In most cases, it’s very easy to identify which kind of vehicle is suited to which kind of annual breakdown cover policy. But the UK’s MegaBus has made it a little more tricky: they now offer something never before available in Britain – a London to Glasgow bus sleeper service.

The new specially equipped buses are based on a ‘bendy bus’ format, and each are able to carry up to 24 passengers. The new vehicles have been undergoing a variety of test runs to see what people think of the new service. Overall, the reception has been very positive, with most test passengers agreeing that the beds are much better than enduring nearly eight hours in an upright seat.

While some people complained of having little head space, others managed to get up to 6 hours of solid sleep. Passengers said that while smaller, more twisting roads could be uncomfortable and cause one to lurch around, when the bus was on the motorway, a smooth ride was enjoyed.

The only other sleeper service is provided by Scotrail, which shaves off around half an hour from the journey.

But the king of British coaching, National Express, appears to be left behind somewhat, as it has no comparable service. It has pointed out, though, that 55% of its services now operate overnight. Following the news from MegaBus, it said it will be considering offering a sleeper service on some of its routes too.

Time will tell how economical travelling by sleeper bus will be, but it should help reduce the number of exhausted passengers who have had to endure an overnight journey in an upright seat.