Brighton and Hove Buses
Surely a contender?
But with one serious flaw! It is not in the 24 hour clock. The Brighton management (part of the GoAhead group) has defended this decision vigorously over the years, even in the face of venomous criticism by guru Barry Doe, with the initially compelling argument that it is what the city's residents are used to.
They maybe but no one else is. The millions of visitors from UK and foreign parts will all be "used" to 1600 instead of 4pm in the afternoon (and similar) and Brightonians abroad in such far flung places as Eastbourne and Chichester will find their usage is anomalous. No one produces a 12 hour clock version of TV recording devices. Printed listings stay resolutely 12 hour and spread confusion, notably for users of the plethora of small-print channels where detail are scant.
All train times have been 24 hour clock for years and years although some on-train announcements can be independent-minded; "due to arrive at Durham a few minutes after three o'clock".
Well, fbb gets confused!
Before we look at the book, let us first explore something that is NOT within its pages; namely a full Brighton Buses network map.
This beauty is ONLY available on line - understandably so because it would simply be too big to print, even on a fold out page.
At a constant scale is shows not only the Brighton urban area but the full extent of the company's network.
Starting in the west we have the service 2 to Steyning ...
To the north east are the "Regency" branded routes to Tunbridge Wells.
Due east we can ride to Eastbourne.
The complexities of Newhaven ...
... and the Universities mega campuses (campi?) at Falmer ...
... are fully and clearly drawn. Note, if you haven't already spotted it, that EVERY bus stop is shown in its correct geographical location.
Your author will be exploring Eastbourne next week when the fbbs spend a few days with No 3 son in his new pad. Mrs fbb will be enjoying a couple of days at the tennis tournament ...
... while fbb travels around by bus and train. Expect some experiential blogs!
Show these geographical extremities on a smaller scale map and the scope of the Brighton and Hove operation is, indeed, impressive.
There is plenty in the book that is NOT on the company web site. In simple terms the web has ONLY Brighton and Hove operations whereas the book has EVERYTHING bus-wise that serves the city.
This produces some anomalies. There is a panel on line offering non Brighton bus routes ...
... but, despite the rubric, the web does not link directly to timetables. You are redirected to company web sites and then have to begin your search. Disappointing ...
... but the book has it all; e.g. Compass Bus (MAROON) and Metrobus (DARK BLUE). The innovative Big Lemon (GUESS WHAT COLOUR) and Stagecoach (MID BLUE) plus some smaller operators.
Continuing with a maps theme the PRINTED version of the book has a centre page insert consisting of three A4 sheets worth (both sides) of full colour maps including the Brighton city area with each route colour coded ...
... and a useful collection of detailed maps of areas outside the main city block.
But in the ON-LINE version of the book ...
... none of these is reproduced. They are still available on-line via the "Services and Timetables" page.
The point is made, however, that for a visitor or any "explorer" of the City's or company's network, the book is by far the best source of information. And it is FREE!
Other operators please note; this is one reason by Brighton and Hove buses are often at the top of any national awards list.
fbb will be clutching his copy close to his bosom as he visits Brighton on a run from Eastbourne next Tuesday.
As mentioned yesterday, the "taster" blog was prepared in advance as yesterday's car-borne trip was likely to be a tad wearisome for the old codgers! More next week!
And a frustrating P.S.
The trip to Mottisfont Abbey failed. A burst tyre on the A35 east of Dorchester caused some grief. Whilst it was possible to pull onto a verge, about here ...
... it was not a safe place to change a wheel. The RAC were summoned but before they arrived a police patrol car turned up and escorted the fbb limo to the next layby with blue lights flashing and a "keep clear" sign to the rear.
The RAC followed soon after and the job was done in double-quick time. Thanks to both agencies for their excellent help in what could have been a dangerous situation. But the fbb limo only has one of those temporary narrow spare wheels so it was decided that a return to base was the most sensible option.
On arrival home, a call to the little local garage up the alley ...
... and the new tyre was fitted at 1600. The meet-up with the former teaching colleague will be re-scheduled.
Crazy Corporate Clashes
The First Bristol (etc) staff newsletter re-addresses the company's problems at Board level. The First Group chairman (Matthew Gregory) is quoted:-
And he continues ...
The Extra-ordinary General Meeting is on Tuesday 25th June. Things might be a bit "hairy" but the attack is likely to be repulsed.
Assorted Post Scripta blog : Saturday 22nd June
It's an interesting position to take attacking Coasts proposals as irresponsible & not in the best interests of staff in a piece to staff at a First Bus subsidiary given that it is the current First board who want to get rid of UK bus not Coast. Both want to get rid of Greyhound, both want to retain the US Shuttle Bus & School bus ops and Coast are more keen to get rid of UK Rail but Coast see UK Bus as a profitable asset to the business to keep and the way the boards alternative proposals are being handled as detrimental to even a sustainable disposal (given the timing just after Arriva announced their sale intentions). It seems a tad disingenuous to UK Bus staff to make out that the current First Group boards proposals have their long term job interests at heart when they have announced an intention to dispose of the business.
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