TfL board papers for 29th March 2017 meeting

It’s that time of the month again and TfL have released their board papers for the 29^th March 2017 board meeting.

In this article I will show you some parts of the TfL board paper - like the budget and proposals.

First off, we’ll look at the 2017/18 budget board paper. This board paper contains some interesting infographics which you can see below.

Subsidies for London Bus Route 465 saved!

Surrey County Council were planning to cut subsidies for route 465 which would have shortened the route which runs from Kingston to Dorking, with the shorter route terminating at Leatherhead. Thankfully though, due to a campaign held by local residents who use the route, Surrey County Council announced they will continue to fund the route for the next 5 years.

Consultation for South Eastern rail franchise

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation for the South Eastern Rail franchise to improve services.

From Department for Transport

Passengers in the south-east are on track to get improved journeys, as the government seeks views on a new franchise.

Passengers in south east London, Kent, the Medway towns and East Sussex are on track to get improved journeys, as the Department for Transport (DfT) seeks views on a new franchise in the south-east.

Reports, publications and statistics on TfL website

On the Transport for London (TfL) website, you can view more information in relation to service performance and usage statistics etc.

First of all I’ll begin with the London Buses publications and reports.

TfL updates on the London Bus ‘Hopper fare’ scheme

London Buses’ one-hour Hopper fare was launched back in September 2016 and now TfL have given us an update in their news section on the continuing success of the scheme.

From TfL news

The fare, which was introduced on 12 September, enables passengers to take a £1.50 bus or tram journey and then change onto another bus or tram for free within an hour. The Hopper fare is automatically given to anyone who uses pay as you go with a contactless bank payment or Oyster card.

Mid March 2017 London Bus Tender Awards with New Euro VI hybrid buses!

As we approach the middle of March 2017, we see new contracts being awarded for London Bus Services as part of the new tender awards.

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

Optare reports on their Metrodecker success with Go Ahead London

Bus manufacturer, 'Optare,' has reported on the trial of  their Metrodecker which is demonstrating on selected London Bus routes from Bexleyheath (BX) garage - operated by Go Ahead London.

From Optare news

The pre-production 10.5m Transport for London (TfL) specification Metrodecker demonstrator has completed a successful trail with Go-Ahead London. The Optare double decker was put through its paces operating on routes from Go-Ahead’s Bexleyheath bus garage.

Fare Rises for Nottingham City Transport

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) are increasing their fares from 26th March 2017. It will be the first time in three years for cash fare payers, and the first time for five to seven years for weekly, monthly and annual ticket holders for NCT services. This will be a mix of good and bad news for commuters in Nottingham.

From NCT press release

New Buses for Sullivan buses

I know this news is old but it’s still worth relaying the story about an independently owned bus company purchasing new buses for their London Bus route contract.

From Alexander Dennis

Sullivan Buses adds TfL route with eight new ADL Enviro200

Shortlisted bidders for East Midlands Rail franchise

As we enter the month of March (2017) the Department for Transport has announced the shortlisted bidders for the East Midlands rail franchise.

From Department for Transport

The names of the 3 train operating companies in the running for the next East Midlands franchise competition were announced today (1 March 2017) by the Department for Transport.

After submitting an expression of interest, the following have been successfully shortlisted: