The bus routes at first
seem quite daunting, but with the help of one of the excellent LT bus
maps routes can easily be planned. Most routes run services at
intervals of between five and ten minutes so it's just a case of turn
up and go. Buses do get held up at busy times but the view from the
top deck makes the journey so interesting. Holders of concessionary
passes can travel any time of day or night. No views much from the
tube but journey times are much quicker. The Docklands Light Railway
is interesting to ride on with some interesting views, the driverless
trains seem strange at first.
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Docklands Light Railway trains at Royal Victoria station |
A London Transport
zone1 to 4 travel pass can be bought for £7.70 and a zone 1 to 6
costs £8.50. These can be used after 9.30am so if you make an early
start and have a bus pass, use buses until 9.30 and then move to the
tube if required. These passes also allow travel on the 'Overground'
which incorporates routes such as the North London Line which now
have new trains and upgraded track and stations and have become well
used since being incorporated into the overall London Transport
network.
Massive investment has taken place in the rail services that are run by LT using the'Overground' name. New trains and refurbished stations have transformed the services. |
Most interesting
methods of transport must be the 'Emirates Air Line' cable car
followed by the New Bus for London, followed by the various hybrid
vehicles in service on varying routes.
Interesting that the
hydrogen powered buses don't seem to be in service since they
disappeared just before the Olympics and rumours are that they won't
return to the streets of London and might end up in service in
Scotland.
The 360 is a route normally operated by Wright bodied hybrids but on this occasion on 17th September an Optare Versa hybrid demonstrator is on duty on Prince Consort Road. |
The news yesterday that LT have ordered 600 more 'New Bus for London' vehicles is a major move towards hybrids. The current vehicles are operated with the rear door open with a member of staff on-board to supervise loading and unloading. That means 600 extra staff x two shifts to crew the new vehicles?