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Post by enviroPB on Mar 14, 2024 19:51:14 GMT
Is it really that much of a grievance though? Wood Green is really not far at all from TPL at all, very easily walkable and that road is a huge artery for buses heading into Wood Green. If you really needed to get the bus those last two stops to Wood Green you could get the 29, 67, 141 or 230, which combined I guess you probably wouldn’t be waiting much more than a minute for. Imo really not that much of a big deal It is if you’re not able bodied. Also, I’m not really how you sell that to people you want to attract to the network, “you see this link that only the 123 makes, yeah we’re removing it and you’ll have to change buses but yeah come use the bus anyway because every journey matters”. Bus links should be preserved and not axed, even small ones like this that might not look much The round-the-corner link that'll be removed from the 123 will only add to less bus journeys overall, as pretty much anyone who needs the High Road would simply walk. I've sat on packed 123 buses on Westbury Avenue northbound in traffic conditions akin to an Olympic sprint final for snails. Very few need Turnpike Lane so disembark, with the vast majority savouring the direct High Road link the 243 doesn't provide to the shops. Otherwise the 123 would be carrying air on that section when that's furthest from the truth. As always, TfL is listening to passengers' concerns. When quizzed by the public having to pay an additional fare on the 123 to get to Wood Green, TfL stated the maximum journey time from Hainult Street to Blackhorse Road, the earliest point of interchange with a bus to Wood Green, is 58 minutes. Never knew the 230 was every 2-4 minutes, must've missed that in the consultation.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 13, 2024 18:44:22 GMT
Why i do entirely agree with your point that no one wants to see established members leave I do fail to understand exactly why the OP has left. I don't use the 235 but it's very telling just how badly the route is run whether that is the fault of RATP or stuff out of there control I do firmly believe that people should have a right to say when things aren't going right without personal insults. To counter balance the argument that everyone is out to get RATP I found they ran the 265 very well and so far have been disappointed with 265 with Go Ahead. Some routes are ran well by operators and some aren't just the way it goes sometimes. I don't understand why the OP has left either unless I've missed something? I don't use the 235 either but when a lot of people are making the same negative comments about the route I don't think they can all be wrong. Even Geoff Marshall picked up on it when he did the Every London Bus Route challenge this winter. A high frequency bus route in the 235 should take 7-8 mins to appear, not 26-30 minutes and passengers having to walk literal miles to avoid long gaps in the service. In June 2022 I had to get to Kempton race course during a train strike, and thought my 235 journey from Hounslow would be the easiest leg of the journey. It was the complete opposite, 90 minutes to do a trip that is scheduled to do it in less than 1/3 of that time. Passengers are well within their right to post their legitimate concerns.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 13, 2024 14:29:29 GMT
82025 on route 86 to Stratford, Water Lane - is this a new curtailment, I have not seen this used on the 86 before normally curtailed at either Forest Gate, Police Station or Ilford, Hainault Street It has been around for a couple years, an educated guess is likely when the 128 moved into NS as I believe that's when blinds were last redone at the garage. Deanaery Road and Litchfield Avenue are definitely big enough for buses as lorry deliveries for Morrisons access the store through these roads (albeit in the eastbound direction), so no issues with it being a curtailment point. What I don't know is if buses traverse Litchfield Avenue to turn around or via Water Lane. It must be said that due to the continuing closure of Romford Road at Forest Gate Police Station, it is resulting in half the service on the 86 terminating at Manor Park and horrid queues in the evening peak at Stratford bu station. The 325 since GAL takeover also hasn't had a normal day's running of the service due to the fire, but at least utility works outside East Ham Station have, for now, ended.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 13, 2024 14:11:18 GMT
I haven't yet controlled the SL2, but from what I've observed is they have very good running time and stand at each end. Much like the SL1 you can tank a 25 mins late run quiet easily, give out a few departure times from Central and Woolwich and the odd turn and the route will slowly come back within 1-2 rounders. We have tools at our disposal to mitigate delays around Ilford Lane using South Park road, Longbridge in both directions in the same vain we use Silver Street on occasion with the SL1. I believe there was one or two days last week from what I heard (Was on holiday) where there was 2 hour delays, I think thats more the exception and not the rule. I’m hoping to attempt the whole loop over the Easter holidays, and I have to say SL2 is the route I’m most apprehensive over as regards delays. It’s the first one in my sequence so a bad SL2 journey could throw the whole day out… Here's me thinking you were going to come to BK's open day next weekend for its centenary and have another open request to come see you in Costa like last time! Still haven't set foot in Barking Costa before or after that time
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 11, 2024 13:22:30 GMT
Which is why I implied in a previous post that SL2 buses be diverted away from the A406 and Ilford Lane. For the latter, a detour via South Park Drive to Barking should take around 12 mins in the peaks. The SL2 has to serve Royal Docks Road in Beckton but not the A406, and there have already been reports that drivers have used the A13 in the evening peak northbound to serve Barking northbound. The stops chosen by TfL have the SL2 on a rigid routing apart from in Barking and Ilford, and ironically these places are where the SL2 will face consistent delays. I just hope drivers have the autonomy because at present, an express bus waiting in queued traffic along Winston Way to then spend 30 mins on Ilford Lane when it's timteabled to be 1/4 of that time isn't exactly quick. The issue is the autonomy could result in a bigger delay, if a driver sees Ilford Lane clogged up and decides to use South Park Drive then the bus could very well end up getting caught at Green Lane and then also have the added burden of then needing to navigate South Park Drive and Longbridge Road when the reality will be just the entrance to Ilford Lane was blocked up and the road itself was moving smoothly as is the case most of the time. Controllers should be able to see traffic conditions on route, however drivers will not be able to. This then also brings up the bigger issue of one SL2 using South Park drive and then the one behind sticking with Ilford Lane and completely messing headways up, which won't be a problem if it's instructed by a controller as they will then be able to control the route accordingly. The SL2s traffic issues seem to be worse than I even thought they'd be, noticed today at 8pm on a Sunday that the route was flooded with turns to Barking and South Woodford and that without fail it always seems to collapse in the peaks. I think it certainly needs an extra bus or two. Even as I type this now there's a turn on the route to Barking. The disruption last night was likely due to the A13 being closed eastbound from the North Circular to Thatched House. The 287 was also in tatters and the 173 diverted into Barking. The SL2 had no chance last night but has been reliable most evenings.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 10, 2024 22:16:42 GMT
It’s all very well diverting along the A406 but that slip road at Ilford is awful and is jammed solid most of the time! Buses will really struggle or get out as cars blocked the junction. It can take 15 mins to clear this on a bad day. I assume controllers will decide when buses divert otherwise you could have drivers having a preference and then buses end up delayed and out of sequence if two buses went different ways and one was delayed in congestion along the official route. Not just that, but once you then come off at Barking you will need to then navigate up Gurdwara Way and also deal with the slip off into Barking which can be even worse. Which is why I implied in a previous post that SL2 buses be diverted away from the A406 and Ilford Lane. For the latter, a detour via South Park Drive to Barking should take around 12 mins in the peaks. The SL2 has to serve Royal Docks Road in Beckton but not the A406, and there have already been reports that drivers have used the A13 in the evening peak northbound to serve Barking northbound. The stops chosen by TfL have the SL2 on a rigid routing apart from in Barking and Ilford, and ironically these places are where the SL2 will face consistent delays. I just hope drivers have the autonomy because at present, an express bus waiting in queued traffic along Winston Way to then spend 30 mins on Ilford Lane when it's timteabled to be 1/4 of that time isn't exactly quick.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 9, 2024 18:16:34 GMT
I think it's also for the benefit of Claybury Broadway residents from Ilford who get a raw deal when there are traffic issues. What surprised me yesterday was HA45 having flickering issues with its blindset and saw Woodford Avenue, RODING LANE SOUTH as a turn! It'll be interesting to see the full list of curtailments as I imagine there's nothing between South Woodford and Walthamstow Central. Bar yesterday, Ilford Lane was surprisingly running pretty smooth in the evenings this week despite the temporary lights. With Ramadan being this weekend, Ilford Lane is going to be rammed in the evenings when fasts are broken at sunset. The SL2 will be put to the test. At present drivers have to be instructed to deviate from Ilford Lane and the A406. They should be able to see traffic backing up on Winston Way or North Circular and immediately use another route. That's in part why the SL7 X26 was successful in mitigating traffic delays. I think I have a link somewhere with the blinds. youtube.com/shorts/yLO-I1nYdtc?si=CJHyGxu8lO1swII0Muchas gracias! As I suspected, there's no available place to turn the SL2 west of South Woodford before its Walthamstow terminus. Also explains why TfL wanted that Armada Way/Windsor Terrace stop, otherwise that Beckton curtailment is completely unworkable from Walthamstow Central. Clearly got the Claybury and South Woodford blinds mixed up, apologies for that. Fairly easy to do so you're trying to read it from a moving bus!!
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 9, 2024 17:46:38 GMT
I was out in Woodford earlier today and was surprised to see the Superloop stop is at Roading Lane. I would have thought Charlie Brown Roundabout / Tesco would have gave passengers the opportunity to make onward connections with routes like the W14 is they chose to walk around the corner. Spotted a rather empty bus on the A406 heading to North Woolwich and also some front seat passengers on another buses heading towards Ilford who appeared to be filming the trip. There is going to be an awful lot of films uploaded to YouTube Roding Lane stops do tends to get used a lot by the workers in the nearby industrial estates from what I have seen for the 123/179 and also being better placed for the nearby houses in the area.
I did see someone filming a viusal the SL2 at a front window upstairs about an hour ago.
Looks like there a plenty of SL2 are being turned at Barking, London Road including 4 buses in a row towards North Woolwich being turned short there at one point this afternoon.
I think it's also for the benefit of Claybury Broadway residents from Ilford who get a raw deal when there are traffic issues. What surprised me yesterday was HA45 having flickering issues with its blindset and saw Woodford Avenue, RODING LANE SOUTH as a turn! It'll be interesting to see the full list of curtailments as I imagine there's nothing between South Woodford and Walthamstow Central. Bar yesterday, Ilford Lane was surprisingly running pretty smooth in the evenings this week despite the temporary lights. With Ramadan being this weekend, Ilford Lane is going to be rammed in the evenings when fasts are broken at sunset. The SL2 will be put to the test. At present drivers have to be instructed to deviate from Ilford Lane and the A406. They should be able to see traffic backing up on Winston Way or North Circular and immediately use another route. That's in part why the SL7 X26 was successful in mitigating traffic delays.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 9, 2024 0:35:52 GMT
Yes, the 346 will replace the entire 497 routing My apologies I knew that but what I meant was what are the curtailment points (Short workings) The places I mentioned are all terminus’ for other routes so I’d imagine the 346 could use these should an occasion occur where the route needs to be curtailed in order to fix the service. Projected turning points for the newly restructured 346 (excluding termini): Cranham, Moor Lane Upminister Harold Wood Gallows Corner, Tesco Harold Hill, Gooshays Drive
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 8, 2024 13:22:13 GMT
Suspended, but not withdrawn... Bingo! This has come on high from Sadiq and Labour HQ because it is a mayoral and general election year and is an attempt to reduce the possibility of loss votes due to angry residents. Otherwise if it were not an election year they'd have stubbornly - as has been seen elsewhere where residents have disapproved - dug their heels in. As you say the key word is "suspended" so don't discount it coming back in some form or other after the elections are done and dusted when the anti-car cycling zealots know that their (political) jobs are safe for another few years.
LTNs only benefit a specific demographic within a principality, and it's no surprise these schemes pop up in more affluent ares within London. A few weeks ago, I went to a workshop on proposed LTNs in the Ham Park Road/Forest Gate south area to represent the bike shop I volunteer at. It came as a surprise and a dishonour to find the guy who compiled the safer roads scheme in Waltham Forest was at the workshop as a consultant freelancer. Putting aside his pompous ego which didn't let him take on valid critiques, no one at that workshop was on the 'other side'. People representing safer streets, cycling lobbies and cleaner air, but no business representatives pitching the case for how 20mph will have an adverse impact on local businesses. Soon Romford Road between Stratford and Forest Gate will be akin to its eastern arm in Manor Park; completely congested because all through traffic is funneled onto Romford Road. The benefits are pretty minimal but like other councils, Newham don't seem bothered to help the concerns of most of its residents.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 8, 2024 1:31:05 GMT
Took a trip on the SL2 today from Ilford up to Walthamstow Central. Have to say, the journey times was pretty good, journey was at a pretty good pace and it was actually quite nice to skip past stops. Although the bus wasn't dawdling along, I do think the running time could be cut a little, particularly between Gants Hill and Waterworks Corner. Loadings were fairly light, but there were handfuls of people getting on and off at every stop. I do feel TfL have missed a trick by not having stops either side of Gants Hill Roundabout so more exits from the Central Line are served. It's also quite strange seeing buses to North Woolwich running through Gants Hill and Ilford. It's a shame the HAs are displaying 19 on the back, although the one I was on had 78 on the rear. Also, I think the lack of branding has somewhat diluted the impact of the introduction- the non-branded HAs look just like any other London bus in the area. I think the one thing that will contribute to any success the Superloop has is the vehicles do stand out from the crowd. Overall, it's a good attempt at a new route- with a few tweaks here and there I think the route could be quite popular. I have been monitoring the route daily but have held back on commentary due to only taking one Barking-Ilford trip on launch day. So far it's hard to judge the success of the SL2 now, due to some wraps missing off buses and timetables not yet up at bus stops. Fair play to DX, by Tuesday most if not all buses were blinded. Clearly buses displaying 19 at the back isn't ideal but would be offset if there is a Superloop livery. What's interesting is that it looks like the passenger base appears to be young people for a fair chunk, no doubt technology & apps aiding in the complete lack of information at bus stops currently. I am sure when the masses are tangibly informed through spider maps and timetables, the SL2 could actually be a revolutionary addition to east London's bus network.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 6, 2024 21:55:01 GMT
A fire in Forest Gate has resulted in the closure of Romford Road between Green Street and Upton Lane/Woodgrange Road. The 86 was curtailed to Manor Park (though it could have terminated at Katherine Road), the crowds at Stratford were testament to that. GAL having an easy time with the 325 this evening bypassing Forest Gate altogether.
Today: 25 to Aldgate, x2 25 to Mile End (from Ilford) 425 to Hackney, Lauritson Road (from Ilford) 425 to Mile End (from Ilford) 425 to Bow Church (from Ilford) 12316- 425 to Manor Park. Given the diversion, the driver likely terminated at Woodgrange Road
Yesterday: Unidentified SL2 to Barking
Thursday evening: 365 to Elm Park (from Havering Park) 365 to South Hornchurch, South End Lane 165 to Romford Station, spotted at midnight in Elm Park
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 6, 2024 20:00:36 GMT
TfL clearly have a vendetta against route 205. I deliberately walked through the City to Aldgate East to get the choice of both the 25 and 205, only to find the 205's frequency has been stealthily slashed to every 10 mins. I'm genuinely trying to understand why a very popular bus route, where non enthusiasts enjoy using it due to its connections and speed, warrants these cuts. It doesn't make sense. But hey, let's make bunching more prevalent and drive passengers away through longer gaps in the service. Because every journey matters. I've been thinking of this quite a lot! It's ridiculous how a trunk route is every 10/12mins especially in the morning peak. Every 205 on the eastern end going westbound is very busy, sometimes packed. Noticed the odd reliability in recent times, you'd see 2 205s passing speeding through and often bunching. Long thought its service was questionable, this route should really regain it's every 8/9 min frequency in the rush hour time, but TFL sadly don't seem interested It's pretty clear how its that one route passing through many big interchanges and is the main route down the A501 corridor, I've seen plenty of busy buses, so surely be keeping a much better frequency Nagging question but why does the 25 retain the same frequency throughout the week? Or is it different on Sundays? The timetable tinkering that occurred during Covid has scuppered my recall, but after a quick check it's 8bph in the weekday peaks and 6bph on weekends. Absolutely abhorrent frequencies given the Crossrail consultations stated the 25 should be 6-7 mins for most of the week and 8 mins Sundays. This only amplifies the 205's reduction and for the first time since summer 2019, I saw three buses bunched together. Unlike 2019 which were return trips from Paddington, buses were bunching along Mile End Road from Bow! There was a time the 205 was every 7-8 mins in the peaks, but every contract renewal is like a carpenter's plane finely shaving off the 205's frequency. It's no wonder why there are plenty of critics of the Superloop receiving generous capital whilst the rest of the bus network is barely on the right side of functioning.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 6, 2024 17:26:12 GMT
TfL clearly have a vendetta against route 205. I deliberately walked through the City to Aldgate East to get the choice of both the 25 and 205, only to find the 205's frequency has been stealthily slashed to every 10 mins. I'm genuinely trying to understand why a very popular bus route, where non enthusiasts enjoy using it due to its connections and speed, warrants these cuts. It doesn't make sense. But hey, let's make bunching more prevalent and drive passengers away through longer gaps in the service. Because every journey matters.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 2, 2024 16:13:30 GMT
DT11 posted in the Superloop thread that the blinds were delayed due to production issues at McKenna, which to be fair isn’t really within Arriva’s control I do wonder how this even got allowed to happen. The 325s buses had their blinds on time as did the SL3 where Stagecoach had less tike with the buses than Arriva did. Not to mention the blinds do seem to have actually made it onto the buses, they're just not set accordingly. From tender announcement to today, GAL had 9 months to prepare for the 325 and Arriva had four and a half months for the SL2. Literally half the time. And you've already seen reports of ordering issues from the manufacturers blighting all London operators. I suspect GAL likely didn't order new sets. Judging from the allocation of the old 276 SEs, I reckon they only needed inserts for East Beckton and Forest Gate turns; maybe Plaistow Broadway at a push. Every other turn is covered by existing sets from the 300, so even easier for GAL to get ready in time.
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