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Post by enviroPB on May 22, 2020 21:27:01 GMT
Route 54 would be good as 24 hours I'd rather see a N47 to Elmers End, even Croydon at a push via the 289 routing. A night route linking Woolwich with Lewisham isn't really a necessity, but if exploring giving Beckenham and Elmers End new links, then it would be the easiest call to strip the N47 from the 24 hour contract and then send it down the southern tip of the 54.
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Post by enviroPB on May 10, 2020 17:02:18 GMT
I think people should just wait and see what the impact is post lockdown - many people are simply wildly guessing when no one including myself has any idea what will happen I think tbh now all routes will go back to their old freqs due to contracts and passengers needing space. 6 months on thou could be another story with some pruning going on once proper assessment has been given. Where I do think savings will come will be on vehicles with maybe a few more diesel SDs allowed (particulary on small SDs) and maybe some delayed conversion to new buses. That my friend is not going to happen anytime soon. I noticed yesterday for the first time that most routes ran a Sunday schedule on a Saturday; in previous Saturdays all routes ran to their normal timetabled frequencies but this didn't happen yesterday unless a route in question is running a Sat schedule during Monday-Friday. That could suggest that TfL are short of bus drivers or it could be a further contraction of services given bus usage is now free, barring circa 13% of the bus fleet where it is optional to pay (LTs).
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 29, 2020 6:31:52 GMT
As if doesn't run as the 71 at night it's dosent matter how far south the N65 goes. I'd keep it to Chessington South thou. I wonder if TFL will dig out a rumoured consultation on the night bus network from a few years ago that never came to fruition. What do you mean by rumoured consultation? There was a night bus consultation in conjunction with the Night Tube being borne. TfL under Boris' regime devised the savage cuts, Khan got into office to 'review changes in night bus usage' or something similar and then he carried out all the brutal cuts with no revision to the plans. The night bus network was a marvellous, frequent machine 5 years ago. It's a much tamer beast now but with that being said, there could be homogenised savings by simply merging a couple suburban night routes; 321 being scrapped with the N21 covering up to Foots Cray is the easiest example that comes to mind. Another forum member mentioned merging the 52 and 297 a couple weeks ago, that's another example of saving 2 buses off the combined PVR.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 7, 2020 15:37:08 GMT
Heavily disagree with that. I'm sure locals were fine with this arrangement, but that lack of a distinction did likely cause admin problems; like Tfl not stating what the last/first stop in Kingston. It could cause confusion for people not familiar with the area, which is exactly what happened to me when visiting Kingston with my family for the first time. If the EL1 didn't get renumbered was created as a 24 hour route with that numbering, the H91 should certainly be fine as it is. Not if as originally proposed and they use another number for the night service I explained to you that with the original proposal as you put it, even an enthusiast not from the area got confused when having to purely rely on TfL info. If it happened to me, it definitely happened to Joe & Jenny Public who isn't local to the south west London area. If you were referring to a situation like the 102's where it was originally proposed & intentional to have a variance to a typical 24 hour route then I will accept your point. However to the best of my knowledge, the 65 when it gained 24 hour status didn't have this kind of gimmick outlined from onset.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 7, 2020 13:52:10 GMT
So I had an experience I was dreading would happen last night...a bus driver not deeming me worthy to stop for me. I've implied that I am a key worker in a post last week. My normal job of stock auditing was postponed almost 4 weeks ago due to the pandemic, and to help in the plight supermarkets are facing we were instead asked to help stock shelves in-store. I try to ignore that I have that little bit of freedom of movement more than most folk, as the enthusiasm in me will kick in and clearly I don't want to put myself or others at risk. With that being said, I am a key worker with no access to a car so public transport is vital to me. So after finishing work and tired as poop, the last thing I need is a N15 driver deciding to close the doors early on me cause in his head, I'm not worthy. Now I know I'm infamously talked about amongst the drivers, I can even identify myself in a local newspaper article when two RR drivers were interviewed about being a night driver. With this current coronavirus situation and the fact that the N15 is easily my most used route as I'm typically out late at night, I simply cannot fathom riding a bus for fun. And indeed I do not go on joyrides on the route as it's essential for me to get home most nights. The driver was lucky I couldn't catch up to him to make a statement. I don't need to verify to any drivers if I'm key worker at present, but if the rules change I'm happy to do so. My urge to report him is not needed in these exceptional times; also I've said it loads of times but have only reported a driver to TfL once in my life. Instead I'll withdraw my thank yous when I board and alight. Not saying he doesn't need to be respected as bus driving is a very difficult job and I am in a position with my extended knowledge to appreciate that. I'm just saying my kind manners I offer to all will be retracted with him as a reaction to his unprofessional behaviour. Welcome to the shelf stacking game my friend. It hurts but Britannia is hurting more. 😫
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 7, 2020 13:45:37 GMT
TfL can't preach simplification of the bus network and then have anomalies with night route numbering. Cases like the 47 and 148 are acceptable; in the case of the former when it gets curtailed to Liverpool Street, publicity both digital and otherwise is well advertised in lieu of blue tiles. The 65 to Chessington completely bucked that trend by placing blue tiles on stops that the day route didn't traverse. I don't know about simplification.........going back to the original point all numbering a night service on the H91 as N491 would do is cause unnecessary confusion and as somebody mentioned previously the blue 65 tiles at the Chessington end were self explanitary. Heavily disagree with that. I'm sure locals were fine with this arrangement, but that lack of a distinction did likely cause admin problems; like Tfl not stating what the last/first stop in Kingston. It could cause confusion for people not familiar with the area, which is exactly what happened to me when visiting Kingston with my family for the first time. I disagree, I don’t think 4 character route numbers are a good idea Even if you use smaller N they still end up squashed on blind display It also looks messy to have smaller N then a full size letter, and becomes hard to read It’s expensive to renumber a route (and shouldn’t be done for sake of it), but if NH91 doesn’t exist already, then same cost to add it, as adding a sensible alternative instead. If they were ever to add a 24 hour service to the H91 it will probably get renumbered. If the EL1 didn't get renumbered was created as a 24 hour route with that numbering, the H91 should certainly be fine as it is.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 7, 2020 13:08:24 GMT
So I had an experience I was dreading would happen last night...a bus driver not deeming me worthy to stop for me.
I've implied that I am a key worker in a post last week. My normal job of stock auditing was postponed almost 4 weeks ago due to the pandemic, and to help in the plight supermarkets are facing we were instead asked to help stock shelves in-store. I try to ignore that I have that little bit of freedom of movement more than most folk, as the enthusiasm in me will kick in and clearly I don't want to put myself or others at risk. With that being said, I am a key worker with no access to a car so public transport is vital to me.
So after finishing work and tired as poop, the last thing I need is a N15 driver deciding to close the doors early on me cause in his head, I'm not worthy. Now I know I'm infamously talked about amongst the drivers, I can even identify myself in a local newspaper article when two RR drivers were interviewed about being a night driver. With this current coronavirus situation and the fact that the N15 is easily my most used route as I'm typically out late at night, I simply cannot fathom riding a bus for fun. And indeed I do not go on joyrides on the route as it's essential for me to get home most nights.
The driver was lucky I couldn't catch up to him to make a statement. I don't need to verify to any drivers if I'm key worker at present, but if the rules change I'm happy to do so. My urge to report him is not needed in these exceptional times; also I've said it loads of times but have only reported a driver to TfL once in my life. Instead I'll withdraw my thank yous when I board and alight. Not saying he doesn't need to be respected as bus driving is a very difficult job and I am in a position with my extended knowledge to appreciate that. I'm just saying my kind manners I offer to all will be retracted with him as a reaction to his unprofessional behaviour.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 7, 2020 10:02:49 GMT
Tfl turned away from that idea when they changed the 65 into the 65 and N65. Is it that expensive to re number a route? New blinds are often needed (new buses, new routes coming into a garage) timetables are often changed and bus stop titles wear out and need updating at some point. I don't know what the rationale was behind that? A 24hr 65 with a night extension to Chessington seemed fine to me and I can't imagine most people would even notice whether there was a N prefix. That's if the correct blind is displayed anyway. I would say the only routes that need the N prefix are routes like the N5 and N20 that don't have a daytime equivalent or routes like the N136 that go a different way than their daytime equivalent. TfL can't preach simplification of the bus network and then have anomalies with night route numbering. Cases like the 47 and 148 are acceptable; in the case of the former when it gets curtailed to Liverpool Street, publicity both digital and otherwise is well advertised in lieu of blue tiles. The 65 to Chessington completely bucked that trend by placing blue tiles on stops that the day route didn't traverse.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 2, 2020 17:38:33 GMT
That's funny, cause without a shadow of a doubt the 47 has been the most well used bus I've seen since the lockdown. The peak time of between 4 and 6am has seen buses packed, even with the 188 trailing behind/kicking its heels at the front. Oh, btw yes I'm a key worker so I didn't go out my way for this observation. Not going to entertain useful routes being hacked passing as casual conversation. Yes but many people are probably avoiding the tube at the moment. As someone mentioned previously buses from the Lewisham direction near empty out at Canada Water in normal circumstances. Cuts are planned already such as the 101 and 262 which I don't agree with although I think the Bluewater cuts are more reasonable and I suspect that they will be exacerbated by this virus so it might well be a case of.... if you want to save the 47 what do you want to cut instead? I'm just trying to show you how vital the route is even in these dire times. Just cause train links are quicker doesn't always mean they're favoured by most- do you know how many fully accessible (step free) Overground stations there are on the network? Have to reach into the ether of my memory after citing Dlaston Junction and possibly Highbury & Islington. As others have said the 47 has already had savage cuts (it may be the only zone 1 route with 3bph on Sundays) so it doesn't need another hack of the axe. Even at nights, granted capacity is a little superfluous before 4am on weeknights but the 47N is definitely needed on weekends. I'm certain there are some punters at Shoreditch who will go for the bus not only for the price saving compared to the zone 1 station, but the fact that Shoreditch High Street Station has a very inconspicuous entrance means some likely don't bother for the Night Overground at all. Sometimes overbussing is a necessary evil, and I much rather that than the days prior to September 2015 where passengers were regularly left behind by full (old) N47 buses from London Bridge southbound. As for the day service, maybe a pruning somewhere north of Lodnon Bridge; Liverpool Street or possibly Monument with buses standing at Mansion House.
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Post by enviroPB on Apr 2, 2020 16:44:33 GMT
Regardless of whether someone is left high & dry, this is exactly why people are finding other alternatives to public transport - when you take something away such as a bus service or make that journey longer by having to change, people generally decide with their feet and go elsewhere - the vulnerable and poor either end up with no such choice or if they really can make it work, find non public transport such as a mate or neighbour to give them a lift or plunge themselves into debt for private hire transport. Everybody that's commented seems to agree that the 47 has had it's day, it's a shame but such is life. Large numbers of people have switched to the train. That's funny, cause without a shadow of a doubt the 47 has been the most well used bus I've seen since the lockdown. The peak time of between 4 and 6am has seen buses packed, even with the 188 trailing behind/kicking its heels at the front. Oh, btw yes I'm a key worker so I didn't go out my way for this observation. Not going to entertain useful routes being hacked passing as casual conversation.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 25, 2020 19:14:53 GMT
Fine here is the link, ignore this mans ignorant commentary. Mods feel free to delete if I am breaking forum rules. It's okay guys, the pandemic is over now. All we have to do is worry about this Covert 19 that this guy is harping on about and we'll be fine...
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 11, 2020 14:23:58 GMT
Buses are only losing time due to the right turn only out of Aldgate bus station. I'm certain the route would cope fine if it could hook a left instead of have to turn around via Duke's Place and Houndsditch. Seriously doubt the 343 could be curtailed back to City Hall, it could never stand successfully with 2 or 3 buses on Queen Elizabeth Street without blocking through traffic and backing up onto Tower Bridge Road. The 343 should only be pulled back to Tower Gateway, otherwise the shambolic halfway house of culling the RV1 and pulling the 40 out of Aldgate in place of extending the 343 would have been for nothing. If I was the one making changes in TFL I would try to fix the Aldgate issue ever since the 40 was removed. The 344 I would withdraw between Monument & Liverpool Street and send up the old 40 to Aldgate. This would be a much better route to send up there and could always stand on the 40s old stands instead of the bus station. That's what I thought should've taken place. I wouldn't send the 344 to Aldgate. A route that goes deep into south London (going past Elephant & Castle) is what's needed for this slice of the City. The 343 is a little indirect to attract passengers at Aldgate I feel. Usage will remain somewhat stable but will drop significantly at nights if the 344 was pulled away from Liverpool Street. Would it be so difficult for a set of lights to allow a filter for just the 343 to turn left out of Aldgate bus station? I know the 154 has a right turn in Carshalton whereas cars can only go straight on or left by the Windsor Castle pub. TfL looks like they're reluctant to modify the Aldgate junction for the 343 so as to allow for less waiting time for traffic. There is only one pedestrian crossing which is to the west of the bus station, and should they modify it that'll mean an increase in idling for through traffic as an additional phase has to be introduced; separate from buses leaving the bus station.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 8, 2020 17:52:08 GMT
Idk how much truth to it there is, but heard canteen rumor there may be changes to 343, possibly back to City Hall only, with buses losing 15-20 mins coming out of Aldgate stand. Buses are only losing time due to the right turn only out of Aldgate bus station. I'm certain the route would cope fine if it could hook a left instead of have to turn around via Duke's Place and Houndsditch. Seriously doubt the 343 could be curtailed back to City Hall, it could never stand successfully with 2 or 3 buses on Queen Elizabeth Street without blocking through traffic and backing up onto Tower Bridge Road. The 343 should only be pulled back to Tower Gateway, otherwise the shambolic halfway house of culling the RV1 and pulling the 40 out of Aldgate in place of extending the 343 would have been for nothing.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 7, 2020 14:35:43 GMT
I don't understand why there's a need for the new electric to trial a low sounding fog horn to warn pedestrians and the like of its presence on the road. The drivers still has his horn don't they? If I was cycling I'd be more distracted by the noise instead of the bus whizzing past me which it to be expected. This is why some people who live near main roads say they can't fall asleep without the sound of sirens and vehicular traffic; we pump too much noise pollution on our city's streets and it's ironic now given the 444 uses zero emission buses. Hope this new sound goes the way of 'this bus is ready to depart' trial, ending rather swiftly.
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Post by enviroPB on Mar 2, 2020 15:52:09 GMT
So my weekend was productive as an enthusiast... went up to Manchester for the weekend. Before I got there I was on the coach going through Birmingham, and NE's Midland Buses were using the iBus system on their fairly new MMCs! It was a welcome surprise the successful system made it that far north. Then I got to Manchester, went to a pub in the town centre to see my mate and afterwards opted for the only proper 24 hour bus in Manchester, the 43. It used diesel MMCs for the night service so I completely forgot about the electrics until the next day! They were great to see as the livery was fantastic, hard pressed to find the Stagecoach logo or fleet number though. You'll definitely remember the bus with the image etched in your memory. The insides were a little more energised I'd say with the blue and orange leather seats and the abysmal charge from the ports, which to be fair did give me a 5% charge in 50 minutes. Better than I was expecting. There was also an audio visual display which bounced between next stop and [next stop here] with the time & date and route number & destination flashing every few stops. What I want to bring to the fore is how bus companies can attract more custom with some personalised liveries and a little bit of investment. Other cities like Birmingham and Manchester lack the technological advancements we take as commonplace such as the audio-visual friendly iBus that they're now catching up with, but plain red in London is getting a bit boring and lacklustre. Those electrics on Manchester route 43 (and another in central Manchester but don't know no. and company) add attraction and intrigue to try the bus. When I got back to London and looked at the electric bus on the 94 last night, it just didn't do it for me.
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