Exploring the Challenges and Considerations of Buses with Two Wheelchair Spaces And Buses of Longer Size

Clipping from London Transport News No. 409, August 27 1992

I have discovered that the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have issued statements regarding dual-door buses with two wheelchair spaces, aimed at improving accessibility.

The following statements were posted on their websites:

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Routes 61 and 261

As we approach the end of November 2024, Transport for London (TfL) has announced the latest round of London Bus Tender Awards, where Routes 61 and 261 will be served by new double-deck electric buses.

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

Route 44/N44
Retained By: Go-Ahead London General
Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR): 18
Vehicles: Existing hybrid double deck
Contract Start Date: 31st May 2025
Contract End Date: 31st May 2030

Tram-Style Electric Buses Finally Launch on London Buses Route 358!

Irizar ie tram on Route 358 - TfL Image

At Last!

 

After several years of delays due to infrastructure issues and multiple Freedom of Information requests to Transport for London (TfL), the Irizar ie tram has finally launched on London Buses Route 358!

From TfL Press release:

• New electric buses charged by innovative pantograph technology now on London’s roads

• Striking new tram-like bus design includes enhanced safety and customer features

• More than 1,700 zero-emission buses now in service in London

From today, Wednesday 20 November, new, stylish, tram-like buses powered by pantograph will be introduced in phases to one of London’s longest bus routes, between Crystal Palace and Orpington. The forward-thinking pantograph technology on route 358 allows fast, high-power charging of the new buses at each end of the 15-mile journey, through an arm-like structure attached to the bus roof, in as little as six minutes. This means drivers do not return to garages to recharge.

 

London Bus Tender Awards: New Electric Buses for Route D8

Transport for London has announced that Stagecoach will retain Route D8, featuring new double-decker electric buses.

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

Route 46
Retained By: Metroline
PVR: 17
Vehicles: Existing electric single deck
Contract Start Date: 21st June 2025
Contract End Date: 18th June 2032

Transport for London Reveals Costs for Branding the Superloop Express Bus Routes

Livery drawing of Superloop Route SL1 Bus - Source

A Freedom of Information request to Transport for London (TfL) has revealed figures for the branding of the Superloop bus routes, which include vinyl wraps, bus stop branding, and bus stop customer information.

Request ID: FOI-2302-2425
Date published: 14 November 2024

SL1
🚍 Vehicle Vinyl Wraps: £71,200.00
🚏 Bus Stop Branding: £24,383.33
🏷️ Printed at Stop Customer Information: £8,891.66
Total for SL1: £104,474.99

A Response to Daniel Timms’ Proposal on Scrapping Tube Fare Zones

In response to Daniel Timms' suggestion to scrap London's Tube fare zones and introduce distance-based fares in kilometres, there are several key points to consider that highlight the potential confusion and difficulties for various groups of passengers. He published his suggestion on The Londoner website, which can be found here. While the idea of distance-based pricing may seem appealing at first glance, it overlooks the significant impact this could have on passengers who rely on the current fare system, particularly those using Oyster Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) and contactless payment methods.

Why Distance-Based Fares Could Cause Confusion

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

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.

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