Tuesday 5 November 2024

TfL Publishes More Information About Passenger Emergency Alarms Used by Wheelchair Users for Missed Assistance at Tube and Railway Stations

This is a follow-up to my previous article about Transport for London (TfL), in which a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request mentioned the use of Passenger Emergency Alarms (PEA) by wheelchair users in the event of missed assistance at Tube and railway stations.

The FOI response below provides detailed information, such as the height of the PEAs and the Call For Aid (CFA) help points inside some of their trains.

Request ID: FOI-2221-2425
Date published: 04 November 2024

Monday 4 November 2024

Advocating for Tube and Railway Drivers: The Importance of Filming POV Videos on the London Underground and Railway Services to Promote Public Transport Travel

Screenshot of the Elizabeth line Driver's Eye Video on YouTube

This is in support of London Underground Tube drivers (and train drivers) who wish to film their experiences driving an Underground or railway train during their duties, as this is one method of promoting public transport usage to tackle climate change issues.

The London Underground, known affectionately as "the Tube," is the world’s oldest rapid transit system, having first opened its doors to passengers in 1863. This iconic transport network has played a crucial role in shaping the city of London and its surrounding areas, facilitating the movement of millions of commuters each day. With its rich history and extensive network, the Tube remains a vital component of London’s transport infrastructure.

Friday 1 November 2024

London Bus Tender Awards: New Routemasters Continue On Routes 55 & 87, New Electric Buses for Route 230

As we are in November of 2024, it has been reported by Transport for London (TfL) that routes 55 and 87 will continue to use three-door, two-staircase New Routemasters, and route 230 will be served using new electric double-deck buses.

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

TfL Answers Questions About The New London Underground 2024 Tube Stock For The Piccadilly Line


Transport for London (TfL) has released information in response to a Freedom of Information request regarding the 2024 Tube Stock by Siemens Mobility.

For some of my readers, hopefully it has answered your questions about changes such as the interior design and the Platform Screen/Edge Doors, driverless operation, etc.

Request ID: FOI-2143-2425
Date published: 31 October 2024

Tuesday 29 October 2024

Overview of Rail Passenger Compensation in the UK (2020-2024)

  • Significant increase in rail passenger compensation payouts from 2020 to 2024, rising from £6.4 million to over £138.6 million.
  • Growth driven by a rise in passenger journeys and heightened awareness of compensation rights.
  • Implementation of Delay Repay schemes, with compensation available for delays of 15 minutes or more.
  • Fluctuations in rail performance and adverse weather events led to higher compensation claims.
  • Traditional charter compensation remains important for delays exceeding 60 minutes.

The Department for Transport has released data revealing how much compensation train operating companies (TOCs) in the UK have paid to passengers since 2016. This compensation, guided by each company's Passenger’s Charter, includes various schemes: delay repay compensation, traditional charter compensation, and discretionary payments. In this article, we'll take a closer look at compensation trends from 2020 to 2024, focusing on noteworthy changes and the factors at play.

Monday 28 October 2024

Over £1 Billion Investment to Enhance Bus Services Across England as Fares are Capped at £3 🚍

• The UK government announces an investment of over £1 billion to revitalise bus services. 🚍
• A cap on single bus fares is set at £3, effective from 1 January 2025.
• The initiative aims to ensure affordable public transport for millions, especially in rural areas and towns.

Thursday 24 October 2024

TfL Accepts 5-10 and 11-15 Zip Oyster Photocards Until 31 December 2024 Amid Cyber Security Incident

Zip Oyster Card - TfL

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that children with expired 5-10 or 11-15 Zip Oyster photocards can continue to use their cards until 31 December 2024. This measure comes as TfL deals with a cyber security incident that has prompted an extensive investigation into the potential access of customer data.

London's Bus Services Play A Vital Role In Accessibility For Tube And Railway Stations That Don't Have Step-free Access.

This is a brief follow-up to a thread on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky about the importance of providing bus services that follow the Underground lines where various stations lack step-free access.

Transport services in London play a vital role for millions of residents and visitors, yet they present significant challenges for those with restricted mobility. With many Underground stations lacking step-free access, there is an urgent need for bus routes that complement not only tube lines but also railway services, including the London Overground, Elizabeth Line, and National Rail.

Monday 21 October 2024

Reviewing and Suggesting a New Common Bus Specification for London, Greater Manchester and Other Franchised Areas

In this article, I will be reviewing Transport for London's (TfL) New Bus Vehicle Specification version 2.5 and Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Bus Specification for their franchised Bee Network and suggesting a new common bus specification for London, Greater Manchester, other franchised areas, municipal bus companies, etc. I will also briefly include the specification for the three-door, two-staircase bus named New Routemaster (NRM).

As the documents are too detailed and specific, I will show the relevant parts and make a comparison. Some of my readers may have seen the comparison of the bus specifications posted on my social media pages.

Friday 18 October 2024

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses For Routes 412 And 685

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that routes 412 and 685 have been retained by Arriva London with new double-deck electric buses. The three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemasters will continue to operate on route 415 by Transport UK London (formerly Abellio London).

LBSL intends to enter into new contracts for the following routes with the operators listed below:

Route 258
Current Operator: RATP London United
New Operator: Metroline
Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR): 12
Vehicles: Existing diesel double deck
Contract Start Date: 1st February 2025
Contract End Date: 28th January 2028

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