A COACH company is presenting themselves as an alternative to travellers facing ongoing disruption on the Southern network.

Coach and bus company National Express, which runs 16 services per day to London, has offered itself as a saviour to passengers fighting chaos on the trains.

Meanwhile train customers are gearing up for a protest over the introduction of a “temporary” timetable which will provide 341 fewer trains per day and slash services to Seaford and Newhaven from Monday.

National Express have seen bookings increase 16 per cent over expectations along lines served by train routes which have been particularly affected by industrial action, sickness among RMT staff and cancellations.

A National Express spokesperson said: "We understand how important it is for people to get where they want to go on time and we hope our frequent coach services direct to the heart of London help support some of the people who are impacted by the current rail disruption."

The company’s marketing team stressed that their 19 daily coaches with run direct between Brighton and London “offer a good alternative” for struggling commuters.

Last night frustrated commuters were due to grill rail executives at the Jury's Inn near Brighton Station in a meeting organised by MP Caroline Lucas, and word is now spreading in East Sussex about a protest planned for next Tuesday at Seaford train station over plans to decimate provision in the area.

The Southern Rail Protest Seaford-Brighton Timetable” facebook group says more than 150 are likely to attend the picket, at 6pm on July 12.

The group states: “Join the protest! Eighty-one per cent of Seaford and Newhaven trains cancelled from July 11 with no plan for reinstating them.

“We are demanding an hourly service is immediately reinstated and that a timeline for returning all services is announced.”

They are seeking to rouse public sentiment even among non-commuters by stressing the potential impact to road traffic, house prices, the local economy, and those who cannot drive.

Commuter Robert Cockburn told The Argus: “We are being asked to accept a reduction in service and still pay £4,700 per year.

“I rarely get home to see my young children awake due to the delays. Usually it is every day. In the last month I have seen them five times.

“The timetable means I cannot drop off at nursery and get to work on time which my employers cannot agree to on an ongoing basis.

“I am a reasonably person but I have reached the end of my tether and see no action being taken by government or Network Rail that will rectify this.”

* Have you taken the coach instead of the train amid the chaos or are you planning to? Let us know by emailing news@theargus.co.uk or calling 01273 544512.

SOUTHERN TRAINS

How much does it cost?

Online fares from £8.50 one-way when booked in advance. 

How long does it take?

Between 1.05 and 2.02

How frequently do they run?

Southern and Thameslink run up to 9 direct trains per hour at peak times

First train from Brighton to London?

03.50am arriving 5.52am

Last train from London to Brighton?

01.00am arriving 2.43am

NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH

How much does it cost?

Online fares from £5 one-way, £12.50 on the day

How long does it take?

From 1 hour 40 minutes from Brighton to London

How frequently do they run?

Up to 16 daily journeys each way

First bus from Brighton to London?

4.50am arriving 7.50am

Last bus from London to Brighton?

23.30pm from Victoria Coach Station, arrives 1.35am.