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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Aug 3, 2024 19:08:31 GMT
In a change of plan, I have lost interest in riding route 28 to Wandsworth at the start of my south London trip in September.
Having sampled Metroline buses in central/north east London in February and north west London in April, avoiding them will make my September trip more noticeably different from those earlier in the year.
In the medium term I reckon on riding a VW on route 28 to Kensal Rise, then a VMS on route 187 to Finchley Road then a Kite on route C11, potentially to Archway to connect with a Stagecoach MetroCity on route W5.
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Post by vjaska on Aug 3, 2024 21:12:24 GMT
The 231 is a quiet route? I’d say that’s a fair analysis yes. With its main purpose being to provide relief to the much busier 217, which does outclass it loadings wise. Not dead by any means, but its service levels seem adequate under normal circumstances. You don’t hear horror stories of users saying it should be 2000bph because no one can board it when they need to, anyway. I certainly reckon it struggled today though! In my eyes, a route can be busy without needing to have "horror stories from users wanting 2000bph" and have adequate service levels under normal circumstances. Just surprised to hear as my own, albeit limited observations, have never seen a quiet 231 apart from the Enfield Chase to Enfield section which is a couple of stops at best
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Post by VMH2537 on Aug 3, 2024 21:18:11 GMT
The 231 is a quiet route? I’d say that’s a fair analysis yes. With its main purpose being to provide relief to the much busier 217, which does outclass it loadings wise. Not dead by any means, but its service levels seem adequate under normal circumstances. You don’t hear horror stories of users saying it should be 2000bph because no one can board it when they need to, anyway. I certainly reckon it struggled today though! Part of the reason why the 231 may appear quiet is from its timetabled bunching with the 217. One route in front will be busy whilst the behind empty. Someone at TfL thought this was an incredible idea to implement.
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Post by DE20106 on Aug 3, 2024 22:41:59 GMT
I’d say that’s a fair analysis yes. With its main purpose being to provide relief to the much busier 217, which does outclass it loadings wise. Not dead by any means, but its service levels seem adequate under normal circumstances. You don’t hear horror stories of users saying it should be 2000bph because no one can board it when they need to, anyway. I certainly reckon it struggled today though! In my eyes, a route can be busy without needing to have "horror stories from users wanting 2000bph" and have adequate service levels under normal circumstances. Just surprised to hear as my own, albeit limited observations, have never seen a quiet 231 apart from the Enfield Chase to Enfield section which is a couple of stops at best My original point was the 231 is ‘quiet enough’ to not need extra buses under normal circumstances, which generally it is My hyperbole was referring to routes where frequency increases or deckings are constantly called for due to the service being totally inadequate. Examples like the 132, 192, 195, 267, 314, 355, 490, R68/70. The 231 certainly isn’t one of those. ‘Adequate frequency levels with generally enough spare capacity to handle everyone comfortably’, is definitely an accurate appraisal of the 231’s usage. Could that be construed as fairly quiet? Probably, but adequate is probably a better description
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Post by LD71YLO (BE37054) on Aug 4, 2024 10:31:11 GMT
In my eyes, a route can be busy without needing to have "horror stories from users wanting 2000bph" and have adequate service levels under normal circumstances. Just surprised to hear as my own, albeit limited observations, have never seen a quiet 231 apart from the Enfield Chase to Enfield section which is a couple of stops at best My original point was the 231 is ‘quiet enough’ to not need extra buses under normal circumstances, which generally it is My hyperbole was referring to routes where frequency increases or deckings are constantly called for due to the service being totally inadequate. Examples like the 132, 192, 195, 267, 314, 355, 490, R68/70. The 231 certainly isn’t one of those. ‘Adequate frequency levels with generally enough spare capacity to handle everyone comfortably’, is definitely an accurate appraisal of the 231’s usage. Could that be construed as fairly quiet? Probably, but adequate is probably a better description I'm not entirely sure that the R68/70 need frequency increases/deckings - I think they cope quite well now they've been returned to their original route and frequency. The 490 however is a different story.
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Post by MetrolineGA1511 on Aug 4, 2024 12:17:37 GMT
In my eyes, a route can be busy without needing to have "horror stories from users wanting 2000bph" and have adequate service levels under normal circumstances. Just surprised to hear as my own, albeit limited observations, have never seen a quiet 231 apart from the Enfield Chase to Enfield section which is a couple of stops at best My original point was the 231 is ‘quiet enough’ to not need extra buses under normal circumstances, which generally it is My hyperbole was referring to routes where frequency increases or deckings are constantly called for due to the service being totally inadequate. Examples like the 132, 192, 195, 267, 314, 355, 490, R68/70. The 231 certainly isn’t one of those. ‘Adequate frequency levels with generally enough spare capacity to handle everyone comfortably’, is definitely an accurate appraisal of the 231’s usage. Could that be construed as fairly quiet? Probably, but adequate is probably a better description Actually yes. Come to think of it, when I was in the area on Easter Monday 2023 the 217 came barely 5 minutes before the 231. So, plenty more choice of seats on my 231.
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Post by greenboy on Aug 4, 2024 13:20:42 GMT
My original point was the 231 is ‘quiet enough’ to not need extra buses under normal circumstances, which generally it is My hyperbole was referring to routes where frequency increases or deckings are constantly called for due to the service being totally inadequate. Examples like the 132, 192, 195, 267, 314, 355, 490, R68/70. The 231 certainly isn’t one of those. ‘Adequate frequency levels with generally enough spare capacity to handle everyone comfortably’, is definitely an accurate appraisal of the 231’s usage. Could that be construed as fairly quiet? Probably, but adequate is probably a better description I'm not entirely sure that the R68/70 need frequency increases/deckings - I think they cope quite well now they've been returned to their original route and frequency. The 490 however is a different story. I agree and as far as I'm aware the 314 only needs a Sunday increase, M-S generally ok from my observations.
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Post by barrypotter on Aug 4, 2024 14:15:31 GMT
Yesterday, Metroline had recruitment staff on hand at Potters Bar, and will have again tomorrow (Monday), specifically to help any interested ex Sullivan drivers.
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Post by WH241 on Aug 5, 2024 9:12:30 GMT
Reported on The Londoner FB page that Metroline are running the 389/399 today. It seems to suggest this is only for today so not sure who is taking over from tomorrow.
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Post by ADH45258 on Aug 5, 2024 9:42:42 GMT
Reported on The Londoner FB page that Metroline are running the 389/399 today. It seems to suggest this is only for today so not sure who is taking over from tomorrow. Is this due to Go Ahead not having enough drivers etc to cover the 389/399, or is it partly down to the 10.2m SEs being unsuitable? If the latter, I wonder if the 389/399 might have worked better as part of a different contract like the 383?
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Post by LK65EBO on Aug 5, 2024 10:20:03 GMT
Seen a picture on The Londoner which suggests DEM1356 is on the 389/399.
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Post by barrypotter on Aug 5, 2024 13:52:28 GMT
Reported on The Londoner FB page that Metroline are running the 389/399 today. It seems to suggest this is only for today so not sure who is taking over from tomorrow. One day only I am informed. Almost a full service on the 327, duties allocated to the end of this week... at least.
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Metroline
Aug 5, 2024 13:53:04 GMT
via mobile
Post by barrypotter on Aug 5, 2024 13:53:04 GMT
One day only I am informed. Almost a full service on the 327, duties allocated to the end of this week... at least. Corrected myself.
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Post by adl on Aug 5, 2024 17:24:55 GMT
The poor 231s are being battered out of Turnpike Lane VW1191 is packed to the door and has left people behind at Turnpike Lane. Ouch
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Post by barrypotter on Aug 6, 2024 15:10:40 GMT
Change of subject. When the new schedule starts on the W7, on the 17th August, most driver meal reliefs will take place at Muswell Hill, and not back at HT. Driver change overs at Muswell Hill will mean that there will be a lot less of buses running empty up and down Archway Road.
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