Barnett's Coach Hire - Hemel Hempstead

Chrissie C.

We used Bartletts for the first time for a U3A trip for 40 to Aylesbury. Having read some of the reviews on here I was a little worried. However we were all delighted with the service. Lovely modern very clean and comfortable coach. On time for pick up and reassuring call from the driver half an hour before. Lovely, thoughtful and professional driver, Andy. Good value and excellent office communication from Jess and Hannah.
So, do be aware of making assumptions when you read reviews. The negative ones were essentially about daily schools journeys which is an entirely different ballgame but involves a lot of extra clearing up and cleaning for the driver!
Would certainly recommend and use again.

Tasha

School Bus Service - As they don’t have any competition Barnett’s do as they please and provide an overpriced substandard service, when there is an actual service. I had lost count of the amount of times that the bus was late (sometimes up to 30/40 minutes and on more than one occasion over an hour), however this year they took it to a whole new level with14 delays during the summer term. Most of these delays are caused by breakdowns because their buses are old and not fit for purpose.

Their service (or lack of) seems to have got worse with each year, although their prices continue to rise. There is never a refund or credit, even when alternative arrangements are made (cabs/train). During exam period this summer (which I had to pay for two passes for the whole term - 126 journeys even though my sons would only be using the ’service’ for 47 journeys) there were 3 mornings when the bus was delayed and they wouldn’t have made it to school in time for their exams so we had to make alternative arrangements. Exam period is stressful enough for children without having to worry about whether they will get there in time. Last term cost me £13.50 per journey for my two sons, they could have got a cab and it would have been a lot less stressful!

And I haven’t even mentioned the buses that leak, and that they send buses that aren’t large enough for the amount of children, even though they know how many there will be.

They are an absolutely appalling company and I am so pleased that my children and I will never have to deal with them again.

Caffo

Barnets contracted to school, regularly late to pick up in morning and after school (10-30 mins), often goes straight past our stop meaning I need to take my child to school. The manager (Richard) never calls me back, instead he is happy to have his receptionist deal with my frustration, whom I feel for as she sounds quite young and does her best. Good one Richard, nice delegation skills there. Overpriced. Awful. Avoid.

Christian H.

As a parent whose daughter uses their school transport service, we're used to the frequent bus breakdowns from their old bus fleet. However this week we have been treated to a different excuse everyday for the bus being between 30 and 50 minutes late each day - simply hopeless!

Eve H.

I have given them 1 star because I couldn’t give them 0 stars. I booked to go to western supermare turned up at the bus stop. To find a notice saying it’s been cancelled and that they couldn’t get hold off me. Well they didn’t try very hard to get hold off me. And why didn’t they put my money back in to my bank if it was cancelled.

rob N.

This is the second time I have used them for a coach to Gatwick and I would not hesitate to use them again. They are very clear and helpful. There was a problem on the return journey this time (caused by Gatwick changing its rules - not Barnetts themselves) and the driver went above and beyond to solve it - thank you

Drew T.

I would avoid this company unless you want to waste your money. They are either late or don’t turn up. The drivers are rude. I have never had such poor service from a company before. If there was an option for 0 stars I would use it!

Andrew D. K.

Got a Chinese takeaway from Station Cafe a few weeks ago (late January 2022) and then I always drive up to the wide area in front of the old Red Star Station Goods Shed to turn the car around. On this occasion there were many Barnett's coaches loitering around the old shed. Strange I thought, as I knew they lived on the Ley Hill Road in Bovingdon. Coincidentally, one of the members of my model railway club is also a Barnett's driver, so I queried why the coaches were all gathered at the station shed late on that evening. He said the company had just moved their base there, so no longer in Bovingdon.
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