Motoring & Transport, Ringwood | Posted on August 22nd, 2025 | return to news

Disappointment over changes to London coach route

People in Ringwood pushed back after National Express made major changes to its coach routes to London.

Residents of Ringwood were given disappointing news a few months ago when National Express announced several major changes to the 035 service to London. Many of the new routes bypassed the town, and the only direct coach to London was set to stop at Heathrow airport, adding to journey times.

But following public pressure from a local petition and letters from the town council, National Express has agreed to reinstate a small number of direct services between Ringwood and London Victoria from 25 August.

A petition was started by resident Jamie Bartlett in July and has received over 1,400 signatures. In the petition, Bartlett said: “Ringwood does not have a railway station, making the coach service a vital transportation link for commuters not only from Ringwood but also from surrounding areas like Verwood and Fordingbridge. Local residents depend on this service for commuting to work, visiting family, or attending essential appointments in London.”

Meanwhile, Ringwood Town Council wrote to the chief executive of National Express calling for the reinstatement of Ringwood as a regular stop on the 035, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the changes and the lengthy diversions via Heathrow.

In response, National Express confirmed it would reinstate some but not all faster services. It added that the decision was made based on commercial viability, demand, and wider network considerations, and that a full reinstatement would require reducing services elsewhere. However, National Express indicated it would keep the situation under review.

A spokesperson said: “We keep our national network under continual review to ensure we deliver services in response to customer demand and at an affordable price. This has led us to make adjustments to the 035 service between Ringwood and London Victoria, with the service now operating 12 times daily via London Heathrow airport.

“We understand that some people may be disappointed by this change. While the new timetable enables passengers to benefit from convenient and frequent access to Heathrow airport, we have listened to customers’ feedback and will be reinstating some faster journeys between Ringwood and London Victoria from 25th August. These services are now available to book on our website, with advance fares from £5.20.”

Although the previous service has not been fully restored, the town council said it was a welcome step and offered some benefits to Ringwood passengers, including quicker journeys to Heathrow which cut around an hour from travel times, and maintains regular connections to Southampton.

Mayor of Ringwood, Cllr Rae Frederick, said: “Whilst the response is disappointing and falls short of what we asked for, it is a step in the right direction. I will be reviewing the new timetable after 25 August and will not hesitate to follow up with National Express if the reinstated services have not materialised as expected.

“The town council will continue to do what it can to support local residents on issues like this and make sure their concerns are heard.”

To view the 035 route, visit https://timetables.nationalexpress.com/routes/NX/035/Weymouth-London/I.