tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post4246036024481722650..comments2024-03-25T22:17:35.616+00:00Comments on Public Transport Experience: Ashford's Astounding Announcement (3)fatbusblokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833340546527596517noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-90675845828928484432017-02-03T16:35:57.154+00:002017-02-03T16:35:57.154+00:00Your comment about Roman Way in Park Farm losing i...Your comment about Roman Way in Park Farm losing its service is a little misleading as 2A is diverted to serve this section of route......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-24212061966365273782017-02-02T10:44:47.374+00:002017-02-02T10:44:47.374+00:00There is a more modern presidence for this as Nott...There is a more modern presidence for this as Nottingham City Transport replaced deckers on some routes with more frequent solo operation - the solos have since been replaced by larger Enviro 200s.<br />It will be an interesting study as society is moving towards a "I want it now" approach as technology makes things near instant. Having a turn up and go frequency rather than a 20 minute one may encourage more people out of the car (although it really should be alongside increased bus priority).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-32806812644118072652017-02-02T08:52:56.975+00:002017-02-02T08:52:56.975+00:00Your wrong about Beavers in Sheffield. They actua...Your wrong about Beavers in Sheffield. They actually increased ridership and saw off two competitors, and restored profitability to Greenland Garage. I was part of the team that brought them in! Changed to B10M operation 3 years later after the market had stabilised a bit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-57268857309131795522017-02-02T08:37:26.600+00:002017-02-02T08:37:26.600+00:00Google StreetView is a little out of date - the br...Google StreetView is a little out of date - the bridge over the A2070 now leads into a housing estate. Some of the roads in the new estates are quite narrow for Solos, hence the trial of something smaller.<br /><br />Routes H and K were created with help from the local NHS - presumably the money ran out?Darryl1976https://www.blogger.com/profile/08752208655180245529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-53514045398946424082017-02-02T08:01:04.596+00:002017-02-02T08:01:04.596+00:00The buses intended for use are fully accessible lo...The buses intended for use are fully accessible low floor vehicles, which don't have many access issues . . . . who remembers the Optare Metrorider (seriously high-floor with tiny step entrance) or the Ford Transit conversion with a gangway narrower than a shopping trolley! greenline727https://www.blogger.com/profile/03033268278026535109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-78772270016921740062017-02-02T07:58:12.194+00:002017-02-02T07:58:12.194+00:00Incomprehensible comment alert!! What it SHOULD...Incomprehensible comment alert!! What it SHOULD say in para 2 is that I don't recall (for example) Birmingham having big minibus conversions, just little local routes.<br />The curse of eyes and fingers not always engaging together!!!greenline727https://www.blogger.com/profile/03033268278026535109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-70737009373802225772017-02-02T07:55:28.557+00:002017-02-02T07:55:28.557+00:00What our younger readers may not recall is that, i...What our younger readers may not recall is that, in the 1980's, bus patronage was nose-diving towards the ground, with the only solution being cutting routes and journeys and then cutting again. <br /><br />Those of a certain age will remember how Blundred's minibuses saved the day in many small/medium towns. They seldom worked well in the big conurbations, where frequencies had to be so high that bunching was inevitable (in part caused by the difficulties of getting full-sized passengers plus shopping trolleys onto tiny buses)! I don't recall (for example) just little locals.<br /><br />In many cases we've come full circle now (and remember it was 30 years ago!!!!!!!!); then the high frequency services DID revive patronage such that the ubiquitous Dennis Dart came along and replaced the bread-buses in the nick of time.<br />Now we're seeing town service patronage decline again, and in a small but affluent town like Ashford, who's to say that the miracle won't repeat itself.<br /><br />I'll just refer fbb to the Really Nice Bus Company in the Midlands, which believes that brands need refreshing every several years and uses new swanky buses to do just that. They win awards and have stayed independent, so maybe they're doing something right? Changing the colour is just part of the refresh.<br /><br />I'm not convinced that Ashford is the right town to try, but credit to Uncle Sir Brian for trying . . . . if it works, then we can see other towns being treated to the same magic . . . . if not, well at least they've tried!!!greenline727https://www.blogger.com/profile/03033268278026535109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-64485461697590530962017-02-02T07:47:25.879+00:002017-02-02T07:47:25.879+00:00I'm not sure that the idea always fails. I see...I'm not sure that the idea always fails. I seem to remember a London route (?the 31) which went over to the "little and often" approach in the 80s, saw ridership increase and ended up with a "big and often" service. Of course the operating conditions in big cities are different to a place like London.<br /><br />Two thoughts: 1. Presumably the higher staffing costs are, to an extent, set off with lower depreciation costs? (Mind you, little buses don't probably last as long as big ones). 2. Quite apart from peak-hour loading issues, don't passengers find big buses easier to get into and get out of?Andrew Kleissnernoreply@blogger.com