Further to previous announcements, the majority of service changes planned for November, which have generated substantial public uprorar, have been postponed. Now, the citi4 will still lose it's Sunday evening service (following loss of developer funding), there will be an extra 1739 18 Mon-Sat from Longstowe Fox to Cambridge, plus the previously announced changes to the 13/13A and 206 in Cambridge, and 29, 30, 35, 65/66 in Hunts, but everything else is on hold. With regards to the Cambridgeshire network as a whole, they have around 50 new low-floor double deck buses on order, of which 2 were spotted (but not locally) earlier in the Autumn. Interestingly, some of the bus stops in Sawston had already had their citi7 flags changed, from "every 10 mins" to "every 15 mins" in preperation for the changes - I spotted some of them yesterday.




Bus operator Stagecoach has announced the imminent arrival of fifty brand new buses for the award winning Cambridge Citi network. With a recession busting price tag of over £6m, this will see total investment by the company top £10m over the last twelve months!

As those of you who read my LJ regularly will be well aware, I understand how you've all waited a year for something, only to have it pulled from you at seven days notice...!

Delay To Busway Opening

Finishing works to the St Ives to Cambridge Busway have not yet been completed which means the route cannot open at the end of November.
As with all building projects construction inspections take place once work is mainly complete to identify final tasks that need to be completed.

Much of the work identified from inspections has already been done, but there are still some tasks that Busway contractor, BAM Nuttall, need to complete.

The Council and BAM Nuttall have made good progress in recent weeks on the terms of the legal agreement needed to formally handover the track. However, the finishing works are part of finalising the agreement and until they are done, the agreement can’t be concluded.

Council leaders are disappointed by the news that there is still work to be completed but are clear this must be done before the agreement to handover the track can be signed.

Roy Pegram, Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said: “I share everyone’s disappointment that The Busway will not open at the end of November, but I am certain people in Cambridgeshire would agree with me that we can’t accept the track until the outstanding work on it is finished. We want the entire route to meet the high standards the Council and public expect, and the contractor has promised, so we can provide an excellent and reliable service for many years to come.

“We are in BAM Nuttall’s hands and therefore are not able to announce another date for the opening until the work needed for that to happen has been completed, the route has been signed over to us and bus services registered. BAM Nuttall is as keen as we are to get buses running and have said they will put in the resources needed to do that.”

Peter Bishop, BAM Nuttall spokesman, said: “It is disappointing we can’t get buses running by the end of November, but we are committed to working with the Council and we will complete the outstanding work as soon as possible. Most of the work has already been completed, but to handover now would mean a few outstanding tasks would not meet the high standard we set for ourselves on all our building projects."

ENDS

The PDF edition of the timetable book is now availbile, and the main changes in the list are..

Cambridge Evening News have this as an exclusive today - I wouldn't quite say "exclusive" - remember where you heard it first, thanks to other members of the Anglia Bus Forum... additionally, the "busway opening soon" message has now been removed from the Stagecoach Cambridge webpage...



Guided bus facing new delay

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’S trouble-hit guided busway is unlikely to open in two weeks’ time – and may even be held up until January, Cambridge News Online can reveal.

The news was disclosed today by leading councillors, one of who said the planned November 29 opening date was no longer “realistic”.

Cllr Roy Pegram, the county council’s cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, told the News: “Talks are still going on between the council and the contractors BAM Nuttall, but I don’t think the planned opening date is realistic.

“The bus companies have trialled the route, but it is not going to be possible to train the drivers in time.”

A county council spokesman said a full statement on the situation would be released later today.

The latest hitch in the delay-dogged project has been condemned by Liberal Democrat councillors in the county.

They fear the postponement will cause chaos for bus travellers because the launch of the guided bus was to have coincided with changes to other service timetables.

A spokesman for the party said local councillors understood the guided bus could be held up until January.

He said: “New timetables with sharply-reduced service levels on other routes come into effect at the end of this month. This could lead to considerable difficulties for schoolchildren, commuters and shoppers in the run up to Christmas.”

City councillor Clair Blair said: "We have spent a considerable amount of time over the past week gathering the best part of 1,000 signatures against the cuts being made. Residents are increasingly angry, and rightly so."

St Ives Lib Dem councillor Colin Saunderson added: "Residents of Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire have suffered endless service changes, the inconvenience arising from construction and are, one of these days, due to get a Guided Bus project way below the specification originally promised.

"A nine-month delay on such a simple project is completely unacceptable."

County councillor Kilian Bourke, the Lib Dems’ highways spokesperson, accused the Conservative-run council of “a lack of transparency”.

“This is completely unacceptable when millions of pounds of taxpayers' money have been spent on the project," he said.

Today was the second day of training at LLGS. Good times, and I’m off to bed shortly after finishing this post… tired y’see!...

… Anyway, on top of that, another good reason for being around north London today were the two major transport changes that took place overnight. National Express PLC have returned the East Coast Mainline train franchise to the regulators, and as from today, the nationalised East Coast takes over, for now at least. Also, the controversial articulated Mercedes Citaro buses have been taken off 38, and replaced with conventional double deckers. I’ve stuck up a few pictures here.

Yes, I'm slowly getting sick of the concept, and it's not even opened yet...

... Well, announcements had been made by the operators and the council that The Busway was due to open on 29th November 2009, somewhat late, and somewhat over budget - at least, between Huntingdon rail station and central Cambridge.

Apparently now the drivers have been told that it will not be opening on 29th November (see previous posts about not yet being handed over, contractor stropps etc.) and it's going to be January. Didn't say which one though...

... and only today, I've passed a bus (operating on the Royston - Cambridge corridor - how many takers for an A14-based busway about ten miles south???) proclaiming virtues of The Busway.

PDF timetables have just gone up - I'd download them now, before something changes!

This does happen just one day after the announcement that Cambridgeshire County Council has been awarded Transport Authority Of The Year, at the UK Bus Awards.

Naturally, no official statement has been made to the Forum, media, or anyone, but keep an eye out this week. Will be fun watching them squirm out of this... and as for the changes to the rest of the network, I will presume it's all going on hold - or will it? It's not just the country stuff, things like the citi1/2 changing in Cherry Hinton, as well as cuts to the citi2/7, might be on hold.

As mentioned here a couple of weeks ago...

Will guided busway be ready in time?


THE guided busway has still not been handed over to Cambridgeshire County Council by the contractors building it, raising fears there may not be enough time for driver safety training before its official opening.

With just over a fortnight to go before buses are due to begin running, the two sides remain deadlocked over contractual differences.

Contractor BAM Nuttall is arguing that the cost of building the concrete roadway has exceeded the £116 million budget set by Shire Hall.

Work was expected to be completed by the end of October, with the council carrying out completion trials during this month - with the first buses running on November 29.

But a spokesman for BAM Nuttall told the News: "We are still working towards handing over the busway - there are still a few issues to be sorted out. These include the negotiations that have been going on over the contract. Obviously we want to hand over the project as soon as we can and see the buses running on it."

But the hold-up has raised fears there will not be enough time to give drivers proper training in using it.

Cllr Mike Mason, who represents Histon and Impington on South Cambridgeshire District Council and is a former deputy Traffic Commissioner, said: "I think it's unacceptable from a safety point of view. Driving a bus along the guideway is not as easy as people might imagine. It is important that drivers are given as much time as necessary to train."

Cllr Roy Pegram, the county council's cabinet member for growth, infrastructure and strategic planning, said: "We are still aiming to open the busway on Sunday November 29 and for that to happen we need to conclude a legal agreement with contractor BAM Nuttall. This agreement has not yet been completed and must be in place before final testing and driver training can be carried out."

He added that details of how the final "snagging work" - small, finishing-off jobs - would be carried out would form part of the agreement.

Mr Pegram said: "Some of the snagging work that does not affect the opening of a safe, high quality and fit-for-purpose busway track will need to be completed after the opening."

Reacting to safety concerns, a council spokesman said buses had already run at full speed on all sections of the track, which runs from St Ives to Cambridge.

He said: "This has happened as recently as this week, and the busway is ready for final driver training to begin once our agreement with BAM Nuttall has been signed."

Andy Campbell, managing director of Stagecoach, said two weeks would be sufficient to fully train the 40-strong team of drivers who would be using the busway.

"We have been doing some driver training along short sections of the route already," he said. "However we want each driver to have at least a full day's training before the opening. Two weeks should be sufficient time to do that."

Following Sunday's refusal of drivers to work on the Great Northern line, First Capital Connect train drivers over on Thameslink have been calling off quite reqularly today, judging by the company's live updates. Now, today, an announcement has just been put out by FCC to state that ASLEF union members are not coming in tomorrow or Friday, and, RMT members are also to be ballote on strike action. If the double strike action (later) goes ahead, I understand that it will affect the entire operation of First Capital Connect train services around London, but not Scotrail, Transpennine,  Hull Trains, etc. A number of First local bus operations are currently in the midst of staff industrial action over pay claims.

Thameslink route cancellations on Thursday 12 November and Friday 13 November

It is probable that up to 50% of the trains scheduled to run on the Thameslink route on Thursday and Friday will be cancelled due to a shortage of available drivers. We are in ongoing pay talks with the drivers’ union, ASLEF.

On both days Thameslink route Season Tickets will be valid for the equivalent journey on First Capital Connect’s Great Northern route. (Please note that tickets will not be valid on National Express East Coast trains between Stevenage and London King’s Cross.)

In addition car park permits valid at stations on the Thameslink route may be used in the following car parks operated by First Capital Connect on the Great Northern route providing they are clearly displayed on the windscreen:

Huntingdon

St Neots

Biggleswade

Welwyn North

Hatfield (limited space)

Welham Green

Brookmans Park

Potters Bar (limited space)

Valid First Capital Connect tickets will be accepted on London Underground and London Buses on all reasonable routes.

We apologise for the delays and disruption to your journey.

Following the first day training for the LLGS Helpline on Saturday past in Islington, London, today was out by train, for the second day in London in the last four days, and the third day out of four. This was a day out was a Forum event organised by the umberella body behind the Prisoners Families Helpline (that I also volunteer for), Action for Prisoners Families, and also in Islington. This day was with regards to the various rules regarding sentencing and release. Naturally, two completly different days out.

Now, quietish till Saturday, although something else may well come up either before or after the weekend.

BTW, in a slight parody of the original Wayne's World, I am developing a rapid collection of name badges from training, meetings, conferences etc. and currently have the last two adhered to my Oystercard/Railcard wallet...

Story from Cambridge Evening News...

Houdini gets his bus pass

WHO'S a lucky boy then?

Michael Burdette-Deakin is celebrating after bus firm Stagecoach lifted a ban on him taking his parrot Houdini on trips to Cambridge, perched on his shoulder.

They have regularly travelled on the buses during the eight years they have spent together, bringing smiles to passengers.

But the bird - a rare yellowbacked chattering lory - was then banned by Stagecoach from boarding their buses.

The move came after fears the bird - which can say: "I love my darling" - may distract bus drivers.

But Michael, 49, refused to put the 14-year-old bird behind bars and the News carried a story about his plight.

Now understanding bus company bosses have overturned the ban - as long as Houdini is harnessed.

Michael, who lives in Newmarket, said: "He wasn't causing any problems. The passengers and drivers didn't mind, it was just the bus company bosses.

"They even wanted to send two inspectors to my home to check out the harness.

"I told them to go fly and I met the inspectors at the bus station."

And there's even more good news for Houdini. Michael said: "I had to clip his wings so that we could go on the bus, but now he'll be able to fly again because I can let them grow." The bird-lover, who also has a macaw, is registered disabled due to a degenerative spinal condition.

Andy Campbell, managing director of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire, said in a letter to Michael: "I agree with the inspectors' assessment that the bird can travel wearing the harness as long as it is kept under control, this is still at the drivers' discretion.

"Providing there are no problems in the future this should conclude the matter. I reserve the right to review the situation if we receive complaints from other customers."

The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway is due to open on Sunday 29th November, with Stagecoach introducing a package of service changes from the same weekend. It seems logical enough, but the way that the Busway is being talked about is threatening it’s usefulness.

Firstly, some breaking news. The long-running dispute between the council and the busway contractors over payment of the higher bill has boiled over. The contractors have now placed large concrete blocks across all entrances to the busway, which was supposed to have been handed over for trial running and training to commence this week.

( Cut for the rest )

To precede my hospital stay, I decided to have a day out around London, for a number of reasons. We were both well enough (lurgy more or less gone) and C was working the morning, so I decided to do part of the trip by public transport, using a Travelcard from Royston, with full Zones 1-6 validity [plus train to/from Royston], in and around the capital. After purchasing the ticket (with Station Cat behind the ticket window on the chair!), it was onto…

First Capital Connect train Royston – London Kings Cross

Underground Victoria Line Kings Cross St Pancras – Victoria

London General Dart/Plaxton LDP4 C10 Victoria – Victoria Coach Station

Walk back via Greenline Coach Station and the back of the rail station

Arriva London Mercedes Citaro MA33 73 Victoria – Euston

Met Malc McD here to handover a couple of bags of timetables etc. as well as meeting for lunch at the restaurant in the Quaker’s building opposite Euston Station. This is a really different place – not as busy as some as the others in town at lunchtime, cheap enough etc. Anyway, after about an hour of talk, we both had to be on our ways…

Underground Victoria Line Euston – Vauxhall

First time changing here since Millennium Eve! Pictures of the new bus station snapped as I walked by, but not in the direction of the ambulances that were on scene.

South West Trains Vauxhall – Kingston

Transdev London United Trident/ALX400 TA318 Kingston Cromwell Rd Bus Stn – Kingston University & [Surrey County Council] County Hall

Quality Line [Epsom Buses] ALX400 DD10 418 Kingston University & County Hall – Kingston Cromwell Rd Bus Stn

Metrobus Scania [single deck] 538 X26 Kingston Cromwell Rd Bus Stn – Croydon, stop behind West Croydon bus station

Very busy journey on this recently doubled in service route, had to stand all the way from Kingston to Wallington Green, but did manage a seat for the last 10 mins or so!

Metrobus Scania [double deck] 947 405 West Croydon Bus Station – Redhill, Bus Station

This last journey took me down the A23 into Surrey, and is the limit to the TfL network on this direction. Caroline picked me up in the car, and we continued to Travelodge at Hickstead, where we spent the night. Even though I only travelled in one direction, this still remained the cheapest option of the day.

On the photo front, did really well – snaps of one of the new Oxford Tube coaches, the ex-Armchair Kingston University Tridents now working the KU routes with Tellings Golden Miller, a Mercedes Citaro bendi or two on the 38 (before the conversion back to double deckers, scheduled for mid-November now), and more besides. You can see all the pictures here.

Yesterday, C had a half-day at work, and in the meantime, I travelled from Royston via London Kings Cross, Victoria, Euston (met Malc McD for lunch!), Vauxhall, Kingston, West Croydon, Redhill, where C picked me up, and we’ve driven to Hickstead, staying the night in the Travelodge. Not too special, but it’s the nearest we could find near the hospital in Haywards Heath.

 

In 45 minutes I can have nothing to eat until after this afternoon’s op, which is why I’m up now, eating.

 

Thoughts right now are partially taken away by hearing the sad news of the passing of labrat78 (our thoughts are with her friends who reported this), but also my mind is stuck on thinking about this surgical follow-up. It’s been close to one year, end to end. It was after our previous doc sat on the case for a while that we found the services of another in the same practice. I’ve been to hospitals in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Brighton and a telephone consultation with Lewes, and now, Haywards Heath.

 

It may seem like a lot of work for a simple little cyst. Now it’s starting to get less solid, but it has also stopped growing. I’m hoping that is a good sign, not a bad one.

 

Normal blogging service will resume another day. In the meantime, I have to go in at 1130, and I am down as an afternoon appointment. It’s general anaesthetic, and I’m down to have this done, then back out to recover. All going well, they will ensure I am good to go, before C drives me back to the hotel. If I need to stay overnight, well, I shall pack an overnight bag/change of clothes, just in case.

 

Yes, I hope this goes smoothly, and that nothing like it reoccurs again.

Caroline left the car in the garage for it’s annual MOT (annual government mandatory roadworthiness inspection test)…
( Cut for length and pics )

Yesterday was a day out with a bit of everything. After hearing that there was new stock at the booksale we frequent in Cambridge, drove there first, although there was nothing for us this time. From there, it was back down the A10, but not home, and onto the A505 towards Stevenage. (C is starting to get a taste for lunch/dinner at Toby!)

From there, stopped at the adjacent Tesco - no C5 (aka 9"x6") envelopes but did find a new kettle that we needed. The other one has a habit of turning itself back on, and it was bought from Woolworths in the last month, so warranty swapping is not going to be an option!), before continuing to a small village called Woolmer Green. It’s just south of Knebworth, and I passed through foe the first tie in ages on the 300/301 service last Monday. However, I spotted a chocolate factory that I’d not seen before. Advanced Googling later showed it was Lessiters, and their factory shop was open all week, including Saturdays. We left after just over £20 of purchases, including a cup of chocolate and hazelnut bits for the forthcoming journey, rest for later.

So, that done, back in the car, and drove to Hatfield, where we took the train (one-day all inclusive super off peak travelcard, with usual 34% railcard and 20-25% extra promotional weekend discount, meant travel from this point to London, plus unlimited in London, just £8.25 each, versus the usual £15 or so!).

We took the train into London, bus to Tottenham Court Road/Centrepoint, before stopping at Morgans (new copyholder for me, less than £4, and slightly better than the Staples ones that seem to break when the curtain blows, plus two new leather iPhone/iPod Touch cases for £2.99 each). From there, Caroline wanted a stop for drinks, and we wanted to touch on the British Museum, although we wouldn’t have time to do the whole day there this time. So, we stopped there for drinks and a quick snack, before leaving to return another time. We then continued down to the Charing Cross Road bookstores (purchased a copy of TubeWhizzard at Foyles), before returning to St Giles High Street for an early dinner at First Out. The building is now the last one in the street, before the vast gap which has been demolished to make way for Crossrail.

Tube back via Holburn to Kings Cross, onto a Peterborough stopping train (faster than those ending at Welywn or Stevenage) back to the car at Hatfield. From there, back to Royston (stopping at another Tesco on the way!) before arriving home. We enjoyed a variety of different things, and you can see all the pictures here.

Further to this post earlier...



RMT slams “damaging” TfL fare increases
 

TUBE AND TfL union RMT today slammed confirmation from Mayor Boris Johnson that tube fares will increase by 3.9% from next year and bus fares by over 12% as “dire news in the middle of a recession which will be deeply damaging to passenger numbers and revenue income.”

In further bad news for public transport in the capital, TfL's business plan, to be considered by TfL's board next week, includes the deferral by three years of all remaining station renewals which were to have been completed by the failed private Tube maintenance company Metronet.

Also work to upgrade one of the Tube's busiest stations - Victoria - will not now be completed until 2018 and the business plan suggests that there will be some bus service reductions and reductions in service on some parts of the Tube.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:

"RMT firmly believes that any increase in fares above inflation will be damaging and will drive passengers away from the system deepening the financial crisis at TFL. The shocking increases confirmed today will have a dire impact on passenger numbers, will force more people back into their cars and make a mockery of the green agenda promoted by the Mayor of London.

“A large chunk of the multi-billion financial black hole facing TFL is a direct result of the failure of tube privatistion. Passengers and staff are being asked to pay a heavy price for the failures of politicians and it is no surprise that they are angry at these heavy weight fare increases.

“The continuing shambles over the station renewals and upgrade programme following the collapse of Metronet is just another part of the grim legacy from the privatisation disaster. The politicians who created this mess should be taking responsibility instead of asking passengers and staff to take the financial hit.”