Hull’s Hybrid Buses
Hull has ten Alexander Dennis Enviro400 hybrid buses.
Note that the transmission is by BAe Systems. See the Hybridrive web site.
The big beasts are showing interest in the field of efficient transport. That can only improve the introduction of more and better solutions.
How To Make A Mountain Out Of A Molehill!
George Osborne didn’t have a First Class ticket, but as he got on the train at Wilmslow, he sent an aide to find the conductor to rectify the problem. The BBC report it here.
According to Virgin, the fare upgrade was paid and there was no abuse to staff. As one would hope!
But according to some statements, you’d think Osborne had refused to pay and more! After all, if there hadn’t been an ITV journalist on the train, no-one would have known about this non-story.
The real problem here are the very strict terms and conditions of the rail companies. We’ve all had a ticket for a train with a seat reservation and have missed our selected train. In many cases it doesn’t matter as our ticket is not a train specific one, so getting the next one is not a problem.
When I buy tickets to say go to Liverpool for the day, I will often buy a First Class Off Peak for the return, as there are always lots of free seats in the afternoon and evening. I won’t have a specific seat, but I’ll have a comfortable one.
Osborn’s problem was that he was returning to London on a Friday afternoon, which is not Off Peak and I suspect trains were pretty full, with all those footballers wives going to London for a weekend’s shopping.
The terms and conditions don’t need to be rewritten to disadvantage the train companies, but there needs to be a more flexible return part of a ticket. After all on many routes like Liverpool, you already have it within the current structures.
If he wasn’t sure about when he was returning to London, he should ave bought an Anytime First Ticket. I’ve just looked at next Friday and it would appear that there are few deals available from Wilmslow to London. It could be one of those routes where if you don’t book weeks earlier, the only ticket is the £189.50 Anytime First.
The question has to be asked, as to whether we expect important members of the government to organise their lives around cheap train tickets.
Surely though, his aides should have known of the problem. They certainly do now!
This problem will continue on this line until HS2 runs to Manchester.
A Gap Too Far!
This is the gap between platform and train at East Croydon station.
A Gap Too Far!
It’s just too much. Especially for one couple with a baby in a pushchair and a large case.
What do you do in a wheel-chair?
What A Load Of Old Boulders!
My trip south of the Big Sewer today was to see Croydon’s latest attempt at art, parking control or bad taste at New Addington.
They are certainly not my idea of good design.
The Overground Gets It Right
Everybody knocks the trains, but few knock the London Overground.
The Overground Gets It Right
But with figures like these, a lot of moans are tackled before they start. So the train i got this morning was crowded, but I got a seat at Whitechapel.
Islington Goes For 20 mph Speed Limit
This was voted on last night by Islington Council according to this article on the BBC.
I hope it sorts out the problems of accidents, but many seem to be caused by drivers not respecting lights. Try crossing the road outside Highbury and Islington station at busy times.
Islington’s real problem is that there is too much traffic, trying to drive down too few roads.
I Want Several Of These!
I need some grab rails in my shower. Just look at this.
Grab-Rail On A New Bus for London
It is absolutely ideal and the texture is great. Although I might prefer a different colour. I could also use them on the side of this stair-case.
My Staircase
Are they a standard item or are they made specially for the bus?
If they’re the latter, they could be sold as souvenirs in the London Transport Museum.
There’s A Lot Of Skyfall About
Skyfall seems to be everywhere and especially on the buses.
Usually, lots of bus adverts indicate that a film isn’t as good as it might be.
I shall go, as I once bought a house from Daniel Craig‘s stepfather.
CrossRail Will Raise House Prices
Today’s Standard also reports that CrossRail will lead to house prices going up along its route.
Perhaps, this explains why no-one seems to be complaining about CrossRail.
Or have people noted what has happened to house prices around Dalston Junction station, after the coming of the Overground.
Medway Thinks About A Cable-Car
According to this article, Medway is thinking about it’s own version of the Emirates air-line.
I doubt they’re the only place that’s thinking about it.
The Anonymous Widower 