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Farewell to the 36 RMs
I had a free morning on London on Tuesday so decided to bid a farewell
to RMs on the 36. Some observations: As someone here commented recently, the new bus interchange at New Cross is great for photography. A pity there won't be RMs there after Friday! The conductress on the Southern section checked my ticket but northbound I rode to Queen's Park without any check. Is it just the prospect of losing their jobs that seems to be keeping conductors welded to the rear platform now? This is in my experience a very recent phenomenon. My main RM riding in on the 13 and there ticket checks are in my experience 100%. (See also my not in another thread about my ticket experience on the 19!) Does the 36 normally terminate at New Cross Garage, rather than the station? The one I was on did and so did the following two. Is New Cross garage the former tram depot where London's (first) tramway era came to an end in July 1952? The fact hadn't occurred to me until I arrived there but it didn't *look* much like a tram depot. However, I suppose there could have been a major rebuild and the narrow access did loo a bit like the depot scene is the classic film "The Elephant Will Never Forget". Finally, why do people give South of the River such a hard time? I've seen better areas than Peckham but I've seen *much* worse, too! -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
"Ian Jelf" wrote in message ... I had a free morning on London on Tuesday so decided to bid a farewell to RMs on the 36. Some observations: As someone here commented recently, the new bus interchange at New Cross is great for photography. A pity there won't be RMs there after Friday! The conductress on the Southern section checked my ticket but northbound I rode to Queen's Park without any check. Is it just the prospect of losing their jobs that seems to be keeping conductors welded to the rear platform now? This is in my experience a very recent phenomenon. My main RM riding in on the 13 and there ticket checks are in my experience 100%. (See also my not in another thread about my ticket experience on the 19!) Does the 36 normally terminate at New Cross Garage, rather than the station? The one I was on did and so did the following two. Is New Cross garage the former tram depot where London's (first) tramway era came to an end in July 1952? The fact hadn't occurred to me until I arrived there but it didn't *look* much like a tram depot. However, I suppose there could have been a major rebuild and the narrow access did loo a bit like the depot scene is the classic film "The Elephant Will Never Forget". Finally, why do people give South of the River such a hard time? I've seen better areas than Peckham but I've seen *much* worse, too! -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Ian The 36's only go to the garage and have done since the 436 came in and yes it is the old tram depot. For any one interested lots of specials on the 36 tomorrow to mark the end of the Routemasters. Full details at http://www.lots.org.uk/ Paul |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
"Ian Jelf" wrote in message ... I had a free morning on London on Tuesday so decided to bid a farewell to RMs on the 36. Some observations: The conductress on the Southern section checked my ticket but northbound I rode to Queen's Park without any check. Is it just the prospect of losing their jobs that seems to be keeping conductors welded to the rear platform now? This is in my experience a very recent phenomenon. My main RM riding in on the 13 and there ticket checks are in my experience 100%. (See also my not in another thread about my ticket experience on the 19!) I get the 38 every day, so does my partner (at different times). In our experience, tickets are checked infrequently - we use Oyster prepay and estimate that something like 30% of our journeys are free. Last week I was unable to pay until Wednesday evening!! Conductors do seem reluctant to move away from the platform, especially to go upstairs (unless it's to sit on the sideways seat to make a call on their mobile...) I'm not trying to get away with it either - after waiting a while I often make a point of waving my Oyster at conductors. Sometimes they saunter down to me, sometimes they dismiss me with a wave. Initially I tried stopping at the platform on the way on or off, but they got annoyed (understandably). Just my experience. I would MUCH prefer it if I (and everyone else) were paying the fare!! xx j |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Ian Jelf wrote to uk.transport.london on Thu, 27 Jan 2005:
(Irrelevant bits snipped) I had a free morning on London on Tuesday so decided to bid a farewell to RMs on the 36. Oh bother! I could have been on one today but hadn't realised they were going. Does the 36 normally terminate at New Cross Garage, rather than the station? The one I was on did and so did the following two. Yes, that's the end of the route. Finally, why do people give South of the River such a hard time? I've seen better areas than Peckham but I've seen *much* worse, too! Peckham is great for cheap clothes! I went to Lewisham this morning, but stopped off in Peckham on my way home. -- "Mrs Redboots" http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/ Website updated 23 January 2005 with new photos |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Thu, 27 Jan 2005 17:09:05 +0000, Mrs Redboots
wrote: Ian Jelf wrote to uk.transport.london on Thu, 27 Jan 2005: (Irrelevant bits snipped) I had a free morning on London on Tuesday so decided to bid a farewell to RMs on the 36. Oh bother! I could have been on one today but hadn't realised they were going. Lots of extras tomorrow to commemorate the end of RMs so you have a good chance of a last ride if time permits. Last RMs in South East London - assuming you don't consider Brixton to be south east. Finally, why do people give South of the River such a hard time? I've seen better areas than Peckham but I've seen *much* worse, too! Peckham is great for cheap clothes! I went to Lewisham this morning, but stopped off in Peckham on my way home. Yes I've been to Peckham quite a lot in recent months. I rather like the atmosphere of the high st and market. Unfortunately I look at the Library building and always remember Damilola Taylor. -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Paul Corfield wrote to uk.transport.london on Thu, 27 Jan 2005:
Lots of extras tomorrow to commemorate the end of RMs so you have a good chance of a last ride if time permits. I will, if I have time, although that looks unlikely. Last RMs in South East London - assuming you don't consider Brixton to be south east. To be honest, I was so cross with a 159 crew yesterday - they didn't stop nearly long enough to allow people to get on, as they had been hidden behind a larger bus, so nobody saw they were there - that I thought "and the sooner *you* go to one-man operation, the better!" Many, if not most, of the conductors are courteous, friendly and helpful, but one or two are the exact opposite. Finally, why do people give South of the River such a hard time? I've seen better areas than Peckham but I've seen *much* worse, too! Peckham is great for cheap clothes! I went to Lewisham this morning, but stopped off in Peckham on my way home. Yes I've been to Peckham quite a lot in recent months. I rather like the atmosphere of the high st and market. Unfortunately I look at the Library building and always remember Damilola Taylor. So do I, alas.... -- "Mrs Redboots" http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/ Website updated 23 January 2005 with new photos |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Fri, 28 Jan 2005 09:39:07 +0000, Mrs Redboots
wrote: Paul Corfield wrote to uk.transport.london on Thu, 27 Jan 2005: Lots of extras tomorrow to commemorate the end of RMs so you have a good chance of a last ride if time permits. I will, if I have time, although that looks unlikely. Last RMs in South East London - assuming you don't consider Brixton to be south east. To be honest, I was so cross with a 159 crew yesterday - they didn't stop nearly long enough to allow people to get on, as they had been hidden behind a larger bus, so nobody saw they were there - that I thought "and the sooner *you* go to one-man operation, the better!" Many, if not most, of the conductors are courteous, friendly and helpful, but one or two are the exact opposite. Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. The vehicle requirement has only gone up marginally so either the route is being shortened or it is being reduced in frequency because it is normal for the number of vehicles to rise when conversion to OPO happens as the buses take longer to travel over the route. No date has been announced but I am told that the 159 will vie with the 38 to be the last RM route in London with both of them being converted in October this year. All the other routes go before then with the 19 being next on 2 April 2005. The 38 is being converted to bendy buses so will stay with RMs to the last day. I would not be remotely surprised to see the 159 go the same way as the 137 which had lost almost all of its RMs by the official conversion date. No information has leaked out about the 13, 14 and 22 conversion except they are some time in the Summer. -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Paul Corfield wrote:
Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. Thanks for the update Paul - presumably this means more VLWs like the 137? It could be a lot worse... |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Paul Corfield wrote to uk.transport.london on Tue, 1 Feb 2005:
Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. Thank you; I appreciate it. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. Well, thank goodness it will be double-deck; I do take it quite frequently (it's one of four buses I can catch between Brixton and Streatham stations - only, although as a Routemaster it is marginally faster, it so often has a crew change at Brixton garage that it's a gamble as to whether it's worth catching or not!), and I really don't care for bendybuses unless you get one of the three front seats - and the rightmost one very often has no view because the driver has hung up his jacket. On the other hand, you do get a better forward view in a bendy than you do on many other single-deck buses. The vehicle requirement has only gone up marginally so either the route is being shortened or it is being reduced in frequency because it is normal for the number of vehicles to rise when conversion to OPO happens as the buses take longer to travel over the route. It can't be much shorter, unless it is cut back to between Oxford Circus & Brixton garage. No date has been announced but I am told that the 159 will vie with the 38 to be the last RM route in London with both of them being converted in October this year. All the other routes go before then with the 19 being next on 2 April 2005. The 38 is being converted to bendy buses so will stay with RMs to the last day. I would not be remotely surprised to see the 159 go the same way as the 137 which had lost almost all of its RMs by the official conversion date. No information has leaked out about the 13, 14 and 22 conversion except they are some time in the Summer. The 137 only started losing its RMs about a month before the conversion, though - for awhile it had any old thing! The 159 is frequently served by a doored bus, which is a pain for the conductor as everybody automatically tries to use their Oyster on the reader and the conductor has to say "Go and sit down, I'll come to you in a minute" to every single passenger boarding at every single stop! -- "Mrs Redboots" http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/ Website updated 23 January 2005 with new photos |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
In message .com,
Rupert Candy writes Paul Corfield wrote: Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. Thanks for the update Paul - presumably this means more VLWs like the 137? It could be a lot worse... Indeed, I for one think that the VLWs look very smart. I've also heard some surprisingly positive remarks about their appearance from non transport interested friends and colleagues. The loss of the RM continues to be a source of concern, though. I can't visualise bendies on the 38; but then I couldn't; envisage them on the 73 either, so that proves nothing! :-) Any more news, Paul, about the mooted "heritage routes"? -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
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Farewell to the 36 RMs
To be honest, I was so cross with a 159 crew yesterday - they didn't stop nearly long enough to allow people to get on, as they had been hidden behind a larger bus, so nobody saw they were there - that I thought "and the sooner *you* go to one-man operation, the better!" Many, if not most, of the conductors are courteous, friendly and helpful, but one or two are the exact opposite. Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. The vehicle requirement has only gone up marginally so either the route is being shortened or it is being reduced in frequency because it is normal for the number of vehicles to rise when conversion to OPO happens as the buses take longer to travel over the route. No date has been announced but I am told that the 159 will vie with the 38 to be the last RM route in London with both of them being converted in October this year. All the other routes go before then with the 19 being next on 2 April 2005. The 38 is being converted to bendy buses so will stay with RMs to the last day. I would not be remotely surprised to see the 159 go the same way as the 137 which had lost almost all of its RMs by the official conversion date. No information has leaked out about the 13, 14 and 22 conversion except they are some time in the Summer. -- Paul C Can I also thank you for the update Paul. I'm very relieved the bendy buses are being used - double-deckers would not really make sense for this extremely busy route. Do we know yet if they're reducing the vehicle requirement dramatically (as with the 73)? James |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Jim wrote:
To be honest, I was so cross with a 159 crew yesterday - they didn't stop nearly long enough to allow people to get on, as they had been hidden behind a larger bus, so nobody saw they were there - that I thought "and the sooner *you* go to one-man operation, the better!" Many, if not most, of the conductors are courteous, friendly and helpful, but one or two are the exact opposite. Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. The vehicle requirement has only gone up marginally so either the route is being shortened or it is being reduced in frequency because it is normal for the number of vehicles to rise when conversion to OPO happens as the buses take longer to travel over the route. No date has been announced but I am told that the 159 will vie with the 38 to be the last RM route in London with both of them being converted in October this year. All the other routes go before then with the 19 being next on 2 April 2005. The 38 is being converted to bendy buses so will stay with RMs to the last day. I would not be remotely surprised to see the 159 go the same way as the 137 which had lost almost all of its RMs by the official conversion date. No information has leaked out about the 13, 14 and 22 conversion except they are some time in the Summer. -- Paul C Can I also thank you for the update Paul. I'm very relieved the bendy buses are being used - double-deckers would not really make sense for this extremely busy route. Can a bendy actually make the turn from New Oxford St into Charing Cross Road at St Giles Circus? -- Dave Arquati Imperial College, SW7 www.alwaystouchout.com - Transport projects in London |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 11:42:40 +0000, Dave Arquati wrote:
Can a bendy actually make the turn from New Oxford St into Charing Cross Road at St Giles Circus? Yes - I have seen a route 25 turn short at TCR and run into the "bus station" underneath Centrepoint. -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On 1 Feb 2005 09:35:50 -0800, "Rupert Candy"
wrote: Paul Corfield wrote: Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. Thanks for the update Paul - presumably this means more VLWs like the 137? It could be a lot worse... Actually they are DWs - standing for DAF / Wright Pulsar Geminis although the DAF name has been replaced by VDL as the company name. Initially Wrights would only body Volvo chassis with the Gemini bodywork but given that Arriva are the importer for VDL chassis it was worth Wright's while to modify the design to permit the use of VDL chassis. Route 19 is getting DWs with a modified chassis design with improved suspension. I would not be astonished to see DWs ordered for the 159 but Arriva do swap about between chassis and bodywork builders so it is entirely possible that you might get Transbus bodied Volvos or even something else that is completely original like the new rumoured Transbus Enviro 400 but that is a long shot! -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Tue, 1 Feb 2005 18:51:32 +0000, Ian Jelf
wrote: In message .com, Rupert Candy writes Paul Corfield wrote: Well I did promise to give you an update on the 159 when more details emerged. The new contract award was announced yesterday for the 159 - it is staying with Arriva London South but will get new double deckers which certainly means it loses its conductors as well. Thanks for the update Paul - presumably this means more VLWs like the 137? It could be a lot worse... Indeed, I for one think that the VLWs look very smart. I've also heard some surprisingly positive remarks about their appearance from non transport interested friends and colleagues. I would agree with you on that. I think Wright have produced an excellent vehicle and deserve their success. The 3 axle air conditioned Wright Explorer that Kowloon Motor Bus have in service in Hong Kong is a very smart vehicle indeed - I used one when I was in HK in January. The loss of the RM continues to be a source of concern, though. I can't visualise bendies on the 38; but then I couldn't; envisage them on the 73 either, so that proves nothing! :-) I can envisage bendies on the 38 quite easily apart from the left turn into the Piccadilly contra flow bus lane although that was eased out a while back to allow LFDDs to make the turn. While I will be very sad to see the 38 go over as it is a route I have used for years I don't mind bendy buses. I understand all the criticisms that are made and some aspects of bendy bus operation remain unproven but the RMs are in a dreadful state now and they are going to be withdrawn come what may. I think TfL will be in for a rough ride over the rest of this year because the press will push the RM story for all it is worth and the public will gain much more visibility of their removal. However there is no political risk to Ken from the policy so nothing will change. Any more news, Paul, about the mooted "heritage routes"? Well the routes have gone out to tender as tranche 203B in the TfL tendering programme. I have seen no details as to where they will run but I understand that the vehicles must be Euro 2 emission control compliant [1] and that buses cannot be routed via Oxford Street. The basic proposition is that the routes must be commercial in nature (!) and there is no clarity as to whether Travelcards / Bus Passes will be permitted. Now given that existing sightseeing routes are permitted to carry ordinary passengers paying cash fares alongside those who are taking a tour or "hopping on and off" with a day ticket but typically are NOT beseiged with eager Londoners wanting to travel on them I think there will be problems in getting bids from bus companies to run these routes. The other issue is where are the RMs going to come from? Most of the surplus ones have been sold on by the private bus companies where they own them and no one knows what TfL are going to do with the proportion of the fleet that they own and lease to operators. IMO the key to commercial success is Travelcard / Bus Pass availability and the recognition that the routes are part of the TfL network with all of the support that that brings. If TfL say the routes are "private" and not part of the network then I can't see them succeeding. My more cynical view is that this tendering exercise is a gesture by TfL who will then blame the private sector for not coming to the rescue of the Routemaster. All TfL need to say is that they will approve any reasonable request for a London Local Service Agreement from a competent operator who wishes to run a RM route in Central London - I wonder why they haven't said this? [1] and just how many RMs are compliant with this standard? -- Paul C Admits to working for London Underground! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
In message , Paul Corfield
writes I understand all the criticisms that are made and some aspects of bendy bus operation remain unproven but the RMs are in a dreadful state now Absolutely. Except that those on the 13 seem to be in *far* better condition than any others. Any more news, Paul, about the mooted "heritage routes"? Well the routes have gone out to tender as tranche 203B in the TfL tendering programme. I have seen no details as to where they will run but I understand that the vehicles must be Euro 2 emission control compliant [1] and that buses cannot be routed via Oxford Street. The basic proposition is that the routes must be commercial in nature (!) and there is no clarity as to whether Travelcards / Bus Passes will be permitted. Now given that existing sightseeing routes are permitted to carry ordinary passengers paying cash fares alongside those who are taking a tour or "hopping on and off" with a day ticket but typically are NOT beseiged with eager Londoners wanting to travel on them I think there will be problems in getting bids from bus companies to run these routes. I've always been surprised that the sightseeing routes *do* have local fares. I know that when I worked for Guide Friday in Stratford, Birmingham and Oxford we had them available because there was a fuel rebate issue and I suspect that the same is true in London. However, outside the capital., they're simply registered as commercial bus routes. I would have thought that that was very difficult to do within the GLA area. Evidently not. IMO the key to commercial success is Travelcard / Bus Pass availability and the recognition that the routes are part of the TfL network with all of the support that that brings. I agree 100%. No Travelcard availability, no success, I feel. Maybe they could accept Travelcards but not bus passes or Oyster Pre-Pay, a la San Francisco's cable cars, which are part of the Muni fare system with some restrictions, such as no free transfers. (Unless we go for the Melbourne method and make the heritage route free of charge, of course. That might be difficult to reconcile with "commercially viable" though!) -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
In message , Paul Corfield
writes On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 11:42:40 +0000, Dave Arquati wrote: Can a bendy actually make the turn from New Oxford St into Charing Cross Road at St Giles Circus? Yes - I have seen a route 25 turn short at TCR and run into the "bus station" underneath Centrepoint. So have I and it had a lot of difficulty doing it. However, maybe that was down to the individual driver? -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Ian Jelf wrote to uk.transport.london on Wed, 2 Feb 2005:
Paul C had earlier written: Now given that existing sightseeing routes are permitted to carry ordinary passengers paying cash fares alongside those who are taking a tour or "hopping on and off" with a day ticket but typically are NOT beseiged with eager Londoners wanting to travel on them I think there will be problems in getting bids from bus companies to run these routes. I've always been surprised that the sightseeing routes *do* have local fares. I didn't even know they did! Goodness, you learn something new every day - I thought they were strictly "do-the-tourist" traps and have always steered visiting friends away from them. -- "Mrs Redboots" http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/ Website updated 23 January 2005 with new photos |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
In message , Mrs Redboots
writes Ian Jelf wrote to uk.transport.london on Wed, 2 Feb 2005: Paul C had earlier written: Now given that existing sightseeing routes are permitted to carry ordinary passengers paying cash fares alongside those who are taking a tour or "hopping on and off" with a day ticket but typically are NOT beseiged with eager Londoners wanting to travel on them I think there will be problems in getting bids from bus companies to run these routes. I've always been surprised that the sightseeing routes *do* have local fares. I didn't even know they did! There are usually "strip signs" in the downstairs windows saying something like ""Local Fares Available". Goodness, you learn something new every day - I thought they were strictly "do-the-tourist" traps and have always steered visiting friends away from them. Continue to steer people away from them. IMHO they're pretty poor value unless you're *really* strapped for time. Spend your money on a walking tour in a Travelcard and a good guide book and book as many walking tours as you can. -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Wed, 2 Feb 2005 19:47:13 +0000, Ian Jelf
wrote: There are usually "strip signs" in the downstairs windows saying something like ""Local Fares Available". I've seen those, and often wondered what the local fares are? Is it the standard quid? If not, how are they permitted to run a "private" stage carriage service in London? Neil -- Neil Williams in Milton Keynes, UK When replying please use neil at the above domain 'wensleydale' is a spam trap and is not read. |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Wed, 2 Feb 2005 18:27:45 +0000, Ian Jelf
wrote: In message , Paul Corfield writes I understand all the criticisms that are made and some aspects of bendy bus operation remain unproven but the RMs are in a dreadful state now Absolutely. Except that those on the 13 seem to be in *far* better condition than any others. How much of that is "59 stock syndrome", where the maintenance programme was run down as the replacements became (well, were supposed to become) available? |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
Interesting thread this.
Myself and a colleague visited Londres for the 36 Finale and sampled a variety of Omnibus types from the ancien regeime RT to some "Just out of the Box" Wrights products. The condition of the RT`s can to an extent be disregarded as they are in active preservation,however their rather good ride quality using steel leaf springs WAS something of a surprise. Even at full capacity the RT`s appeared to cope very well in this (important for a Bus Passenger) regard. It is all the more incredible when one considers that a 3 Bell Load of 21st Century Tubbies would weigh considerably more than the immediate post war sugar less ration book holders. Making a point to travel on a variety of "Ordinary" Routemasters we swiftly came to disregard the Cosmetic appearance of the approaching Bus. Without exception,of the 13 RM/L`s we sampled,the Interior`s were well within acceptable norms,with the thickness of the seat cushioning and the rigidity of the seat framing well above "Modern" standards. Tellingly,as we passed the Turkish Art exhibition in Central London,a fellow passenger remarked to her copmpanion that "These Old Buses ARE art",whereupon a spirited discussion ensued on the teaching of and experience levels of what is loosely defined as "Art"......BUT....if you relax enough and inhale deeply the lady DOES have a point......and it is a Point which is TOTALLY unique to London.......! Even more incredible was the turnout of the Marshall Refurbished RM`s on the 13 route,with some of them appearing to have come straight from some showroom...Immaculate inside with bright lighting and clean upholstery etc. They combined this with a sparkling performance with very rapid yet smooth progress being made when conditions allowed. The "Out of the Box" syndrome does influence peoples appreciation of things which is why EVERY new car is a fantastic motor......only when one returns six months later are the niggling faults beginning to get on the proud owners nerves. The remainder of our journeys on a variety of Modern Low Floor Double Deckers were quite acceptable and comfortable. The exception to this was during the frequent heavy bursts of rain on the day,when the condensation levels inside grew to uncomfortable levels,a problem which was nowhere near as apparrent on the RM/L`s. My lasting memory however of Routemaster operation is of how much faster and smoother it all was in passenger movement terms and this was underlined on our last journey on an LFDD which as we trundled through deepest Kensington arrived at a stop to find a very well turned Neuclear Family with no less than Four closely spaced children,THREE of whom occupied a Buggy each. What happened next was proof to me that much of this Low Floor Easy Access stuff is largely PR Puff and dangerous Puff at that. As Mummy and Daddy performed a loading operation which would embarrass a steveadore the THREE occupied buggies were slotted (stuffed) into whatever space was available just aft of the stairwell and directly in front of the exit doors. Whilst Mummy and Daddy took seats nearby the older child was given the task of being a parking attendant to her siblings and of keeping their vehicles under control. Now,whilst the Bus had plenty of seats available upstairs,the Lower Saloon resembled something like rush hour in Mombai with a gap in the service. There were several instances of people attempting to come downstairs to alight who could not do so and even more of people at the rear being restrained by a ring of "BeBe Comfort" steel.. Eventually we managed to reach our destination and I had to twist one of the Buggies around by 90 deg to get past it.. Looking back into the Shiny New bus as it pulled away I could not but wonder if this style of journey offered ANY benefit in efficiency to Londoners. What should have been a rapid smooth journey had disintegrated into a "Victor Meldrew" affair with the only missing ingredient being a Wheelchair Bound passenger attempting to board our bus....Now THAT would have been an interesting scenario........ My only hope for the remaining months of operation of an Artistic Classic is that somebody will mount a campaign called .."WASH THE ROUTEMASTERS" thus preventing Johnny Foreigner from coming out with the Dirty British tag !!!!! |
Farewell to the 36 RMs
On Thu, 3 Feb 2005 13:52:04 -0000, "Alek" wrote:
My lasting memory however of Routemaster operation is of how much faster and smoother it all was in passenger movement terms and this was underlined on our last journey on an LFDD which as we trundled through deepest Kensington arrived at a stop to find a very well turned Neuclear Family with no less than Four closely spaced children,THREE of whom occupied a Buggy each. What happened next was proof to me that much of this Low Floor Easy Access stuff is largely PR Puff and dangerous Puff at that. As Mummy and Daddy performed a loading operation which would embarrass a steveadore the THREE occupied buggies were slotted (stuffed) into whatever space was available just aft of the stairwell and directly in front of the exit doors. Whilst Mummy and Daddy took seats nearby the older child was given the task of being a parking attendant to her siblings and of keeping their vehicles under control. Now,whilst the Bus had plenty of seats available upstairs,the Lower Saloon resembled something like rush hour in Mombai with a gap in the service. There were several instances of people attempting to come downstairs to alight who could not do so and even more of people at the rear being restrained by a ring of "BeBe Comfort" steel.. Eventually we managed to reach our destination and I had to twist one of the Buggies around by 90 deg to get past it.. God help anybody who uses buses with children. Mums with kids and mobility impaired people are only a core section of the market. Sod 'em and let's focus service provision around the bus hairies.... Rob. -- rob at robertwoolley dot co dot uk |
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