Merry Christmas to my readership

A very Merry Christmas to all of you.

First of all, I have to apologise for the lack of new articles on this site over the last few months - this is due to personal circumstances.

This year has been an interesting one in the transport scene as we saw the opening of the new London Bridge railway station in January ; The last ever New Routemaster bus (LT1000) appearing on Route 267 in February; The announcement for new double deck electric buses for London Bus routes 43 and 134 which is expected to launch in 2019; The Volvo B5LHC with Wright SRM bodywork appearing on route 37 in August; And in September, there was a launch for the new Glider Bus Rapid Transit service for Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Enviro400H City buses to serve London Bus route 20 and the new Enviro400XLB

In the New Year, Route 20 which serves from Debden to Walthamstow via Woodford Green will be served with Enviro400H City buses manufactured by Alexander Dennis.

The new buses will be operated by CT Plus under a new contract which is expected to start on 23^rd March 2019. Then in May 2019, the zero emission Enviro400EV City is expected to serve route 43, operated by Metroline.

London Bus Route 10 to be withdrawn - New Routemasters to serve route 27

On 24^th November, there will be major changes to the bus services in Central London.

I’ve noticed that route 10 will be withdrawn and the New Routemasters will be serving route 27.

Solar panelled buses for Hong Kong, New buses for Berlin – Transport news roundup for October 2018

Hey there readers

I know it’s been a while since I posted an article on my website – that’s because I decided to wait and make a ‘roundup’ article of selected transport news.

So let’s start with an update on Crossrail:

Open Top Electric Bus and London Bus tender awards

The Original Tour has recently unveiled their open top electric bus for their Central London sightseeing services.

Excerpts from The Original Tour news

11th October 2018, London – Early-rising tourists were given a sightseeing surprise this morning when The Original Tour unveiled London’s first ever 100% electric hop-on hop-off open-top bus outside Westminster Abbey, offering city-trippers a carbon-free carbon copy of the firm’s famous tours in a move welcomed by London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy.

Consultation to amend Central London bus routes

TfL has opened up a consultation to review and amend the Central London bus routes.

From the TfL consultation:

We are proposing to make changes to 33 bus routes, including alterations to night services and the introduction of a new route. These routes run across London, but the majority of changes take place in inner and central London.

Some brief Transport News updates after my hiatus

Hello to all my readers

First of all, I do apologise for the lack of articles of late which has been due to personal circumstances that have prevented me from writing new articles. I should however be able to maintain my usual output from now on.

So let us have a look at some of the transport news from press releases of the transport authorities and companies.

Route 10 confirmed to be withdrawn as part of Oxford Street bus changes

Route 10, which uses the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemaster buses is set to be withdrawn in November 2018 as part of changes to the Oxford Street transformation.

From TfL consultations

We have today confirmed that, having considered all of the issues raised in last year’s consultation on the proposed transformation of Oxford Street, we will proceed with those changes to bus services on Oxford Street which have merit.

The changes are:

Route 10 will be withdrawn, but we will amend Route 23 to run between Westbourne Park and Hammersmith The amended route 23 will continue to run between Westbourne Park and Marble Arch, but will then follow the existing route 10 from Marble Arch to Hammersmith. We plan to implement these changes in November 2018.

Network Rail’s vision for the greener network and new overhead wires for Southend Victoria Line

Here’s some railway news from Network rail because there isn’t much bus news to report on.

From Network Rail

We own, operate and develop 20,000 miles of track across Britain and that’s just the start. With such far-reaching infrastructure, we have a responsibility to limit our impact on the environment as best we can.

We’ve made significant progress in sustainability over the past year, diverting 94% of our waste from landfill.

Volvo SRM B5LHC finally launches on route 37

I know this news is a little bit late.

The long awaited Volvo B5HLC with the SRM (two-door, one-staircase New Routemaster) bodywork finally launches in service on route 37.

There are only two Volvo SRM B5LHC’s; they are (fleet numbers) VHP1 and VHP2 operated by Go-Ahead London.

New Tri-Axle hybrid double deck bus for London Buses Route 12

As we know, London Buses Route 12 is operated using the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemaster buses.

The new air-conditioned tri-axle hybrid bus will be used on route 12 with the New Routemaster buses.

Excerpts from Vantage Power

Vantage Power, a London-based company developing award-winning electrified and connected technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, has today announced the customer hand-over of the UK’s first hybrid triple-axle double-decker bus.

Stagecoach to test Britain’s first Driverless Bus!

As technology marches ever forward, Stagecoach issues a press release confirming a trial to test a single deck driverless bus in partnership with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis.

From Stagecoach Press Release

Work is underway to trial the UK’s first full-sized driverless bus.

Transport operator Stagecoach confirmed today (23 July 2018) that it has partnered with bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and technology company Fusion Processing to produce a single deck autonomous bus.

Tottenham Court Road Crossrail Elizabeth Line near completion and London Bus tender awards update

Crossrail have announced the near completion of the new Tottenham Court Road station. We are still months away though until the main core of Crossrail opens up in December 2018.

Excerpts from Crossrail news

New images showing progress at Tottenham Court Road have been released, highlighting the critical role played by businesses across the UK in the delivery of the Elizabeth line. Tottenham Court Road station will be at the centre of London’s first new underground railway in a generation, which will run from Berkshire and Heathrow in the west to south east London and Essex in the east.

Five new Enviro200 MMC’s for Q-Park Limited

Alexander Dennis has announced on their website that Q-Park Limited has purchased five new small Enviro200 MMC buses.

From Alexander Dennis

Q-Park Limited, the company that operates Purple Parking at Heathrow and Gatwick airports on behalf of Holiday Extras, has introduced a fleet of five new Enviro200 single decks built by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Strong backing for the Holborn Tube Station upgrades

In their consultation, Tfl reports that 98% of the respondents agreed with the need to upgrade Holborn Station.

From TfL press release

TfL has announced today (Thursday 5 July) that proposals to substantially boost the capacity of Holborn Tube station have received strong backing from the public and local community.

TfL adds Pay As You Go fares to Journey Planner and Open Data feed

TfL have added prices to their Journey Planner to show commuters how much it would cost to travel on ‘Pay As You Go’ Oyster and contactless fares.

From TfL press release

Customers using TfL's Journey Planner can now see how much a planned journey on public transport in London will cost, following recent upgrades to help make planning journeys easier for customers.

TfL unveils the ‘maintenance train’ for the Crossrail Elizabeth Line

First of all, my apologies for the lack of articles recently which is due to the fact that I haven’t found many newsworthy articles to report on - I have however found one article from TfL reporting on the new maintenance train which will be used on the upcoming Crossrail Elizabeth Line.

From TfL press release

Rail milling train is the first of its kind in the UK rail industry.

Three new bespoke maintenance trains built in Europe will maintain London's newest railway.

Optare announces the rollout of the Metrodecker EV

This is a follow up to my previous article where I showed you the press release from Alexander Dennis.

Optare has recently announced a rollout of 31 electric double deck buses for London Bus Route 134 which will be operated by Metroline.

Excerpts from Optare News

Optare will supply 31 all-electric double deck buses for TFL Route 134 running from North Finchley bus station to Tottenham Court Road to start operation next summer.

TfL unveils the new Class 710 for the London Overground

TfL has unveiled the new Class 710, manufactured by Bombardier which will soon to be used on the Lea Valley Lines, Gospel Oak to Barking Line (GOBLIN), Watford DC Line and Romford to Upminster Line.

From TfL press release

The new trains will carry almost 700 people per train and feature a high capacity walk- through layout, Wi-Fi and USB charging points and a brand new seat moquette.

Electric double deckers for London Bus routes 43 and 134!

At last! We are seeing TfL and the Mayor announcing the rollout of the double-deck electric buses for two London Bus routes.

From Mayor of London press release

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced the creation of the largest double-decker electric bus fleet in Europe today, as he brought together city leaders from across England and Wales for a national air quality summit.

Optare Metrodecker buses for Green Line 702

At last, Optare has finally placed an order for five new double-deck Metrodecker buses from Reading Buses for the Green Line Route 702.

From Optare

Optare have confirmed their first ever order for their Metrodecker Euro 6 double decker bus. The order from Reading Buses for five vehicles to operate on the Green Line 702 route between London and Windsor is due for delivery in June 2019 ahead of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) coming into operation. ULEZ will require all vehicles operating into Central London to meet the stringent Euro 6 engine emission standards.

TfL awards Siemens Mobility to build 94 new trains for the Piccadilly Line

TfL ended the rollout for the three-door, two-staircase hybrid New Routemaster bus, but they have now announced that Siemens Mobility will be building 94 new trains for the London Underground Piccadilly Line.

From TfL Press Release

Siemens Mobility Limited to design and manufacture 94 new, state-of-the-art Deep Tube trains to serve the Piccadilly line

BYD Enviro200EV for New Zealand and Nottinghamshire - and more Enviro500’s for Switzerland

The number Enviro200EV’s is increasing as one New Zealand transport operator has ordered 3 for their services.

This article is a compilation of news from the Alexander Dennis website.

From Alexander Dennis

Christchurch operator Red Bus will introduce New Zealand’s first fully electric urban bus service early next year with three Enviro200EV single deck battery buses ordered from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). The 12m long buses will be fully air-conditioned and will carry 60 passengers.

SRM Volvo B5LHC update and a trial for automatic passenger counting on London Buses

Starting off with a press release from TfL on testing the new automatic passenger counting which will be tested on routes 55, 47, 222, 507 and 521.

From TfL Press release

• The data could be used to improve services, provide better real-time travel information and help prioritise investment across London
• All data collected will be automatically anonymised and no individuals will be identified

TfL is beginning a three-month trial to identify how best to automatically count passengers on buses. The trial, which will begin on Friday 8 June, will assess which techniques capture passenger numbers in real time with the most accuracy. This could enable TfL to improve its services, provide better real-time travel information and help prioritise investment - all while being cheaper and more reliable than current manual counts.

TfL to remove cash fares for Croydon Tramlink

TfL has announced that cash fares will be removed on Tramlink which will bring them in line with London Buses.

From TfL press release

18 year old ticket machines across Tram network to be removed on 16 July 2018

More new Enviro400 Hybrids for Abellio London

More hybrid buses continue to roll out for London Bus services as Abellio London purchase 16 new Enviro400H MMC buses.

From Alexander Dennis

The strategic alliance between transport operator Abellio and bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) goes from strength to strength with a further 16 new Enviro400H double deck hybrid buses going into service in London this month.

5 double deck Wright StreetDeck buses for Mexico

Wrightbus has announced that they will supply 5 double decker buses for Monterrey city in the state of Nuevo Leon in Mexico.

From Wrightbus

Northern Ireland bus maker supplies first ever Euro 6 double deckers to Latin America

Alexander Dennis wins Board of Trade Award and London Bus tender awards

Alexander Dennis was announced the winner of a Board of Trade Award by the Department for International Trade.

From Alexander Dennis

Bus and coach manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has been announced as winner of a Board of Trade Award, which recognises companies for their excellence in international trade, demonstrating innovation, creativity and entrepreneurialism.

TfL takes over the Heathrow Connect services

TfL has taken over the Heathrow Connect services as part of launching the new Crossrail Elizabeth Line over the coming months.

From TfL press release

From Sunday 20 May TfL will take over the Heathrow Connect services between Paddington and Heathrow terminals 2/3 and 4 in another major milestone in the creation of the Elizabeth line.

Automatic braking system for South London Trams

TfL are implementing a new system for the trams which will automatically apply the brakes when they exceeded the speed limit at high risk locations. This will improve safety for the Tram service in South London.

From TfL Press release

New system will automatically bring a moving tram to a controlled stop if exceeding speed limit at high risk locations.

TfL has begun the tender process for the installation of a new safety system on the London Trams network that will automatically apply the brakes should the speed limit be exceeded at high risk locations.

New technology upgrades for Britain’s railway network

The Department of Transport have announced new signalling upgrades to Britain’s railway system to improve services and reduce disruptions.

From Department for Transport

Trains will become faster, more frequent, more punctual and safer through the introduction of new digital technology on the rail network.

Old Oak Common depot is built for new Crossrail Elizabeth Line

In preparation for TfL Rail taking over the Heathrow Connect services, the new Old Oak Common depot is ready for the new services which will begin on 20^th May 2018.

From TfL Press Release

Old Oak Common depot will support new TfL Rail services from Paddington to Heathrow, which begins on Sunday 20 May

TfL gets the go ahead to construct Silvertown Tunnel!

TfL has been given the green light to construct the new Silvertown Tunnel which will enable more bus routes and also reduce congestion through the Blackwall Tunnel.

From TfL Press Release

Transport for London (TfL) has today been granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) by the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the Silvertown Tunnel - a new twin-bore road tunnel under the Thames in east London.

New Enviro400 Hybrids for Go-Ahead London

Go Ahead-London are now using the new ultra-low emission Enviro400 MMC Hybrids using the ultra-capacitor energy storage to reduce life cycle costs.

From Alexander Dennis

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BAE Systems have delivered the first 39 Enviro400H double-deck buses with Series-E hybrid technology to launch customer Go-Ahead London. Using ultra-capacitor energy storage to further reduce life cycle costs, this next generation hybrid bus has achieved Ultra Low Emission Bus certification with 37% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel buses.

Enviro400 City buses for Southern Transit

The number of Enviro400 City buses on our roads is set to increase as Southern Transit has purchased two for their fleet.

From Alexander Dennis

ENVIRO400 CITY BUSES JUST THE TICKET FOR ‘SPLENDID TRIPS’

Southern Transit, a unique transport business based in West Sussex and famed for its diverse mix of iconic and new-generation vehicles, took a giant step into the future today with the introduction of two state-of-the-art Enviro400 City buses from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL).

Network Rail infrastructure renewals during May Bank Holidays

As we are in May, Network Rail will be renewing signals and railway infrastructure during the May Bank Holidays.

From Network Rail

When track is ‘life-expired’ and maintenance is too expensive or ineffective, we come up with solutions to refurbish or renew it. These major projects are part of our Railway Upgrade Plan, and we carry them out at weekends or over bank holidays to minimise disruption.

Nottingham has the largest fleet of bio-gas double deck buses!

Nottingham City Transport has announced the world’s largest bio-gas double deck bus fleet operational in Nottingham.

From Nottingham City Transport

The world’s largest fleet of Bio-Gas double deck buses is now fully operational after Nottingham City Transport’s 53rd Bio-Gas bus entered service this week, completing a £16.8m investment in greener transport for the city.

Half of all Tube and London rail journeys are using contactless payments

TfL have announced that half of all Tube and London Rail journeys are made with contactless payment cards or mobile devices.

From TfL Press Release

Half of all Tube and rail pay as you go journeys are now regularly made using contactless payment cards or mobile devices, the latest figures from Transport for London (TfL) reveal.

London Bus tender awards for Mid April 2018

TfL have announced tender awards for four London bus routes.

From LOTS News:

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

Hybrid Tri-axle double-deck bus for London

 

So excited to see Vantage Power's powertrain and telemetry tech powering this 1st of a kind! https://t.co/juQFkiUw94 Great working with @EnsignBusCo and @Go_AheadLondon on this. pic.twitter.com/LfuQA0Eymt

— Vantage Power (@VantagePower) April 11, 2018

Since the rollout of the three-door, two-staircase hybrid bus known as the New Routemaster ended with 1,000 vehicles, we will be seeing a new double deck bus which has a longer length than the New Routemaster bus (at 11.2 metres/36.7 feet).

Free bus travel for elderly and disabled protected for the foreseeable future

Good news for elderly and disabled bus users! The Department of Transport has announced that the UK Government have protected the free bus travel scheme for the elderly and disabled in England for the foreseeable future.

From Department of Transport

Government changes legislation to protect free bus travel scheme.

Disabled and older people in England will continue to benefit from free off-peak bus travel for the foreseeable future, keeping them connected with their local towns and cities.

Heathrow Express to continue service till 2028

Heathrow Express will continue to operate the express service from Heathrow Airport to London Paddington until 2028.

From Heathrow Express

Heathrow Express rail service has been preserved to at least 2028 under a new agreement announced today.

· New agreement confirms Heathrow Express for at least a decade

· Will improve rail service connections, resilience and reliability for Heathrow passengers

· Rail services to Heathrow to rise from 18 trains per hour to at least 22 trains per hour from December 2019

· Confirms Government support for developing western and southern rail links to Heathrow

DfT announces the new independent appeals for passengers issued with a penalty fare

The Department for Transport announces new rules for penalty fares on the British railway system.

From Department for Transport

New rules coming into force today (6 April 2018) will offer a greater level of protection for rail passengers issued with a penalty fare, where they make an honest mistake, Rail Minister Jo Johnson has announced.

Fare dodgers will continue to receive tough penalties, but those with a genuine reason for not having a valid ticket will now be able to challenge a penalty with an independent committee, not connected to the rail companies. Once an appeal is received, the clock will stop on the 21 day deadline for the payment of a penalty fare, until the outcome is resolved.

UK Government announces £48 million for ultra-low emission buses and Electric Bus trial for Kent

The UK government announces £48 million to increase the number of ultra-low emission buses for Britain.

From Department for Transport

Passengers across the country will benefit from a multi-million pound government investment which will help councils and bus companies put more environmentally-friendly buses on the roads.

Transport Minister Nusrat Ghani has today (28 March 2018) announced a new Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme aimed at cutting emissions and ensuring cleaner and greener journeys.

Automatic trains enabled for the Thameslink Core

Automatic Train Operation (ATO) is now starting to be used for the main core section of the Thameslink, which serves the Central London stations.

From Network Rail

Passengers have ridden the UK’s first self-drive mainline train in a major milestone for the rail industry, delivered by the Thameslink Programme.

On Monday 26 March 2018 the 09.46 service from Peterborough to Horsham, one of the new routes that will be opened up by the industry’s biggest timetable change for a generation in May, ran under automatic train operation (ATO) between St Pancras International and London Blackfriars.

Successful tests for the new London Underground Sub Surface Lines signalling system

TfL has announced that testing the new signalling system to upgrade the Sub Surface Lines has been successful.

From TfL Press release

Transport for London (TfL) this weekend expanded testing of the new, modern Tube signalling system, which is set to transform the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, to its largest area yet. The new system was successfully tested from Hammersmith through to Euston Square and Paddington, with the work involving the complex Baker Street junction - the first such junction to be tested with the state-of-the-art Thales communications-based train control (CBTC) system.

New London Sightseeing service provided by Stagecoach

Stagecoach, who owns Megabus, launches an open-top sightseeing bus service for Central London.

From Megabus

Our non-stop London bus tour will take you to 50 of London’s most famous sights in the space of just 2 hours. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and soak up the sights of this incredible capital city from the comfort of the top deck…

Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament. London Bridge. They’re just 3 of around 50 world-famous landmarks on the agenda when you book tickets with megasightseeing.com – our brand new open top London sightseeing bus tour.

From April 2018, you’ll be able to get onboard one of our open top double decker buses in central London every day of the week, every hour between 10:00 and 17:00. And you can start your tour from three locations: the London Eye, Tower of London and Park Lane.

TfL plans to trial on-demand minibus service and London Bus tender awards

I know I haven’t been posting much lately, but here’s one transport news story from TfL which is worth sharing.

From TfL press release

TfL today announced that it is exploring the potential of using a new 'demand responsive' TfL bus service to enhance London's public transport network in the future.

TfL is approaching a range of businesses - including traditional bus operators and tech companies - to see if the latest innovations in ride-booking technology can be used to create a new TfL bus service that complements the capital's existing bus network.

Bromley-by-Bow next to become step-free access Tube station

TfL has announced that Bromley-By-Bow station has had lifts installed, making the Tube station step-free access.

From TfL Press release

Record investment being made to transform accessibility across the transport network.

TfL today confirmed that lifts have been installed at Bromley-by-Bow station for the first time, making it the 73rd step-free station on London's Underground network.

TfL fares will apply to new Crossrail Elizabeth Line service

TfL has announced that the Elizabeth Line pay as you go fares will be the same as on existing TfL services.

From TfL Press release

TfL confirms that Elizabeth line pay as you go fares in central London will be the same as the equivalent Tube fare - saving money for millions of Londoners.

More Enviro200 MMC’s for Go-Ahead Morebus

Brief bus news update:

Morebus invests £7.2 million for 41 Enviro200 MMC single deck buses.

From Alexander Dennis

TfL confirms it will enable step-free access for South Kensington Tube station

TfL have announced the plans to upgrade South Kensington Tube station; they have confirmed they will enable step-free access.

From TfL press release

Development of land around the station will deliver step-free access to District and Circle line, unlocking millions of journeys.

March 2018 London Bus tender awards

LOTS news has posted the recent London Bus tender awards on their website.

From LOTS News:

Testing of Class 345 trains for the newly built Crossrail tunnels

TfL has announced that the new Class 345 trains are being tested in the newly built Crossrail tunnels.

From TfL press release

TfL and Crossrail Limited have hailed a major milestone for Europe's largest infrastructure project as the first new Elizabeth line train was tested in the brand new tunnels through London last night.

Final New Routemaster, LT1000 has finally entered service on route 267

As of yesterday (19^th February 2018), the last ever built three-door, two-staircase Hybrid New Routemaster bus entered service on route 267!

The LT1000 is used by RATP-Dev London United for their route 267 contract which is fully served with New Routemaster buses; this marks the end of an era for the New Routemaster rollout!

It’s been six years since the first New Routemaster prototype (LT2) entered on route 38 which happened on 27^th February 2012 - very bizarre how time flies.

Enviro400’s for two coach companies

Alexander Dennis has announced that a small number of Enviro400 double deck buses were purchased by the two coach companies in Britain.

From Alexander Dennis

Tyrers Coaches, one of the most highly respected transport companies in the North of England has introduced two Enviro400 double decks from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) into their 80-strong fleet of vehicles.

Based at Cowling Brow, in Chorley, the family run business has been part of the transport landscape in Manchester, Bolton, Preston, Wigan, Blackburn and the north west region for over 45 years, providing a wide variety of luxury coach services for school transport, tours, excursions and private hire.

New Timetable for Croydon Tramlink services

TfL has announced a new timetable for the Croydon Tramlink to improve service and reduce passenger crowding.

From TfL press release

The new timetable will provide a more regular service with even spacing between trams, reducing passenger crowding.

Bank branch Northern Line trains will not stop at Kennington between May and September

Due to the Northern Line extension works, the Bank branch trains will not serve Kennington station from May to September.

From TfL press release

Bank branch trains will not stop at Kennington station from Saturday 26 May until mid-September 2018

Northern line customers are advised that from Saturday 26 May until mid-September Bank branch trains will not stop at Kennington to allow four new customer passageways to be built as part of work on the Northern Line Extension.

Once complete, the passageways will make it quicker and easier for customers to change between different branches of the Northern line at Kennington, and will be essential for those using the new Northern Line Extension from Kennington to Battersea Power Station, which is due for completion in 2020.