Saturday Variety

Fredrikstad Electric Ferry Experiment

Central in the above picture is the former moated defensive settlement of Fredrikstad. For those of fbb's readers who are not fully 'au fait' with Norway's geography, Fredrickstad is due south of the Capital, Oslo.

There is excitement on-line as the town has just enjoyed an experimental electric boat on one of its ferry routes. The distinctive red vessels ...

... are a familiar site puttering across the sea inlet that marks the town's waterfront.

Norwegian company Hyke has just wrapped up a 14-month real-world test of its F-15 electric passenger ferry in the city of Fredrikstad, and the results suggest that small, efficient electric ferries could play a much bigger role in urban transportation than we’ve seen so far. 

The Hyke F-15 Shuttle isn’t a massive ferry. It’s a relatively compact, 15-meter (49-foot) vessel designed for short urban crossings, carrying up to 50 passengers at a time. But what it lacks in size, it seems to make up for in efficiency.

Somehow fbb doesn't see .a ferry replacing bridges at Fredrikstad. There aren't any! 

Neither does fbb see many cities demolishing bridges that are free to use and replacing them with ferries which aren't.

The boat has generated (GROAN!) some pretty impressive efficiency numbers, too.

According to Hyke and the municipality’s final report, the electric ferry used up to 88% less energy than comparable diesel vessels – roughly eight times more efficient. Even more surprising, the total energy consumption is so low that the ferry reportedly uses about the same power as five household hair dryers. 

Really? fbb doesn't think five domestic hair dryers could possibly drive a heavy metal ferry and 50 people. Maybe Transport for London should try a hairdryer powered bus?

London Beats Fredrikstad

Already featured in this blog is the ferry served by the above electric vessel.

It runs from Rotherhithe across the Thames to Canary Wharf.

The service is not easy to find but is amazingly frequent. It began life as a courtesy link from hotel to the fleshpots of Canary Wharf but latterly has accepted all comers.

Talking Of Ferries

The long-flying hovercraft service from Southsea to Ryde Isle of Wight is very well known. But its star is somewhat faded these days with service cut-backs, staff reductions and rumours of ' financial challenges'. 

The consequence has materialised in the disposal of a ferry.

True, it did carry the largest number of passengers, but ...

Extreme operating conditions? Tell that to Vectensians who often see their 'commute' cancelled when a biggish wind blows; or the sea is a bit lumpy.

The Caspian Sea is the Island's loss, but Hovertravel joins Redk Funnel in wuahtching its ja8ssets go overseas!

A Model Bus : But Of What?

It was a picture that popped up on fbb's  screen a few days ago.

It looked like a London Transport RF, but in blue? It had roof boards like an older style Green Line coach. 

It even showed a possible Green Line 7xx route number!

Was there ever a 746? Apparently 727 was the highest in "the good old days".

What about the bus itself?

it wasn't blue!

it probably did run Green Line services before being demoted to bus use. Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted the operator ...

... but maybe not the brand!

Fortunately Wikipedia helps.

In the summers of 1994 and 1995, Metrobus operated their 'Wealdsman' service, numbered 746, to complement the Surrey Hills weekend leisure bus network. Metrobus used a specially painted blue and yellow AEC Regal IV (RF-class) vehicle for the long service between Bromley and Tunbridge Wells, connecting with other leisure services at Westerham.

Bromley is top left on the map extract below; Tunbridge Wells is bottom right, with Westerham west of Sevenoaks.

It seems that the bus was in the hands of a preservationist and was loaned to Metrobus for this lengthy Summer Sunday (and Bank Holiday) route.

It has recently been fully restored but still carries Metrobus blue and all the trimmings.

Nice!

  Next Variety blog ; Sunday 26th April