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National Express bookings soar as trains struggle to take strain this Christmas

Christmas commuters are facing delays as the train struggles to take the strain in the run up to the big day meaning a surge in Swindon ticket sales for coach firm National Express

Network Rail will be carrying out engineering work during the Christmas getaway period, with work set to take place from December 24 to January 4.

It said bus replacements will be in operation during certain periods, with some trains from Cheltenham Spa to London Paddington not running further than Swindon.

First Great Western said the reduced service would begin at 5pm on Christmas Eve. ^This Christmas there will be significant developments on some of the major improvement schemes that are building a greater West for the communities that we serve,^ a statement said.

It added: ^We are sorry for any inconvenience that these essential improvements may cause. We will try to minimise inconvenience to your journeys as far as possible while the railway benefits from the biggest investment in almost 150 years.^

Meanwhile, coach firm National Express has revealed it has had a surge in bookings from Swindon.

National Express year-on-year advance booking figures for services to and from the town have increased more than four per cent between Monday, December 1, and Sunday, January 4, next year, a spokesman said.

^This rise comes after news that engineering works on the First Great Western line every weekend in December between Swindon and London, will make National Express coach around one hour quicker to Heathrow Airport than the replacement bus,^ he said.

During the disruption National Express will run nine daily coach services between Swindon and London.

Tom Stables, National Express UK Coach managing director, said: ^We are offering the nation the most comprehensive network of public transport services on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, ensuring those in Swindon who want to visit their friends, relatives and loved ones can still do so. With rail disruption threatening to spoil the festive getaway for some, we^re pleased to ensure people all over the UK have an easy ride this Christmas.^

A Network Rail spokesman said: ^The work we are undertaking at Christmas involves completing the viaduct at Reading so that fast main line trains are able to run over freight and relief lines. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the line and have been working closely with First Great Western to minimise any disruption. The work we are undertaking at Reading is essential so that we can meet an increasing demand for rail travel and improve journeys for passengers.^

From the Swindon Advertiser (http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/11625059.National_Express_bookings_soar_as_trains_struggle_to_take_strain_this_Christmas/):

Is 4% really a surge? An increase, yes. But I'm not convinced that it's enough to get excited about.