
A group of airline passengers were left scrambling for last-minute alternatives — and a hefty taxi fare — after a breakdown on a Falcon airport coach service left them stranded en route to Bristol Airport.
Mark Chiverton, from Guernsey, said his travel plans were thrown into chaos on Tuesday, September 30, after the coach he boarded in Exeter broke down at a stop in Bridgwater. Chiverton had booked the 11.47am Falcon service, operated by Megabus, in order to catch a 3.10pm flight home.
After a 20-minute wait at Bridgwater, the driver reportedly announced the vehicle had broken down and advised passengers to wait for the next service — expected an hour later. That delay, Chiverton said, would have meant missing his flight.
“There is only one flight to Guernsey per day,” he said. “I had no choice but to book a taxi to the airport costing £60.”
Travelling alone, Mark said he offered the other three seats in the taxi to fellow stranded passengers also facing missed departures.
When he later contacted megabus to request a reimbursement for the fare, he said the company refused, citing its terms and conditions which state it is not liable for breakdown-related delays.
“This is not a good service for an airport coach route,” Mark said. “Use the train where there are more frequent services!”
In response, a spokesperson for Megabus said: “We’re sorry to hear about the experience reported on our Falcon service to Bristol Airport. Passenger safety and reliability are extremely important to us, and we regret any inconvenience caused by the breakdown on 30 September.
“Our team acted quickly to minimise disruption and assist passengers as best as possible on the day. We always advise customers travelling to airports to allow extra time in their journey planning, as delays can occur due to traffic or unforeseen circumstances.”
The company confirmed that it is reviewing its website and customer communications to ensure this advice is clearly visible, including within its FAQs.
“We appreciate feedback from our passengers and remain committed to improving both our services and transparency,” the spokesperson added. “Our customer service team will be in contact with the passenger to provide a full refund.”