Can The Posh In Pimlico And Hampstead Count?
Tom Edwards on the BBC was reporting, that the Hackney 8 are now running without tail-gunners, as to have two different buses on the same route, might confuse the passengers. So they shut the rear door to make it simpler!
But here in Hackney, when it matters we can count to three and generally have a few fingers to spare. I was on a New Bus for London last night and everybody was behaving as they should and the driver was opening the rear door to ease passengers off and on the bus. I didn’t see any problems! So to the good people of Hackney a selection of buses, just adds to life’s rich pageant.
What we’d really like is a few more New Buses for London, preferably with some wannabee comedians as tail-gunners!
Is No News Good News For The New Bus For London?
I have a Google Alert for the New Bus for London.
I haven’t had a story; pro, anti or neutral for about two weeks now.
So is this good news for the New Bus for London?
As to the Hackney Eight, who are now running single-manned, they seem to be performing well without their tail-gunner. I’ve ridden one of them a few times since they changed to driver-only and everything seems to be working well, with the passengers using all three doors to enter and leave the bus.
There has been no reports at all on how they are now performing!
And The Balloon Came Too!
It would appear that balloons are allowed on the Emirates Air Line.
In some ways, I always follow instances of balloons on public transport, as at Liverpool University in the 1960s, they were banned on the buses in the city.
I wonder if they still are!
Do I Look Decrepit?
When I’m carrying my shopping back from the Angel on the bus, I sometimes get offered a seat, but usually I choose my bus with plenty of empty space.
Yesterday though, I was getting a 141 towards London Bridge, when I was offered a seat by a lady who was probably ten years older than me!
She was also wearing a burkha, which made be a bit embarrassed. Especially, as there were plenty of empty seats towards the back of the bus.
As I’ve said before, everybody is getting very polite on London’s buses!
The incident also got me thinking about why London buses seem to a more polite place, than others like Cambridge, where I’ve ridden the buses quite a few times.
I put it down to one of three things.
London’s buses always have at least two doors, which has two major affects. It separates those getting into the bus from those getting out and it also tends to keep low-life away from the driver. This calms down everybody!
The drivers seem to like a comment and often quip something back, adding to the positive side of the travel experience. I do wonder too, that because of London’s excellent mapping, that drivers do a lot less to sort out lost souls, so they have time to be pleasant.
And then of course London buses are painted bright red! Is it a warning to behave?
Every New Bus for London Has A Make-Up Mirror
A couple of times, I have seen the female of the species using the destination display of a New Bus for London as a make-up mirror, whilst they are standing in the wheel-chair space. So I took this picture of the display.
Every New Bus for London Has A Make-Up Mirror
That clever Mr. Heatherwick thinks of everything.
Now You Can Take A New Bus For London To Romantic Clapton Pond
Since the weekend, some of the New Buses for London on route 38 are now going all the way to romantic Clapton Pond. I rook this picture today.
A New Bus For London To Romantic Clapton Pond
There can’t be many ponds, which are the destination of bus or train routes. Clapton Pond incidentally, isn’t that bad as this post shows.
The Hackney Eight Lose Their Tail-Gunners
The New Buses for London on route 38, or the Hackney 8, are now running without conductors or as I call them tail-gunners.
I came back on one from the Angel tonight, and the driver was opening and closing all three doors. The bus was about half-full and evetybody seemed to be using the bus as they should.
But then those that use the 38 buses, seem on the whole to be a sensible bunch.
Crowds Greet The New Buses For London On Route 24
Yesterday morning, I went to see how the New Buses for London were performing on Route 24 from Hampstead Heath to Pimlico.
I didn’t see any real problems except those caused by the crowds in Trafalgar Square and near Victoria Station.
I also got the impression that some tourists were a bit confused at the new buses.
This post shows though how the New Buses for London are superb ways to see the sights of London. Will the tourist buses suffer, when there are more routes with the new buses?
Especially, if someone does a commentary app for a smart phone, so you get the details on everything you pass.
Free Travel For Children Cuts Road Injuries
This story in the Standard tells how in London, giving children and teenagers free Oyster travel cards, has cut the number involved in road accidents. The research was performed by the reputable London School or Hygiene and Tropic Medicine and as it is published in a learned journal, it surely is to be trusted.
Just as those over a certain age get free bus transport, this research surely says that all those under a certain one should too! In London the eligibility is stated here for what is called a Zip Oyster. it also gives child fares on the Underground, Overground and the DLR
The Spirit Of London
This bus has been around in various guises, but whilst waiting for a 38 to come home, it passed the stop.
This report on the Stagecoach web site, gives details of its refurbishment after an arson attack.
The Anonymous Widower 