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Post by Hassaan on Jun 27, 2019 21:28:24 GMT
Whilst talking about Greenford, I think the E5 deserves longer buses (9.7m dual door ones?) and a frequency increase to at least every 10 mins. The route is always packed to the brim. I don't know the E5 very well but what I can say is this, if a route is using short buses then its usually for a reason, ie there's a length restriction on the route. If you know the E5 route well and don't think that longer buses would be a problem then I'm all for longer buses. I think you could get away with it, doesn't feel any more restricted than some routes with longer buses. Unless the Medway Estate double run is an issue, where buses effectively have to do a U-turn. A few years ago First were two DMSs down and used a DML on the E5 on multiple occasions when a further bus was unavailable. I was lucky enough to get DML44116 from The Green to Toplocks Estate and there was no issue anywhere on that section. It was also busy until the stop on Featherstone Road, where loads got off. Since those days, that end of the route should be a bit easier, as there has been a slight change of route in Havelock Estate due to the Southall Village redevelopment of the estate, and longer yellow lines around Dudley Road / Sussex Road. Plus Dudley Road is now one-way. Shame that bus departed immediately and I wasn't able to get back on, as it would have been good to find out how well they work Abellio did use a long E7 bus on it once, shame I didn't manage to get it
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Post by vjaska on Jun 27, 2019 23:22:26 GMT
Whilst talking about Greenford, I think the E5 deserves longer buses (9.7m dual door ones?) and a frequency increase to at least every 10 mins. The route is always packed to the brim. I don't know the E5 very well but what I can say is this, if a route is using short buses then its usually for a reason, ie there's a length restriction on the route. If you know the E5 route well and don't think that longer buses would be a problem then I'm all for longer buses. Many routes using 8.9m/9.0m buses can take the next size up (9.6m/9.7m) but for some reason, TfL rarely take the opportunity to do so. The 322 is a prime example of a route that can benefit from that size vehicle without the routing being an issue.
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Post by ronnie on Jun 28, 2019 11:46:28 GMT
I managed to beat a 100 while walking from Aldgate to museum of London. Just now .... wonder why people are deserting buses in central London
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Post by ak121 on Jun 28, 2019 21:02:32 GMT
Whilst talking about Greenford, I think the E5 deserves longer buses (9.7m dual door ones?) and a frequency increase to at least every 10 mins. The route is always packed to the brim. I don't know the E5 very well but what I can say is this, if a route is using short buses then its usually for a reason, ie there's a length restriction on the route. If you know the E5 route well and don't think that longer buses would be a problem then I'm all for longer buses. The E5 is my local route and I use it at leat 5-6 times a week and from my observations, the route could get away with 9.7m vehicles. The extra door would do wonders for the route because it gets very packed and people could alight easily with a second door. The route isn't too tight to be restricted to 9m vehicles and Metroline, First and Abellio have gotten away with throwing some 10.2 and 10.9 metre buses on the route. In theory, I'm sure that even a 10.2m would fit comfortably on the route (if ADL still made buses to that length).
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Post by rif153 on Jun 29, 2019 21:24:12 GMT
Today I had to get home from Wimbledon and couldn't use the tube. I was planning on just getting the 493 to Richmond then the 65 but when I realised the next 493 wasn't for 18 minutes I bailed and used DL-5. It didn't really cross my mind to use this service but I'm so glad I did, it was really quick taking just half an hour to reach Earl's Court. 2467 was pretty nippy and on the way we overtook lots of other buses which was satisfying making this seem like an express bus route. On reflection, I don't know why I didn't consider using this service in the first place, it was excellent and took no time. I certainly got home quicker than I would have using the 493 and 65
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Post by george on Jun 29, 2019 21:42:31 GMT
Today I had to get home from Wimbledon and couldn't use the tube. I was planning on just getting the 493 to Richmond then the 65 but when I realised the next 493 wasn't for 18 minutes I bailed and used DL-5. It didn't really cross my mind to use this service but I'm so glad I did, it was really quick taking just half an hour to reach Earl's Court. 2467 was pretty nippy and on the way we overtook lots of other buses which was satisfying making this seem like an express bus route. On reflection, I don't know why I didn't consider using this service in the first place, it was excellent and took no time. I certainly got home quicker than I would have using the 493 and 65 You was definitely better getting the Railway replacement than the 493 at the moment. The route is now very slow due to the A205 taking the brunt of the Hammersmith bridge closure. There's even a 493 being turned to east sheen as we speak altough at this time I don't think it would be due to traffic
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Post by 6HP502C on Jun 29, 2019 21:42:53 GMT
Today I had to get home from Wimbledon and couldn't use the tube. I was planning on just getting the 493 to Richmond then the 65 but when I realised the next 493 wasn't for 18 minutes I bailed and used DL-5. It didn't really cross my mind to use this service but I'm so glad I did, it was really quick taking just half an hour to reach Earl's Court. 2467 was pretty nippy and on the way we overtook lots of other buses which was satisfying making this seem like an express bus route. On reflection, I don't know why I didn't consider using this service in the first place, it was excellent and took no time. I certainly got home quicker than I would have using the 493 and 65 It can be a very quick service. I've been known to do Wimbledon to Earls Court in 16 minutes.
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Post by Hassaan on Jun 29, 2019 22:28:20 GMT
Today I had to get home from Wimbledon and couldn't use the tube. I was planning on just getting the 493 to Richmond then the 65 but when I realised the next 493 wasn't for 18 minutes I bailed and used DL-5. It didn't really cross my mind to use this service but I'm so glad I did, it was really quick taking just half an hour to reach Earl's Court. 2467 was pretty nippy and on the way we overtook lots of other buses which was satisfying making this seem like an express bus route. On reflection, I don't know why I didn't consider using this service in the first place, it was excellent and took no time. I certainly got home quicker than I would have using the 493 and 65 You was definitely better getting the Railway replacement than the 493 at the moment. The route is now very slow due to the A205 taking the brunt of the Hammersmith bridge closure. There's even a 493 being turned to east sheen as we speak altough at this time I don't think it would be due to traffic Guess earlier late running hasn't been fully recovered yet. Or that bus alone suffered a heavy delay for some reason (disruptive passengers etc).
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Post by dennistas on Jun 29, 2019 23:42:17 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ):
London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler.
Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill.
From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this...
If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford.
Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively.
If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks
Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy.
Thanks
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Post by Hassaan on Jun 29, 2019 23:52:42 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ): London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler. Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill. From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this... If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford. Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively. If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy. Thanks You don't like London because it's busy, yet want to go to Brighton or Oxford, both of which are very busy places too due to the tourism there! Something doesn't appear to add up Maybe a quiet little isolated village miles from any other civilisation would suit you fine
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Post by vjaska on Jun 30, 2019 0:09:34 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ): London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler. Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill. From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this... If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford. Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively. If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy. Thanks You do realise that other places have bad traffic & are busy - I've never visited Oxford before but Brighton has plenty of traffic itself and is a very busy place with a busy bus network of it's own. Also, National Express does coaches throughout the night between London & Brighton so there is 24/7 access.
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Post by dennistas on Jun 30, 2019 0:26:07 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ): London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler. Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill. From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this... If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford. Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively. If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy. Thanks You don't like London because it's busy, yet want to go to Brighton or Oxford, both of which are very busy places too due to the tourism there! Something doesn't appear to add up Maybe a quiet little isolated village miles from any other civilisation would suit you fine Lol, I visited both Brighton & Oxford and they both seem much more quieter than London. I wouldn't mind going to a little village when I retire but I need slight action where I live and London has too much of that.
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Post by dennistas on Jun 30, 2019 0:27:56 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ): London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler. Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill. From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this... If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford. Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively. If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy. Thanks You do realise that other places have bad traffic & are busy - I've never visited Oxford before but Brighton has plenty of traffic itself and is a very busy place with a busy bus network of it's own. Also, National Express does coaches throughout the night between London & Brighton so there is 24/7 access. When I last visited Brighton I took the bus down to Worthing which is west from there and the traffic seemed flowing. Would you honestly say that Brighton has bad traffic as much as London? I did see that the buses there can get packed & especially the shopping areas.
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Post by rif153 on Jun 30, 2019 8:10:34 GMT
Well tonight has been extremely busy, as I have mentioned I've been in 2 minds about leaving or staying in London! Looks like I have come to a decision to leave ): London was a decent place before but now it's just getting out of hand, overcrowded, overpopulated & constant traffic. Just going back 4-5 years at night the bus would just carry a handful of passengers at most, now even on a local route like the 215 people were standing by the drivers cab! I know it's a hot night but I have seen it like this even on Sunday Nights when cooler. Especially London, but it looks like other cities up north for example are getting busier and busier and going downhill. From Monday I hope to search for a flat to rent and once I have successfully put them in line and ready to move, I shall ask for a transfer to Stagecoach else where. I don't want to repeat my self but I feel for the new drivers starting in London recently & in the future, they have a hell long way to go - and the industry and city will just get worse - I feel very strong & near certain about this... If anyone can advise me on a quieter, more chilled and an area with decent transport links I'd much appreciate it. So far, I have explored moving to either Brighton or Oxford. Brighton is great and I love the pier & environment however the only downside is that there isn't 24/7 access to London as from Oxford you have the Stagecoach Oxford tube. I went to Oxford this last week gone and I just didn't warm up to it like Brighton & the south coast but it's still ok and is quite lively. If anyone knows or suggest another area for me to explore please do let me know either on here or your welcome to inbox me. Somewhere not so far to London as all my family are in London & somewhere that has easy access to London. Thanks Btw Cambridge is another area that I'd like to explore however it's unclear to me if it has buses running all over night 7 days a week. Oxford certainly has a few night routes & Brighton does and there is a Stagecoach route 700 which has an all night service Thurs - Fri - Sat Nights which is handy. Thanks Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge are all pleasant places. They do all still have congestion and are still busy but certainly not on the same scale as London. If you want a more peaceful life you'll find it by moving to one of those three cities however that's not to say you'll have a serene quiet life if you move there.
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Post by Pilot on Jun 30, 2019 9:17:39 GMT
I am not gonna give him suggestions on where to go but I am with him 100% on the city going downhill and fast, good luck going Oxford or something though and do 12 hour shifts for 20 quid less a day though. At this point maybe you should consider something like National Express or Clarkes since you've got experience of bus driving for quite few years now...I know a lot of bus drivers don't like coach driving but when you get into it, it's very relaxing from what I was told, and you've got a toilet in the bus as well lol. So my buddy joined Clarkes and all he does is like pick up specific pre-booked groups of people from eg Heathrow, drop then off at some kind of designated spot in central London, wait for another group, back to Heathrow and then back to garage. Long breaks, easier work, no passengers moaning at you for something, toilet, sat nav which is pre-loaded with waypoints when and where to go, all you do is literally just drive where sat nav tells you to go...oh and the money is not majorly different, but it's a bit more than bus driving.
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