Lothian Buses to order hybrid buses

Lothian Buses, a publicly owned Bus operator from Edinburgh, is to order new hybrid buses from the manufacturer, Volvo.

From Lothian Buses press release

“New environmentally-friendly engine technology is set to be introduced to the Lothian Buses fleet in partnership with Volvo in 2017.

Video: The New Routemaster rear door

Just a quick article to show you the recent video I've taken of the Wrightbus New Routemaster's rear door usage.

New window openings for New Routemasters

As I said in my previous article, the £302.5 million Wrightbus New Routemaster buses are to have new window openings installed at the cost of £2 million due to TFL having had 4 years of complaints and scrutiny over ventilation and air cooling issues.

From LOTS news:

New Routemaster project now costs over £300 million, time for electric buses?

According to TFL’s board paper to be presented at the 24th September 2015 meeting and titled “Operational and Financial Performance and Investment Programme Reports,” the Estimated Final Costs have now increased to a whopping £302.5 million!

Also, the target date for 600 New Routemasters has moved to the 31st October 2015. And their final target to have all 800 NRM buses is by the 30th April 2016 which means the New Routemaster deliveries are finished.

Taking a look at one of the TFL board papers from 24th September 2015, it says:

Thameslink: The missing railway line from the Tube Map

Thameslink is a National Rail route that starts North of London, going from Bedford/Luton/St Albans; it goes via Central London serving Kentish Town, (Kings Cross) St Pancras, Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and then ends South at Brighton/Sutton/Sevenoaks.

During the early to late 1990’s, part of the Thameslink route was featured on the Tube Map from North to South, going from Kentish Town to where it splits to London Bridge and Elephant & Castle stations.

First bodyshell of Crossrail train revealed

Bombardier Aventra who are currently constructing the Class 345 have unveiled their bodyshell for TFL to report on.

TFL reports on their press release:

The production of the new Crossrail trains, which will help meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of London and the South East, has reached an important milestone with the completion of a test carriage at Bombardier's train manufacturing plant in Derby.

This first body shell is being used to refine the design and the manufacturing techniques needed for the full production of the 594 carriages needed for the 66 Crossrail trains.

Are driverless Tube trains possible?

A few weeks ago I noticed public support growing for driverless trains for the London Underground system because people have claimed that driverless trains reduce strikes…

The Docklands Light Railway is the only driverless system in London and has been in service since 1987.

New Bus from Alexander Dennis (Enviro400H City)

After a long wait, Alexander Dennis has just unveiled their new double deck design which is similar to the New Routemaster that Thomas Heatherwick designed.

Bus and Coach magazine has written:

A London-spec version of ADL’s new Enviro400 double-deck will be unveiled at Coach & Bus Live at the NEC on 30 September. The hybrid bus is one of an order for 19 for Arriva London which will go into service on route 78 later this year.

Premium bus services in Britain

Ever since Britain’s buses were deregulated in 1986, we have seen bus operating companies providing services which contain audio-visual announcements, free Wi-Fi internet, charging points for people to charge their electrical devices, CCTV, leather seats and frequent services.

Emphatically, the private operating companies wanted to provide first class luxury services in order to gain more customers to their services.

I'll list the operators which do provide that type of service.

Stagecoach Gold

Oyster and Contactless Bank Cards for Dartford Railway Station

The good news for people commuting to and from Dartford Railway Station is that you will be able to use your Oyster or Contactless bank card in both directions.

TFL's Press release:

Thousands of rail passengers are set for cheaper fares and more convenient journeys from Sunday 6 September as acceptance of contactless payments and Oyster is extended to pay as you go travel on Southeastern services to and from Dartford station.