Perturbed by Park and Ride Provision (2)

After a brief visit to Lyme Regis on Saturday (last) fbb was astounded to meet, face to face, a Jurassic Coaster double deck bus on Lyme Regis Park and Ride.

And there was another one going in the opposite direction!

Total loading on the two vehicle was FIVE, three arrivals and two departures - so it was a wise decision to schedule double decks! fbb had seen no local publicity for this plentiful provision but that was no real surprise as Lyme is across the border in D*rs*t (where be dragons!).

So, back at fbb mansions, a delve into the wonders of the interwebnet as we are continually told, "It's all on line."

Three sites purported to adulate the wonders of Lyme Regis. All mentioned Park and Ride ...

... but not necessarily in a helpful manner! 

But a third looked more promising.

It implied a service for an elongated Easter weekend from the Charmouth Road parking site (map below top right).

The obvious place to leave your wheel s when travelling from the west (Seaton, Sidmouth etc) is Holmbush coach and car park (bottom left).

One site even gave links to the new bus service:-

The results were not ideal. First bus was useless ...

... and their twits were cheery bus very unhelpful.

A pretty multicoloured panel giving us the good news that all was well with the world ...

... made no mention of Park and Ride. Nothing was posted on any of the town centre stops to show what you could catch, and when, after your enjoyable time in the town.

Traveline did however have a timetable but only if you knew what to ask for. fbb only found out via an independent web site ...

... which reveal its route "code" (LPR), a somewhat simplified map (above) and a real genuine detailed timetable. Wowsers.

 Aha! Its western terminus is Holmbush (N.B. one word) car park.

But "Honeyfields" was a complete mystery. Was it a new cosy and comforting name for a revamped Charmouth Road site, complete with covered waiting room, toilets and a delightful teat room?

The minimalist "Bus Times" map pointed to a location a little further out of town ...

... a field with an advert for a property development.

Thus it was that after church on Sunday am, that the fbbs returned to their home via Lyme Regis. "We'll go in via Charmouth Road," decided fbb dictatorially, "then we won't have to negotiate the narrow bit twice."

And lo! as they started their descent to the sea side there was, shock horror, a park and ride site in that field ...

... with a big yellow sign on the open gate.

There was a similar advance warning yellow sign which fbb almost missed in his delirious excitement.

Waiting there was a big bus ...

... parked next to an equally distinctive bus stop sign.

There was no timetable!

First Bus had even tacked on one of their "flags" so you would know which bus company's vehicle was the right one to catch!

As you can see, a crowd of two passengers battled their way through the queue to board. It was approx 1145 on a Sunday morning with the weather cold and breezy (bracing?). The two lonesome park and riders attempted to pay the driver who told them that it was FREE - as was the parking!

There were six cars in the grassy parking area.

All that was left for your fearless investigator to do was to photograph the housing development sign now lying unloved at the edge of the field.

The other end of the route (Holmbush) offered absolutely zero information.; but here parking was not free which might confuse the non-existent customers. But the other bus on this useful and very busy route trundled off, empty.

fbb's advice is that, if you are visiting by car from the east, use the free car park and the free park and ride. If coming from the west it is worth continuing eastwards on the A35 and turning at the Charmouth Hill roundabout ...

... when you can take the last exit (unmarked) which will take you direct to the new, useful and FREE Park and Ride. 

Its last day of operation is Easter Tuesday and after appallingly poor publicity and poor loadings (so far) there must be some doubt about whether it will re-appear.

Sir Brian Fights Back ... 

...and you heard it here first - sort of!

And respected writer Christian Wolmar ...

... no lover of the franchise system, has written a letter to The Times:-

Remembering Richard Branson's challenge to the DaFT's West Coast franchise debacle a while back, you would reckon that Sir Brian the Bold and his legal Knights Rampant will win, possibly without using his favourite Claymore.

Maybe we won't be lumbered with Abellio for the East Midlands franchise after all.

 + + + + + + + + + + + + 

Of course, for those who look beyond the simple narrative, there is often a deeper meaning in Jesus' actions in the last week of his life. Not only was he about clearing out the clutter from "God's House" but he was also in the business of de-cluttering the lives of those who would join him in "God's Kingdom" on Earth.

But, apparently, there were many who simply did not want to know - much as in todays's increasingly secular society. Jesus told a monstrously provocative parable (Mark Chapter 12 verses 1 to 12).

The owner (= God) built a vineyard (= the world) and let it out to tenants (= the people). The he sent his servants (= the prophets) to receive what was due to the owner. (worship? faith? service? care for "our neighbour"?).

BUT ...

... the people tended to ignore the wise words of the prophets or old and think they could manage without them.

What was next?

... and we know what happened to Him!

At one level this was told against the Jewish authorities but as usual it has a wider meaning. It is a challenge to everyone, a call to face up to that which God has repeatedly offered but that which is unobtainable without Him.

(the last verse of "When I survey the wondrous Cross")

 + + + + + + + + + + + + 

 Next Somerset blog : Wednesday 17th April