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Post by redbus on Nov 11, 2018 11:47:28 GMT
I would like to share this on here. Right when I tell friends and people I talk with that I moved to Lewisham from Waltham Forest, I get an "Oh Dear" or "Oh No". It annoys me that people think that Lewisham is so bad, my mum lived in Lewisham like 30 years ago for about 5 years and she also says it was very rough. This might sound silly and respect to all views but I think Lewisham is "NOW" better than Waltham Forest. The advantages for myself as an individual is that has less traffic, better roads and the biggest plus is that it has no crappy Mini Helland. I understand that the crime rate is high but it has some very nice parts like Blackheath and Greenwich Park. Waltham Forest has nice parts like the north end of the borough such as North Chingford and slight part of Woodford. Thoughts & Views Right let me give my thoughts: Firstly I agree with vjaska on his comments you shouldn't get annoyed at people, at the end of the day they are just giving their opinion. Secondly, I agree with you that Lewisham is better than Waltham Forest, as you said better roads and no disaster cycle lanes. However, it's down to personal preference and experience. It also depends on how much an individual gets bothered by cycle lanes taking over bus lanes, I'm one as it is a challenge as a bus driver. Thirdly, as long as you are happier in Lewisham, I'm sure your friends and family will be happy for you. I have been a Waltham Forest resident since 1998, and with all honesty I had similar feelings about the area such as before the council or whomever decided to reck the roads, (correct me if am wrong but the works started a couple of years ago?) I wouldn't of liked to live anywhere else apart from Waltham Forest. Finally and Fourth Comment, Now as 2018, well since the works in WF started I probably hate it as much as you, closed side roads and removal of bus lanes really bother me, but I understand that I have no control over it. So the best advice I can give you is appreciate that you don't live in WF anymore and not a bus driver, what I mean by that is the local traffic can really frustrate us. I grew up in Peckham in my early days and would love to return there, but that also has a reputation of crime and before I forget some people that live North of the river have a block about South London from my experience. If you don't mind me asking where abouts did you live in Waltham Forest? Anyway guys I'm starting soon hopefully it won't be a stand still Sunday later on😮 I would add that collectively the residents of Waltham Forest do have a level of control. They can go to the ballot box and can vote the current council out. If people so object to what is being done supposedly for their benefit, then perhaps vote for someone else. I am not directing this at you or anyone in particular, it is just that I think politicians should be held to account for their actions (both good and bad). |
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Post by JaysBusPhotos on Nov 11, 2018 12:32:47 GMT
Just been a manger crash at West Croydon Bus Station, 198 lost control and has smacked a car then into the side of the station.
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Post by redbus on Nov 11, 2018 23:29:28 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. |
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Post by sid on Nov 12, 2018 10:32:29 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Conductors probably see it as inevitable that the route is going so why bother? I'm not condoning such an attitude but it's understandable. Passengers not touching in on standard buses for one reason or another is a far greater problem. In my experience loadings on the 15H can fluctuate considerably from full up to near empty. |
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Post by redbus on Nov 12, 2018 11:52:11 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Conductors probably see it as inevitable that the route is going so why bother? I'm not condoning such an attitude but it's understandable. Passengers not touching in on standard buses for one reason or another is a far greater problem. In my experience loadings on the 15H can fluctuation considerably from full up to near empty. The narrative that concerns me is that if this is typical, TfL may have completely wrong patronage figures for the route, which are then used to axe it. |
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Post by busman on Nov 12, 2018 13:08:40 GMT
Just seen the northbound bus stop outside the British Museum with timetables for both the 10 and the 98. Also there are no notices informing passengers of upcoming changes to the service. There were 6 passengers waiting for the bus and considering the short amount of time the 10 has served the area, the through service to Kings Cross seems much better used compared to when the area was served by the 7 and 98. It will be a shame when the service reverts back to buses terminating at Russell Square.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2018 20:33:36 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Another way of looking at this is its the first stop so always busy (Seems so when ever I use the 15) also must have been a lot more tourist / people up London for Remembrance Sunday as you said.
Up until about 5 or so years ago I see to see people go out of there way to ride a Routemaster but people don't seem that fussed any more especially since the LT entered service. If the 15 needs help I would much rather it be covered by a conventional bus which must be more cost effective. I know TfL don't like short journeys but would be interesting to see a cost comparison of providing the same 15H service using normal buses.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2018 20:34:40 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Conductors probably see it as inevitable that the route is going so why bother? I'm not condoning such an attitude but it's understandable. Passengers not touching in on standard buses for one reason or another is a far greater problem. In my experience loadings on the 15H can fluctuate considerably from full up to near empty. To be honest the conductors have always seemed a bit unenthusiastic. |
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Post by ibus246 on Nov 12, 2018 20:56:33 GMT
Really busy day in Central London today, or at least parts of it. I know it is Remembrance Sunday but even so. Went to the LT Museum and then onto Tower Hill at about 4:00 pm. We took the 15H at Charing Cross expecting only a few handfuls of passengers given everything that has been said about the route. There were more passengers waiting for it at the first stop at Charing Cross than could be accommodated on the bus - seriously. The conductor had to get people off the bus who were standing upstairs. About twenty or so people were waiting at the next stop as the full bus sailed past. Interesting the 15H going the way were also packed to the rafters. The ordinary 15s were also busy, but lots seemed to specifically want the 15H as witnessed when both turned up together.
I sat upstairs with my son as he likes upstairs, while my wife prefers to sit downstairs. The conductor made no attempt whatsoever to collect any fares upstairs or down. I mean no attempt, so how on earth is TfL's farebox going to be protected? How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Another way of looking at this is its the first stop so always busy (Seems so when ever I use the 15) also must have been a lot more tourist / people up London for Remembrance Sunday as you said.
Up until about 5 or so years ago I see to see people go out of there way to ride a Routemaster but people don't seem that fussed any more especially since the LT entered service. If the 15 needs help I would much rather it be covered by a conventional bus which must be more cost effective. I know TfL don't like short journeys but would be interesting to see a cost comparison of providing the same 15H service using normal buses.
I think the 15H’ cost per mile was around £25(!) - extortionately high where as the 15 was £6.60 by comparison according to recent TfL stats |
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Post by 6HP502C on Nov 12, 2018 21:06:48 GMT
How can TfL know the true usage of the route if the passengers are not registered via the fare system? The wheel has fallen off here. I'd like to have some proper explanations and without that the patronage figures for the 15H must be considered very suspect. Surveyors do manual counts on each route periodically, or ad-hoc on request which capture those not recorded through the ticket machines. To be fair, I don't think passenger numbers on Remembrance Sunday when an event takes place at the Tower of London is representative of typical daily usage on the 15H. Where required, TfL do run more buses where demand is expected to be high for events - there's the Olympia shuttle bus, the North Greenwich shorts on the 108, the U suffixed extras for rail closures/strikes etc. but in the case of the 15, it sounds like there is sufficient capacity for those whose primary purpose is to get from A to B on buses that are accessible to all. |
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Post by busaholic on Nov 12, 2018 21:30:55 GMT
Conductors probably see it as inevitable that the route is going so why bother? I'm not condoning such an attitude but it's understandable. Passengers not touching in on standard buses for one reason or another is a far greater problem. In my experience loadings on the 15H can fluctuate considerably from full up to near empty. To be honest the conductors have always seemed a bit unenthusiastic. it didn't happen overnight, but I'd say within a year of the announcement that the remaining 500 or so Routemasters were on a death sentence virtually no conductor I ever experienced bothered to collect fares, most never venturing upstairs and, when offered cash (as was still taken then, how quaint  ) by passengers as they left the bus, either made a desultory ticket issue and immediately threw it away or, well, didn't! The cull started with the 15, as it happened, until its end with the 159. Lazy conductors always existed, but I'd say were in a minority and would be quickly found out by inspectors. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2018 21:43:22 GMT
To be honest the conductors have always seemed a bit unenthusiastic. it didn't happen overnight, but I'd say within a year of the announcement that the remaining 500 or so Routemasters were on a death sentence virtually no conductor I ever experienced bothered to collect fares, most never venturing upstairs and, when offered cash (as was still taken then, how quaint ) by passengers as they left the bus, either made a desultory ticket issue and immediately threw it away or, well, didn't! The cull started with the 15, as it happened, until its end with the 159. Lazy conductors always existed, but I'd say were in a minority and would be quickly found out by inspectors. Sorry my post was unclear I was talking about the 15H but agree with your post : ) |
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Post by Londonbuses54 on Nov 13, 2018 7:17:32 GMT
Just seen ex sln 17871 lx03 nft in Orpington. It has been repainted baby blue and still has the original interior by the looks of it
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Post by sid on Nov 13, 2018 10:31:11 GMT
To be honest the conductors have always seemed a bit unenthusiastic. it didn't happen overnight, but I'd say within a year of the announcement that the remaining 500 or so Routemasters were on a death sentence virtually no conductor I ever experienced bothered to collect fares, most never venturing upstairs and, when offered cash (as was still taken then, how quaint ) by passengers as they left the bus, either made a desultory ticket issue and immediately threw it away or, well, didn't! The cull started with the 15, as it happened, until its end with the 159. Lazy conductors always existed, but I'd say were in a minority and would be quickly found out by inspectors. What chance an inspector on the 15H? A mystery shopper, if they actually exist, might be more effective. |
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Post by capitalomnibus on Nov 13, 2018 12:12:07 GMT
Right let me give my thoughts: Firstly I agree with vjaska on his comments you shouldn't get annoyed at people, at the end of the day they are just giving their opinion. Secondly, I agree with you that Lewisham is better than Waltham Forest, as you said better roads and no disaster cycle lanes. However, it's down to personal preference and experience. It also depends on how much an individual gets bothered by cycle lanes taking over bus lanes, I'm one as it is a challenge as a bus driver. Thirdly, as long as you are happier in Lewisham, I'm sure your friends and family will be happy for you. I have been a Waltham Forest resident since 1998, and with all honesty I had similar feelings about the area such as before the council or whomever decided to reck the roads, (correct me if am wrong but the works started a couple of years ago?) I wouldn't of liked to live anywhere else apart from Waltham Forest. Finally and Fourth Comment, Now as 2018, well since the works in WF started I probably hate it as much as you, closed side roads and removal of bus lanes really bother me, but I understand that I have no control over it. So the best advice I can give you is appreciate that you don't live in WF anymore and not a bus driver, what I mean by that is the local traffic can really frustrate us. I grew up in Peckham in my early days and would love to return there, but that also has a reputation of crime and before I forget some people that live North of the river have a block about South London from my experience. If you don't mind me asking where abouts did you live in Waltham Forest? Anyway guys I'm starting soon hopefully it won't be a stand still Sunday later on😮 I would add that collectively the residents of Waltham Forest do have a level of control. They can go to the ballot box and can vote the current council out. If people so object to what is being done supposedly for their benefit, then perhaps vote for someone else. I am not directing this at you or anyone in particular, it is just that I think politicians should be held to account for their actions (both good and bad). I have said before, many of the people there vote like a football team, they support labour, even if they do anything they don't like they would still go and vote for them as to them its like a football club. Hence why all these things happen in LBWF. The councillors there do not care as they are very anti car. They have turned most of the borough to a CPZ in the space of 3 years now. I lived in Waltham Forest in the 1980's would never go and live there now, sorry to anyone living there but its a poo hole. |
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) by passengers as they left the bus, either made a desultory ticket issue and immediately threw it away or, well, didn't! The cull started with the 15, as it happened, until its end with the 159. Lazy conductors always existed, but I'd say were in a minority and would be quickly found out by inspectors.