tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post701905787521184331..comments2024-03-29T08:14:43.839+00:00Comments on Public Transport Experience: Continuing Consideration of Cornwall [2]fatbusblokehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06833340546527596517noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-68249068512747905502014-07-01T14:56:37.821+01:002014-07-01T14:56:37.821+01:00The Isle of Sheppey boomed in the period after Wor...The Isle of Sheppey boomed in the period after World War One when those from the 'east end of London' could travel down for a day excursion or longer. Land was cheap and it became an area of chalets etc.<br /><br />It could however only be reached by rail with some difficulty via the Sheppey Light Railway which itself connected onto the Sheerness 'branch'. As a result coach services were the obvious answer and for many years they boomed. Even as late as the 1960's there were several journeys a day and in the Summer multiple relief's, Many continuing beyond Sheerness to Leysdown.<br /><br />Maidstone & District also operated a day tours and excursions programme to cater for the visitors, and at one time an open top double deck service on the island. I vaguely remember as a child seeing an ancient single decker heading off from Leysdown to the lonely destination known as Shell Ness (I think a former sea plane base and more recently a location for more private bathing!)<br /> <br />This was the period when I think the bus station was built as it appeared a necessary way of providing enquiry, booking and 'control' facilities. Apart from the 'office' there was I believe space for two vehicles in the shed to the side but as far as I know no vehicles were allocated to it.<br /><br />Sheerness as the main town was even busier at its bus station, but services rapidly declined in the late 60's and 70's, Leysdown was closed and demolished just leaving 'the floor' (which is the hard standing referred to) and Sheerness followed some years later. The back of what had been that bus station is now the 'yard' replacing a much larger depot near Halfway where the Sheppey Light railway had previously crossed the main road. Clive Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02059026405966912480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-14426236626234910542014-07-01T10:22:46.813+01:002014-07-01T10:22:46.813+01:00As I remember, they've tarmacked the layby at ...As I remember, they've tarmacked the layby at Castle Donington, but that's about it.<br /><br />I like your picture of the generous departure and arrival facilities at Morvah. Just remove the phone box and they seem to be in danger of falling over!<br /><br />Talking of poor bus stations, have you seen the magnificent facilities at what is proudly called "Keswick Bus Station"? A layby with four stops positioned so closely together you're not sure who's queuing for which bus. And when you stand[as there's no seating], hope for fine weather, for there's no shelter either. At least there is a loo in the adjacent supermarket, but they must be getting tired of the constant stream of passengers entering just to use it.<br /><br />Your "Toilet Deal" at St Ives - £4.25p for use of closet and tea and cake thrown in [not literally, I hope], seems good business sense. For by the time you've sunk three "goodly" cups of tea, you need to start all over again......Stuart Samuelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01638923842332251803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-88843288250024797032014-07-01T10:22:43.147+01:002014-07-01T10:22:43.147+01:00Yes you can, it's on shellness road... Apparen...Yes you can, it's on shellness road... Apparently there was a bus station there once, but it was demolished 20 years or so ago, but arriva still call it Leysdown bus station. Ilfracombe was pretty bad last time I went there too, but hasn't that now been fully levelled and developed with only on street stops, or was that just the former garage building....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-74589130556475697242014-07-01T10:09:41.125+01:002014-07-01T10:09:41.125+01:00I can see a new blog topic for fbb forming here......I can see a new blog topic for fbb forming here... Check out Leysdown bus station in Kent for lacking facilities on the end of Arriva's 360/362 on sheppey.... Makes st just look like brentonside! I'm sure you can see what it has, or doesn't have on google street view or something!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-52972139825309486472014-07-01T08:56:22.053+01:002014-07-01T08:56:22.053+01:00Three cups of tea. And I was desperate for "o...Three cups of tea. And I was desperate for "other opportunities". No worse that £2.50 for a cappucino latte americano with sprinkles. And it was "barista" service, whatever that means. St Ives seems to lack my more usual pot mug and a wodge serving establishment (with spoon on a chain!)fatbusblokehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06833340546527596517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7432323264902617108.post-50723936163821940852014-07-01T07:58:29.117+01:002014-07-01T07:58:29.117+01:00£4.25 for a cup of tea and a slice of cake - you w...£4.25 for a cup of tea and a slice of cake - you were done mate!!Lee Bumsteadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18326579435507308765noreply@blogger.com