The Bowes Park And Bounds Green Out-Of-Station Interchange
After I’d taken the latest pictures in Bowes Park Station – 12th January 2023, I walked to Bounds Green station to go back South to the Angel.
I took these pictures on the way.
Note.
- The walk is level and could be done easily, if you were pushing a buggy, dragging a case or in a wheel-chair.
- There is a footbridge over the busy Bowes Road, which doesn’t have lifts. But you don’t need it to go between the stations.
- There is a light-controlled crossing outside Bounds Green station to cross Brownlow Road.
- The walk took me about six minutes.
These pictures show the escalators at Bounds Green station.
Could the central stairs be replaced by an inclined lift?
Would This Out-Of-Station Interchange Create An Easy Route Between Northern Piccadilly Line Stations And The Elizabeth Line?
Consider.
- Cockfosters, Oakwood and Arnos Grove stations have car parking.
- All stations on the Piccadilly Line from Bounds Green Northwards are well-connected by buses.
- Bounds Green station has escalators.
- Bowes Park station has stairs.
- Bowes Park station has a well-stocked cafe.
- Moorgate station has escalators and lifts to the Elizabeth Line.
For a perfect route, some things must be done.
The Frequency Of Trains On The Northern City Line
At the moment the trains through the station are two trains per hour (tph) between Moorgate and Stevenage.
But the frequency has been as high as four tph.
The frequency needs to be higher to cut waiting for a train.
Step-Free Access
This needs to be installed or improved at Bounds Green, Bowes Park and Moorgate stations.
Signage
The route between Bowes Park And Bounds Green stations needs better signage.
Conclusion
This Out-Of-Station Interchange could be made more use of.
A Road Scheme That Appears To Going Nowhere
This article on the BBC is entitled A57 Link Roads Mottram Bypass: Charity Seeks Judicial Review.
This is the sub-heading.
Environmental campaigners are seeking a judicial review of proposals designed to ease road congestion between Manchester and Sheffield.
And these are the first two paragraphs.
Plans for the A57 Link Roads Mottram Bypass scheme were boosted in November when Transport Minister Huw Merriman granted a development consent order.
But countryside charity the CPRE said there was no evidence building a new road “moves away a traffic problem”.
I remember this area well from the 1960s, when I was studying at Liverpool University and my parents lived in Felixstowe.
- There was no motorway across the Midlands between Coventry and Stafford and the alternative of the A5 was a nose-to-tail crawl.
- The M62 was still in the design phase.
So I took to using this cross-country route.
- A45 between Felixstowe and Huntingdon.
- A1 to Worksop, which was mainly dual-carriageway.
- A57 to Manchester, through Sheffield and Glossop, which was and still is single-track.
- A580 to Liverpool.
I think my best time was about five hours in a 1954 Morris Minor.
I feel, I must have gone through Mottram in Longdendale, judging by the map on the BBC article.
It is interesting to read the Wikipedia entry for the Longdendale Bypass, which starts like this.
The Longdendale Bypass (also known as the A57/A628 Mottram-in-Longdendale, Hollingworth & Tintwistle Bypass) is a long-planned road scheme in England by the Highways Agency. The aim is to alleviate traffic congestion on the A57 road/A628 road/A616 road routes that presently pass through the villages. There is both support and opposition for this long-planned scheme which will pass through the valley of Longdendale and part of the Peak District National Park.
The scheme was approved by the Highways Agency in 2014, so politicians have not exactly been quick off the mark.
These are some choice phrases from the Wikipedia entry.
- It is used by a relatively large number of heavy goods vehicles.
- Supporters of the scheme say that the A628 is one of the most congested A-road routes in the country.
- There is no viable alternative to a bypass.
- A survey in 2010 found that the junction of the A57 and M67 was the most congested in Manchester.
It is a disaster and the intervention by the CPRE will further delay a solution.
Conclusion
It is problems like this, that lead me to one solution.
On the one hand, you improve the railways and on the other you bring in universal road charging.
Hopefully passengers and freight will find a happy equilibrium.
But voters wouldn’t like it and any Government, that brought it in would lose the next election to a yet-to-be-formed Motorists Party.
Cockfosters Train Depot – 12th January 2023
In Would A Solar Roof With Added SeaTwirls Work?, I showed this map of Oakwood.
Note.
- The striped roofs at the top of the map, with sidings for trains to the North, is Cockfosters Train Depot for the Piccadilly Line.
- Cockfosters station is off the map on the West side of the map.
- Oakwood station is at the East side of the map and indicated by a London Underground roundel.
- The two tracks of the Piccadilly Line between Oakwood and Cockfosters stations, running across the map to the North of the depot.
I took these pictures of the Cockfosters Train Depot as my train went between Oakwood and Cockfosters.
Note.
- The land between the Piccadilly Line and the depot seems to be being cleared.
- Is this to expand the depot for the new trains?
- There are some high lights mounted above the sidings.
- The depot buildings don’t look anything special.
This article on Ian Visits is entitled Depot Upgrade At Cockfosters For The Piccadilly Line’s New Trains.
- Before and after maps show a lot more sidings.
- The new siding layout reaches almost all the way to the Piccadilly Line.
- The old depot has been assessed to be utilitarian with low architectural and historic value.
- The depot will be completely rebuilt over the next two years for the new Siemens trains.
- Nothing is said as to whether the new depot will be fitted with a solar roof.
The new trains will start running in 2025. It seems that the work hasn’t progressed very far.
Bowes Park Station – 12th January 2023
I’d never used Bowes Park station until I moved back to London in 2011, despite the fact I had friends in the 1960s, who lived nearby.
Today, I was wanting to go from the Northern end of the Piccadilly Line to Moorgate station.
There are a number of ways to do this journey.
- Piccadilly Line to Bounds Green tube station and then a Great Northern train from Bowes Park station to Moorgate
- Piccadilly Line to Wood Green tube station and then a 141 bus to Moorgate.
- Piccadilly Line to Manor House tube station and then a 141 bus to Moorgate.
- Take the double cross-platform change route, I outlined in Extending The Elizabeth Line – Improving The Northern City Line.
I decided to take the first route.
I took these pictures at Bowes Park station.
Note.
- The station has a warm well-stocked cafe, that is an asset to the station.
- The station has a defibrillator.
In an ideal world the station would have step-free access, as this would give a step-free route to Moorgate and the Elizabeth Line.
I returned a day later and took these pictures to see if a lift could be fitted.
I don’t think it would be one of the most difficult or expensive jobs to fit in a lift, that took passengers between the platform and the bridge.
The existing stairs would be retained and fitted with a decent fully-compliant handrail.
If a single lift were to be placed on the opposite side to the stairs, passenger access to the station would be possible during the installation.
The Ultimate Bus Stop
London has very comprehensive bus stops as these pictures show.
Note.
- Most bus stops have a pole mounted roundel, that can be seen from a reasonable distance. In many cases, anybody with reasonable sight can see the roundel for the next stop.
- Where space permits, bus stops have a shelter with seats, maps and instructions on ticketing.
- Some stops have been extended into the road, so that it is a level step into and out of the bus.
- As shown in the pictures, so bus stops have displays showing the next ten buses, that will be arriving.
But I do think, they could be improved, with extra features.
Internet Connectivity
I feel strongly, that all bus stops should have good internet connectivity.
This could be 4G, 5G or just wi-fi, but I believe this could help with the safety of people on the street.
Comprehensive Lighting
To contribute to safety, I also feel that all bus stops should be well lit.
CCTV Issues
I also feel that all bus stops should have provision for CCTV, so if there was a need, it could be quickly fitted. But if the bus stop had good internet connectivity, then this shouldn’t be a problem.
Phone Charging
New buses have this feature, so why not at the stops?
Power Supply Issues
If we add all these features, we could be needed an uprated power supply.
- So could we see bus stops, with solar panels on the roof.
- Perhaps even a mini wind turbine?
- I think a vertical wind turbine, which was similar to a SeaTwirl, but smaller, could be ideal!
- Could it be called a StreeTwirl?
- A self-powered bus could be created with the addition of a battery.
Self-powered bus stops might be easier to install.
Conclusion
Bus stops will have more features in the future.
Should There Be Limits To The Type Of Vehicles Allowed In The Blackwall And Silvertown Tunnels?
When the Silvertown Tunnel opens in 2025, the tunnel and the nearby Blackwall Tunnel will be tolled.
But will there be any restrictions on the vehicles that can use the tunnels, other than those that apply to the Blackwall Tunnel at the present time, which are detailed in Wikipedia.
The tunnels are no longer open to pedestrians, cyclists or other non-motorised traffic, and the northbound tunnel has a 4.0-metre (13.1 ft) height limit.
Note.
- I suspect that pedestrians, cyclists or other non-motorised traffic will also be banned from the Silverton Tunnel.
- But the height limit will be relaxed for the Silverton Tunnel to allow large trucks and double-deck buses to use the tunnel.
According to this web page, which is entitled the Silvertown Tunnel Bus Network Proposals, the planned buses through the tunnel include.
- 108 – As now, with a minor route change.
- 129 – As now, but extended from North Greenwich station to Great Eastern Quay.
- X329 – An express bus from Grove Park station to Canary Wharf, which runs non-stop through the Silvertown Tunnel.
Note.
- The 108 goes through Blackwall and is a single decker bus.
- The 129 and the X329 will go through Silvertown and could be double decker buses.
- There appears to be no mention of any provision for cycles.
- I would assume wheelchairs, buggies and cases will be accommodated as they are on current London buses.
I also think, that the buses must be zero-carbon, which would mean battery-electric or hydrogen.
In Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles And Trains In Tunnels, I looked at the feasibility of running hydrogen buses through the tunnel and came to this conclusion.
I am confident, that we will achieve a safety regime, that allows hydrogen-powered vehicles and trains to be certified to pass through tunnels.
The great advantage of hydrogen buses on the three routes would be that they would probably only need to be filled up once a day, but electric buses might need constant charging.
Provision For Cycles
I think it is essential to have provision for cycles across the river.
- Folded cycles can be taken almost anywhere on London’s transport system.
- Non-folding cycles can be taken most places on London’s transport system, but the hours are restricted.
- There’s always the Woolwich Ferry.
- Given that the 108 bus seems to weave its way through the East End, I suspect that this bus couldn’t be longer to carry cycles.
I have seen double-deck buses, with provision for cycles at the back of the lower deck in Europe.
- Perhaps buses like these, could be used on the 129 and X329 routes.
- A search of the Internet found some buses in East Yorkshire with provision for two standard cycles.
- The 129 bus could ferry bikes between North Greenwich station and a convenient stop on the North side of the river.
- The X329 bus could ferry bikes over the non-stop section of the route between the Sun in the Sands and Leamouth roundabouts.
There could be shorter routes adding extra capacity between the stops, where bikes are loaded and unloaded.
Large Trucks Through The Tunnel
If buses become zero-carbon through the Blackwall and Silverton Tunnels, then why shouldn’t large trucks be zero-carbon?
I think this could be the carrot combined with free passage for zero-carbon vehicles that could clean up Central London’s polluted air.
Smaller Vehicles
Why not gradually reduce the size of vehicles going through the tunnels that must be zero-carbon?
Conclusion
The Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels can be used as the drivers to clean up Central London’s air.
Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles And Trains In Tunnels
In writing about the Silvertown Tunnel, I started to wonder, if hydrogen vehicles will be allowed in the tunnel.
Consider.
- I don’t think diesel-powered trains are allowed in the Channel Tunnel and the tunnels of the link to London.
- Some tunnels don’t seem to allow hydrogen-powered vehicles.
- In a few years, hydrogen-powered buses, cars, locomotives, trains, trucks and vans will be more common, than they are today.
But help is at hand, with a co-operation between UK and EU agencies called HyTunnel-CS.
It is over fifty years now, since I worked as an instrument engineer in an ICI hydrogen factory at Runcorn. Truckloads of hydrogen were filled and despatched all over the UK. I may be wrong, but in all those intervening years, I can’t remember a hydrogen emergency on the UK’s roads.
I am confident, that we will achieve a safety regime, that allows hydrogen-powered vehicles and trains to be certified to pass through tunnels.
Silvertown Tunnel Bus Network Proposals
This web page is the Silvertown Tunnel Bus Network Proposals.
These proposals are made.
- A new high frequency, limited stop service between Grove Park and Canary Wharf referred to in this consultation as route X239
- To extend route 129 (Lewisham – North Greenwich) north across the river to Great Eastern Quay via the Royal Docks development zone
- A minor change to route 108 so that it uses the new Millennium Way slip road to exit the Blackwall Tunnel southbound
- We are also seeking your views on route options for three sections of routes 129 and X239.
It looks like route 108 will continue to use the current stop.
The proposals include this map.
I copied this map from the TfL web site, as they don’t provide one for people who want or need to use it.
These are my observations.
The 108 Bus
The 108 seems to be more or less as now and will be continue to be run by a single-decker bus, as double-decker buses can’t use the Blackwall Tunnel.
North of the Thames, the 108 calls at these stations.
- Stratford International for DLR and National Rail.
- Stratford for DLR, Central, Elizabeth and Jubilee Lines, and National Rail.
- Bow Church for DLR
- Devons Road for DLR
- Langdon Park for the DLR
- Bazely Street (All Saints) for DLR
South of the Thames, the 108 calls at these stations.
- North Greenwich for the Jubilee Line.
- Westcombe Park for National Rail
- Blackheath for National Rail
- Lewisham for DLR and National Rail
Note.
- It is possible to go between Lewisham and Stratford on the DLR with a change at Canary Wharf.
- It is possible to go between North Greenwich and Stratford on the Jubilee Line.
- Westcombe Park station is on the Greenwich Line.
I would wonder, if many people use this bus route for long distances.
The 129 Bus
Note.
- The 129 appears to connect Lewisham and Greenwich to the City Airport and the Becton branch of the DLR.
- Many journeys on the 129 bus, might be easier using the DLR, with a change at Westferry or Poplar, which is probably what travellers do now.
- The 129 bus is shown on the map with a stop at Silvertown. Does that mean that it could connect with a Silvertown station on the Elizabeth Line?
- As the 129 bus will pass through the larger Silvertown Tunnel, it could be a double-decker route, instead of the current single-decker.
North of the Thames, the 129 calls at these stations.
- Gallions Reach for the DLR
- Beckton for the DLR
- Royal Albert for the DLR
- London City Airport for the DLR
- Silvertown
- Pontoon Dock for the DLR
- West Silvertown for the DLR
South of the Thames, the 129 calls at these stations.
- North Greenwich for the Jubilee Line.
- Cutty Sark for DLR
- Greenwich for DLR and National Rail
- Lewisham for DLR and National Rail
Would improvements and a frequency increase to the DLR and the building of Silvertown station, mean that changes to the 129 bus route, would not be so important?
The X329 Bus
Note.
- Canary Wharf must be served and starting at Westferry Circus is probably a good choice.
- But is Grove Park station, the ideal Southern terminal?
- Not stopping the X329 bus at North Greenwich is probably correct, as North Greenwich station is a large Jubilee Line and bus interchange close to the O2.
North of the Thames, the X329 calls at these stations.
- Canary Wharf for DLR and Elizabeth and Jubilee Lines
South of the Thames, the X329 calls at these stations.
- Blackheath for National Rail
- Lee for National Rail
- Grove Park for National Rail
Note.
- Blackheath station is on the Bexleyheath and North Kent Lines.
- Lee station is on the Dartford Loop Line.
- Grove Park station is on the South Eastern Man Line.
- Grove Park has a bus station, where there could be space for a battery charger for electric buses.
The X329 seems to have been partly designed on the premise, that an express bus should be run through the Silvertown Tunnel. But it does connect four of the rail lines going into London terminals to Canary Wharf.
Silvertown Station For London City Airport
Silvertown station would more than double the number of stations with easy routes to the London City Airport.
The Elizabeth Line would enable the direct connection that is needed to Canary Wharf, the City of London, Heathrow, Liverpool Street and Paddington stations and the West End.
- A single change at Abbey Wood, would give access to much of Kent.
- A single change at Farringdon, would give access to Thameslink services and Gatwick and Luton airports.
- Around 2030, a single change at Old Oak Common, would give access to High Speed Two services.
- A single change at Paddington, would give access to Wales and West services.
- A single change at Whitechapel, would give access to the great circle of the London Overground.
I believe the case for a Silvertown station with at least a good walking route to the London City Airport is strong, and the station would be a marvellous asset for Silvertown and the Airport.
The Northern End Of The Silvertown Tunnel From The DLR To Woolwich Arsenal – 6th January 2023
I took these pictures of the Northern end of the Silvertown Tunnel from DLR trains to and from Woolwich Arsenal.
Note.
- The New London City Hall and the Cable Car in the background.
- All pictures were taken going to Woolwich.
The pictures are better than the earlier ones, which I may retire.
Is This The Worst Bus Stop In London?
This article on MyLondon is entitled The ‘Creepiest’ London Bus Stop Hidden At The Bottom Of A Dark, Grimy Staircase In East London.
I just had to go and take a look at the bus stop.
Note.
- The bus stop is on the road leading to the modern Southbound tunnel.
- There were a surprising number of full-size articulated trucks.
- The traffic was moving fairly slowly.
- The pollution was bad, but I’ve been in worse.
The stairs were covered in graffiti, but they appeared to have been swept recently, as there was only a small amount of litter and that was mainly a few leaves.
This Google Map shows the junction and the position of the bus stop.
The bus stop is in the bottom-right corner of the map.
The Anonymous Widower 