Post by Deleted on May 18, 2013 19:55:58 GMT
The lower fares on buses are, in my opinion, purposely aimed at providing a cheaper travel option for lower paid workers. I'm not sure increasing the cost of buses to match trains is a good option. Fares within London zones are basically regulated by TfL anyway. Oyster on Rail is a fixed zone related fare, the same for all TOC's. So modes are not so much competing, more providing social options, with river boat, private car, taxi and helicopter etc further up the chain. The low flat fare for all modes found in some parts of Europe requires heavy subsidy.
So with that in mind, much as it would make some people happy, I cannot see an X25 happening. Still don't even really think it is a good idea. Making some peak buses "expresses" (I say that tongue in cheek as I don't think they'd be very fast!) would pass by waiting passengers and probably have people wanting to jump off the bus between stops all the way (or maybe letting themselves out!) It would make no extra income compared to the current model unless you put fares up, which would keep people on the (quicker) trains anyway. And the model suggested leaves a less frequent peak service on route 25 than off peak. Hmmm.
I do agree the route is likely to be thinned out with Crossrail, along with a number of others. As with the JLE, TFL need to justify all that money spent.
There are already parallel rail services - why would Crossrail be any different? I'm not sure how that will thin loadings much more, except maybe over the Stratford - Ilford section which already has the 86 to support anyway.