Watford's W30 Makes fbb Shirty! (1)

 

One major omission from the Boris Bus Bonanza report is the vexed subject of publicity. Even when "It's All On Line" it often isn't, or, if it is, it can be confusing inadequate or downright misleading. Add in the appalling lack of printed material and you soon find that the public will have substantial difficulties finding our when, where and how much their bus ride might be.

fbb was slightly taken to task by a comment writer for complaining that Intalink (Hertfordshire County Council in a disguise) was not what it used to be. Gone (presumably for ever) are the area timetable books ...

...  and unavailable are "bus guides" and, fbb suspects, bus maps. When No 3 son lived in Watford, fbb paid a number of visits and enjoyed pottering around the town "observing" the buses. One route was particularly fascinating because of the ways in which it had impacted transport services in the town. So come with fbb for a ride on the W30.

The route has been around for a long time, having once been operated by the iconic bread van vehicles.

So, where does it go?

This map, dated in the 1940s, shows the edge of Watford on the right and Croxley Green on the left. Rickmansworth is just off the map to the left. There is a fine collection of railway lines.  

Running diagonally from centre left to upper right is the Metropolitan line of London's Underground with stations at Croxley and a terminus at "Watford", universally known as "Watford Met".

In the centre is the former LMS electrified branch from Watford to Croxley Green ...

... planned to be resurrected as "The Croxley Rail Link".

Despite boundless enthusiasm from Notwork Rail, London Transport, Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Borough Council and Bert Scroggs who lives on Vicarage Road, there was a notable fizzling out and there has been no recent sign of un-fizzling.

The project was approved by the Government on 14 December 2011 and vegetation clearance started during 2013. The project received final Government approval through an Order of the Transport and Works Act on 24 July 2013 and was signed off and formally given the green light by the government on 17 March 2015 when it was confirmed that Transport for London would be responsible. Work on the extension stopped in 2016 due to anticipated cost overruns and an unresolved dispute over funding.

Across the bottom of the old map (scroll back up a tad to see the map again) is the long-closed LMS branch from its main line (Watford Junction) to Rickmansworth with a branch off the branch for Croxley Green paper mill.

It had its own shunting engine back in the day.

The brand still exists ...

... but the mill is now a housing estate, sitting pleasantly between the canal and the River Gade.

There is no public transport to the Paper Mill estate, but you can walk via Towpath and canal bridge to stops near Croxley (Metropolitan Line) station (bottom of aerial view above ...

... or toddle out of the top end and find your way to stops on the W30.

In the blankness of the middle of the old map above welcome to Croxley Park lots-of-offices estate ...

... or maybe Watford Business Park or even Holywell Industrial Estate.

These are the key destinations served by the W30.

More tomorrow!

Puzzle Picture - What Is It?

Answer in a few days when fbb has worked out what it is!

Cornish Tease

Another day, another brand. But what? We await the finished job from First Kernow.

On balance, fbb prefers Cornish Teas!

This Is What You Call A Train!

Really?

You bet!

In case you think that 39 wagons seems a bit tiny, please remember that they are very big wagons ...

... much bigger than the wagons that were around when fbb was nobbut a lad.

 Next W30 blog : Wednesday 24th March