Britains Oldest Bus Still Licensed and In regular service

From Buckland Coaches

Fans will be delighted to know that Ermintrude now aged 89 (aka TE7870) will be serving the public every Wednesday and Sunday from 25th July to 29th August and the Bank Holiday on 27th August.

Starting from Rendlesham in Suffolk the route takes us through the pretty villages of Tunstall, Blaxhall and Snape to the old-fashioned seaside resort of Aldeburgh. Ermintrude will then make eight return trips along the coast to the delightful village of Thorpeness before retracing her steps to Rendlesham.
Thrill to the power of the mighty engine, marvel at the electric lights, watch the passers-by doing double-takes as you fly past, feel the stopping power of the vacuum assisted brakes, amaze yourself as the driver calmly copes with 21st century traffic and admire the skill of the clippie as she administers good humour and expertise to the travelling public without falling over.
No need to book - just wait at any bus stop along the route. If there isn't a bus stop just put your hand out wherever you are (provided you're actually on the route).
Well-behaved dogs welcome, limited space for pushchairs & wheelchairs.
It's too good to miss!

Focus comment:


Back in August 1993 the bus was used during the summer season on a service 641 in East Suffolk, which served the village of Cotton, wherein lay an Organ & Piano Museum. The bus shown below in an earlier livery and signwritten for the Buckland Omnibus Company, as it approached the village.

South Tynedale Railway

Trains have returned to a section of England's highest railway line for the first time in more than 40 years.

South Tynedale Railway, a narrow gauge line in the Pennines, is built on the track bed of the Alston Line which closed in 1976.

Operated by a preservation society, it runs steam trains between Alston in Cumbria and Lintley in Northumberland.

In what has been described as a "milestone" it now runs to Slaggyford, further up the Tyne Valley.

Richard Graham, chair of the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, said: "Opening the extension to Slaggyford is the first step towards fulfilling the aim of aim of recreate a community railway linking Alston Moor, South Tynedale and the wider North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the national railway network at Haltwhistle.

"I would like to thank the team of staff and volunteers who have worked really hard, overcoming numerous obstacles, to help us reach this milestone."

All three pictures kindly supplied by David Moore, who made the long trek north from his home in Cornwall.

ADL Order for 13 Swiss Enviro500 for Lausanne

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is to deliver 13 Enviro500 double deck buses to Transports publics de la région lausannoise (tl) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The buses will have capacity for 120 passengers, 79 of them seated, and will enter service from July 2019 to replace and enlarge tl’s double deck fleet. 

The 13-metre, three-axle Enviro500 buses will serve regional routes which provide connections between city and countryside. With 79 seats, 52 of them upstairs, tl’s customers will travel in full safety and comfort, while the provision of three doors and two staircases guarantees smooth passenger flow. On the lower deck, there is space for passengers with reduced mobility, offering room for up to two wheelchairs or multiple pushchairs. 

The Enviro500 will be built to a high specification which notably includes double glazing, LED lighting and USB sockets allowing passengers to charge their electronic devices. The Enviro500 ordered by tl will remain within the Continental European vehicle height limit of four metres. ADL is using its global expertise to adapt these double deck buses to local requirements. They nevertheless benefit from common components and design structures shared with a fleet of over 6,000 Enviro500 in service around the world, such as the lightweight aluminium body structure that delivers world-class fuel efficiency. “We’re delighted that tl have chosen ADL to supply new double deck buses for the Lausanne region and surrounding areas. Operator, driver and passengers will enjoy the benefits of our Enviro500, which is built to the high standards that have made us the world market leader in double deck buses,” said Colin Robertson, ADL Chief Executive.
The Enviro500 for tl will be built at ADL’s factories in the United Kingdom.

The deal with tl is ADL’s second contract for double deck buses in Continental Europe after a launch order for 19 Enviro500 was placed by PostAuto for use in Eastern Switzerland. The first of these have been in service since mid-2017. (see pictures below)

..

Free Train Service to Windermere

It seems too good to be true, a free train service to the Lake District.

Northern’s driver shortage problems have resulted in them abandoning service on the Windermere branch and offering passengers the 'pleasure’ of a replacement coach service.

Local MP Tim Farron has worked with a passenger group to arrange for West Coast Railways to run services on the line between Oxenholme and Windermere.

 57 316 pulls into Kendal Station on our outbound trip

The service which is free, is being run with three ex BR coaches, top and tailed with diesel locos. Class 33's, 37's and 57's have all been used on the services.

Six out and return services are being run along the branch each day, the free service allowing passengers to connect with trains on the West Coast line at Oxenholme.

I sampled the service on Monday 25^th June joining the very busy train at Kendal, one of the intermediate stops on the line. The train was running a few minutes late at Kendal but arrived virtually on time at Windermere. 

On arrival it was obvious how popular the service was with day trippers, walkers, families and cyclists leaving the train. A good number of passengers went on to catch buses from the station to a whole host of Lakeland destinations.

 We travelled from Windermere Railway Station to Bowness Quay
on one of the modern Stagecoach open top vehicles

Stagecoach run an excellent service within the Lake District many of them calling at Windermere railway station en route. Their timetable booklet is widely available and includes maps and details of all services in the Lake District and beyond.

We took a ride on one the modern open top Stagecoach vehicles to the lakeside town of Bowness. Here, the focus of operations is the so called ‘Steamer Quay’ where passengers board the various sized boats which cruise along the eleven mile length of Lake Windermere. 

We bought return tickets to Ambleside. Sadly no steam powered vessels sail from Bowness these days but our return trip from Ambleside was on ‘Tern’ one of the original steam powered boats which was converted to diesel many years ago.

 M.V Tern was built by Forrest & Son, Wyvenhoe, Essex in 1891, as a steam powered yacht. This was converted to diesel power In 1956. The Tern is 145ft in length and weighs 121 tonnes. On board it is manned by a crew of 4 and can reach a speed of 10 knots with its 2 x 6 cylinder Cummins diesel engines, 2 x auxiliary generators and bow thruster.

There is a steamboat museum half a mile away from the Steamer Quay which is currently closed for re-building but is now moving towards completion. When re-opened we shall once again enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the steam boats which form part of the collection and which will again give rides along the lake from the museum.

Our return journey from Bowness to Windermere Railway Station was again on the Stagecoach open top service. The return train journey to Kendal was on the free, well used service, running on time and proving how popular this line could be if promoted as a tourist attraction. It is very much a vital link to and from the main line rail system.

 Our return train journey was hauled by 57 314 which spent the day
on the eastern end of the train

Northern claim that they want to start running trains again as soon as possible but in the meantime thank you to whoever put this train deal together. I’m sure it has brought valuable extra business to the area and given much enjoyment to those able to make use of it.

The train was vastly quicker than the replacement coach service and certainly much more enjoyable. What we are not sure of at this stage is who pays for the bill for the service, no doubt the money eventually come from the taxpayers.

David Gambles

DATE FOR THE DIARY - Friday 27th to Sunday 29th July - Broadway

Gloucester Worcestershire Railway

London Underground & London Overground

London Overground

First new state-of-the-art London Overground train unveiled

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

"Our new state-of-the-art British built London Overground trains will be an exciting addition to London's transport network and help boost capacity on some of the most busy and popular lines." Jonathan Fox

TfL's Director of Rail and Sponsored Services

Picture courtesy of Transport for London

The first new, state-of-the-art, British built and designed London Overground train was unveiled by Transport for London (TfL). Hosting a range of new features, the first of the new trains will be in passenger service by November.
The new features of the 'Class 710' trains include the latest intelligent lighting and temperature control for more comfortable journeys, as well as Wi-Fi, USB charging points and digital information screens giving customers higher quality real time travel information while on board.

In total, a fleet of 54 new air-conditioned trains will transform journeys for thousands of London Overground customers and come into service initially on the Gospel Oak to Barking route. The number of people using the Gospel Oak to Barking service has grown exponentially since it became integrated into the TfL network and the new electric trains will have four-cars, doubling the capacity of the current diesel stock to almost 700 customers per train, relieving congestion on this popular line between north and east London.
The trains are being built at Bombardier Transport's UK site in Derby where 120 local engineering staff have worked on the design and testing of the trains. A further 170 staff have been working on manufacturing the trains, with 50 per cent of these recruited specifically to fulfil this contract. Twenty apprentices have worked on the production of the trains. Around 50 per cent of the supply chain was with UK suppliers and worth £56m, indirectly supporting further jobs across the country.
Operated by Arriva Rail London (ARL), on behalf of TfL, the new trains will debut a new colour scheme and unique seat moquette. The trains are constructed from strong but lightweight material, making them much more energy efficient to operate, and feature walk-through carriages for greater capacity and improved accessibility with more wheelchair spaces.
Final approval of the work carried out by Network Rail to electrify the Gospel Oak to Barking route was completed last week, which signals the next phase of this project. The new trains will now be tested on this new infrastructure over the summer to prove they meet TfL's stringent safety and reliability requirements.
A cutting edge simulator has been created with a precise representation of the driver's cab and life-like graphics of the London Overground route to enable drivers to experience driving the new, higher tech, trains through all conditions, including severe weather and trespassers on the track. Drivers will undergo thorough training and familiarisation over the summer before the first train enters passenger service.
Jonathan Fox, TfL's Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: "Our new state-of-the-art British built London Overground trains will be an exciting addition to London's transport network and help boost capacity on some of the most busy and popular lines. We are very keen to see them introduced into service as soon as possible so our patient customers can benefit from the fully air-conditioned, walk-through trains with handy USB charging points and real-time passenger information screens. Over the summer, the new trains will undergo final rigorous testing and drivers will complete extensive training. We are now planning for the first trains to enter passenger service on the Gospel Oak to Barking route by November.


Andy Derbyshire, Head of UK, Bombardier Transportation said: "This is a fantastic project to be involved in, and we are looking forward to our state-of-the-art British-designed and -built trains helping transform journeys between Gospel Oak and Barking, between Watford and Euston, and on West Anglia routes from Liverpool Street."


Will Rogers, Managing Director Arriva Rail London, said: "The London Overground is vitally important to the thousands of people who use it every day. This is why we are focused on continuously improving the travelling experience for our customers and working environment for our people. Our team has been working hard to prepare for the introduction of these new trains and we are really excited about the benefits they will bring in the long-term."

The first eight new trains will be introduced on the newly electrified Gospel Oak to Barking by November replacing the existing diesel trains operating on this line, doubling capacity on the route and helping to improve London's air-quality. They will then be brought onto the Watford to Euston route and on services out of Liverpool Street to Cheshunt, Chingford and Enfield Town replacing the current fleet, some which are over 35 years old that TfL inherited when it took over the suburban routes from Abellio Greater Anglia in 2015. The new trains will also be used on the extension to Barking Riverside when it is completed in 2021.
This fleet of brand new train's forms part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy, which aims to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more prosperous city by improving public transport and reducing reliance on car journeys

• Network Rail completed the electrification works to the Gospel Oak to Barking route which forms part of their London Railway Upgrade Plan
• The Barking Riverside extension will add 4km to the London Overground Gospel Oak to Barking route, and take it from Barking to a new station at Barking Riverside. Construction is expected to begin in 2018, with train services starting during 2021.
• Arriva Rail London is the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network under a Concession Agreement with Transport for London (TfL). The seven and half year concession commenced on 13 November 2016.
• Working in partnership with TfL, Arriva Rail London will deliver further improvements for London Overground customers through more frequent services, new trains and improved interchanges as well as developing stations and lines to meet increasing passenger demand and to support new homes and jobs.
• Arriva Rail London is part of the Arriva group, one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe. Arriva employs more than 60,000 people and delivers over 2 billion passenger journeys across 14 European countries each year
• In November 2017 London Overground celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since TfL took over suburban rail routes from Silverlink in 2007, passenger numbers on the routes have increased six fold and the network has become one of the most popular and reliable railways anywhere in the country.
• London Overground operates 24-hour services on Friday and Saturday nights between Highbury & Islington and New Cross Gate. The Night Overground complements the five existing Night Tube lines connecting with the Jubilee line at Canada Water and the Victoria line at Highbury & Islington

London Underground

Siemens Mobility Limited to be awarded TfL contract to design and manufacture a new generation of Tube trains

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

"We are delivering the biggest investment programme in our history to continue to improve customers' journeys and support London's population and employment growth"

TfL confirmed recently (15 June 2018) its intention to award Siemens Mobility Limited a contract of around £1.5bn to design and build 94 new generation Tube trains that will transform the experience of millions of Piccadilly line customers.
More than 700,000 customers use the Piccadilly line every day. However, the combination of limited fleet size and old signalling technology has restricted TfL's ability to increase capacity across the line for many decades.
This long-term sustainable investment will support London's growing population which is set to increase to 10.8 million by 2041, supporting new jobs, homes and growth, benefiting the whole UK economy.
Twenty two UK suppliers have been identified in the bid to potentially work with Siemens Mobility Limited on the build of the trains. In addition at least 50 new apprentice and graduate positions could be created.

As announced earlier this year, the award of this contract is a significant step allowing Siemens Mobility Limited to progress its plan to build a new factory in Goole, East Yorkshire, to manufacture and commission trains.
The Siemens Mobility factory would employ up to 700 people in skilled engineering and manufacturing roles, plus up to an additional 250 people during the construction phase of the factory.
As a result, around 1,700 indirect jobs would be created throughout the UK supply chain. After completion, TfL will work with Siemens Mobility Limited to maximise the number of Piccadilly line trains being built in this facility.
This order - the first under the Deep Tube Upgrade Programme - will mean the replacement of the entire 1970s Piccadilly line fleet.
From 2023, 94 new state-of-the-art Inspiro trains will be delivered on the Piccadilly line enabling up to 27 trains-per-hour (tph) to operate at peak times by the end of 2026 (up from the current service level of 24 tph). This is a train every 135 seconds at the busiest times.

Combined with a signalling upgrade and the purchase of additional trains, peak period capacity on the busiest central sections of the Piccadilly line will increase by more than half by the end of the 2020s and will mean an additional 21,000 customers will be able to board trains every hour during peak times.
The four Deep Tube lines make up a third of the Underground network, carrying around two million passengers per day on key corridors linking the City, the West End, King's Cross and Heathrow Airport.
The Deep Tube Upgrade Programme aims to replace the life-expired rolling stock, signalling and control systems across the four lines. In total, the upgrade programme will deliver a 36% increase in capacity across the four lines by 2035.
The existing Piccadilly line trains were introduced in 1975. These trains are now one of the oldest train fleets in passenger service in the UK, with a design life of 40 years. The new trains will have a host of new design features that will significantly increase customer comfort.
Each new train will be six metres longer than the existing Piccadilly line trains. They will include walk-through, fully air conditioned carriages and improved accessibility, and will be specially designed to optimise the space constraints in the narrow Deep Tube tunnels.

An example of the current stock in service on the Piccadilly Line at Ruislip Manor Station in September 2012

Customers will also benefit from in-train information systems helping them to plan their onward journey more easily.
While this order is for an initial 94 trains, the contract will be awarded on the expectation of a single manufacturer building the trains for all four Deep Tube lines.
Creating a single train design will allow TfL to maximise cost savings through greater standardisation of train operations, staff training, equipment, spares and maintenance.
Mike Brown MVO, Commissioner of Transport for London, said: 'Today's announcement of our intention to award the contract to design and build a new generation Tube train is a huge milestone for London Underground.
'We are delivering the biggest investment programme in our history to continue to improve customers' journeys and support London's population and employment growth.
'It also demonstrates once again that investment in London creates jobs and apprenticeship opportunities right across the country.
'These trains will transform the journeys of millions of our customers, and provide faster, more frequent and more reliable trains for decades to come.'

Sabrina Soussan, CEO Siemens Mobility, added: 'We are thrilled by today's announcement. Our metro trains travel the equivalent of 60 times around the world each week, transporting millions of passengers comfortably and efficiently.
'With this extensive knowledge and our constant focus on value provision, we can drive down lifecycle costs and significantly improve the passenger experience.
'This has been key to our development of a unique proposition to meet London's specific challenges and is essential to help TfL accelerate the growth of the Tube network and improve the capacity and reliability of its train services.
'Additionally we can further develop rail skills and our investment, something that is so important to our organisations and the continued success of the UK rail industry.'
TfL's comprehensive and strict procurement process evaluated key criteria focused on deliverability, technical expertise and value for money.
The contract award is subject to a statutory 10-day standstill period. A separate procurement process for the signalling and train control systems for the Deep Tube lines is well underway with a view to awarding this contract by mid-2020.
The continued modernisation of the Tube is a key part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy to make London a greener, more accessible place.
The investment in improving public transport will help reduce reliance on the car and contribute to the Mayor's target of 80% of journeys made by public transport, cycling or walking by 2041.

Helsinki Giving Away Trams to Collectors

The Finnish city of Helsinki is giving away some of its old trams, but the offer comes with a few strings attached.

A notice published by the city's transport authority says that they have a number of antique trams that aren't quite fit for museums, but would rather not send to the scrap yard.

Instead, they are offering them for free to collectors, on the condition that they are conserved and not turned into summer cottages or storage facilities, national broadcaster Yle reports.

Yle also says that prospective owners of the trams must not take the retired vehicles out of the country.

Interested parties need to get their bids in by the end of August, and must outline to Helsinki City Transport what - exactly - they plan to do with the old streetcars.

They must also be prepared to submit annual reports on the wagons' use.

Of the trams on offer, one is older than the nation of Finland itself, which celebrated its centenary last December. Another is a spritely 60 years old, 14.2m long (46.5 feet) and can carry 111 passengers.

While a free tram might sound appealing, Yle notes that a hidden cost may put potential buyers off.

It says that those looking to get their hands on one must cover the cost of transportation.


NOW SEE THE LATEST ON THE NEW FOCUS FLICKR SITE

Staying with a vintage theme, the latest and last set of pictures from the Isle of Wight focuses attention on the Bus Museum at Ryde. Now in an album these can be viewed by clicking  here

New Enviro 200's for Blackpool

On June 25th Blackpool Transport will be launching 18 brand new Palladium buses on routes 3 & 4.

The introduction of 18 state-of-the-art Enviro200 single decks from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) will signal the next stage in Blackpool Transport’s £22m plan to revitalise their entire 140-vehicle fleet and create one of the UK’s most advanced line-up of modern, low emission public service vehicles.

The 9.7m, 34-seat Enviro200s will operate on Routes 3 and 4 providing services for local schools, Blackpool and Fylde College (Bispham), Whitegate Drive Health Centre and customers travelling to and from Cleveleys, Marton and Mereside.

In parallel with the Enviro400 City double decks operating on Blackpool’s famous Palladium routes, the new single decks have USB charging points, free Wi-Fi, audio and visual announcement systems, mobile phone holders, stop buttons at every seat, infotainment screens, e-leather seats and wood effect flooring.

Commenting on the latest vehicle introductions, Jane Cole Managing Director at Blackpool Transport, said: “These new single decks mark another stage in our journey towards a completely revamped fleet. Our aim is to make the customer experience second to none, both for locals and the many visitors who form part of the 15 million people we provide services for every year.”

James Carney, Financial and Commercial Director at Blackpool Transport added: “We are striving to deliver an ambitious business plan that fulfils our shareholder’s strategy to have a world-class public transport service that is multi-modal, modern and efficient because these are vital ingredients in successful economic development.

“Much of what has been achieved is thanks to the terrific partnership we have formed with Alexander Dennis Limited, working together to design and engineer the vehicles of tomorrow.”

Sally Shaw, People and Stakeholders Director at Blackpool Transport commented: “Our rejuvenated transport system is already encouraging more visitors and inward investment. This consistent policy of upgrading the fleet makes a statement about the drive and ambition of Blackpool itself.”

Richard Matthews, ADL’s Sales Director Retail Bus and Coach, said: “Blackpool continues to throw down the gauntlet to transport authorities far and wide. They have in the past two years raised the bar in terms of their bus fleet and remain committed to their radical, five-year vehicle replacement programme, which will unquestionably put them in the vanguard of the industry. Their enthusiasm and innovation knows no
bounds and it is a pleasure working with them.”

365 Trains to Enter Temporary Service in Scotland

ScotRail has confirmed that its temporary class 365 trains will begin to enter service from late evening on Saturday, 23 June.

The ten trains have been hired from Eversholt Rail while ScotRail prepares for the delivery of the new Hitachi class 385 electric trains, which will enter service in the coming months.
Delivery and introduction of the 385's has been delayed due to the necessity to modify the driver's windscreens. A modified windscreen has been approved but the fleet now needs to be converted. See here

One eight-carriage train will enter service this weekend, increasing the number of electric services between Edinburgh and Glasgow via Falkirk High route to five out of eight services per hour in total. The remaining trains will be phased into service in the coming weeks.

When the roll-out is complete, seven of the eight trains per hour along the route will be electric, and customers will benefit from an extra 17,200 seats per day.

As the priority is getting the trains into service as soon as possible, the trains will initially not be fitted with WiFi. This this will become available in the coming weeks.

ScotRail Alliance Head of Customer Experience Graham Heald said:

“I’m delighted to confirm that we’ll have an eight-carriage class 365 electric train in use this weekend, with more entering service over the coming weeks. When all of the class 365 trains are in service, customers will benefit from an extra 17,200 seats a day on our flagship route between Scotland’s two biggest cities.

“The coming months will see a transformation on Scotland’s railway, and we can’t wait for customers to experience the difference.”

• The first class 365 operated services will be on Saturday, 23 June on the 2230 Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh via Falkirk High, returning from Edinburgh at 2330.

NOW SEE THE LATEST ON THE NEW FOCUS FLICKR SITE

Martin Ruthe has kindly supplied a set of pictures from his recent visit to the Netherlands. Now in an album on the flickr site, these can be viewed by clicking  here

CAF to Build New Wales & Borders Trains

Following the Vivarail announcement that it will be providing five Class 320s for the new Wales and Borders franchise, CAF has now revealed that it is in final negotiations with operator KeolisAmey to supply and maintain a major fleet of new trains.

The Spanish firm – which is already supplying trains for Northern, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Trains – has been selected as the referred bidder by the franchise’s next operator.

It will build 44 two-car and 26 three-car units, which will be in service by September 2022, and a further seven two-car units to be delivered in September 2024.

The trains, all DMUs, are based on the Civity platform designed for commuter and regional services. They will feature “the latest safety technology combined with exacting interior design specifications for customer comfort,” including wi-fi and air conditioning.

As part of KeolisAmey’s commitment to ensure at least half of all new trains are assembled in Wales, the CAF fleet will be built at its new facility in Newport, South Wales, which is schedule for completion this autumn. The manufacturer is investing £30m to get the factory up and running – including grant support from the Welsh Government – and plans to create 300 new jobs as part of the scheme.

Colin Lea, mobilisation director at KeolisAmey Wales Cymru, said CAF worked collaboratively with the operator to design trains which “put the passenger needs at their heart.”

He guaranteed state-of-the-art “passenger features,” ample legroom, and seats aligned with windows to take advantage of the “wonderful scenery” in the routes they will serve.

“These new trains, which will set a new standard of travel comfort and accessibility for the next decade, will be made for Wales and by Wales as they will be assembled in a new CAF factory in Newport, creating hundreds of new jobs,” added Lea.

Richard Garner, CAF’s UK director, said the company was delighted to have been selected as the preferred bidder. “We look forward to working with KeolisAmey and playing our part in delivering its commitment to transform the railway and support the growth of the local economy in Newport and Wales,” he continued.

“Our high-quality, reliable and comfortable trains will enhance customer experience across this important rail network."

Economy secretary Ken States also welcomed the good news, promising that the new DMUs will ensure that the vast majority of new trains running on the network will “genuinely be ‘Made in Wales’ with economic benefits of their production being retained and enjoyed locally.”

Latest London Bus Contract awards

The latest awards have recently been announced by Transport for London as follows

43 (24-hours) (Friern Barnet & London Bridge Station)  LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Metroline Travel with new BYD/Alexander Dennis all-electric double-decks (contract start date 2nd February 2019)(see ADL press release below)

122   (Plumstead & Crystal Palace)  LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Stagecoach Selkent using existing fleet 2014 Euro-VI hybrid double-decks (9th February 2019)

134 (24-hours) (North Finchley & Tottenham Court Road) LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Metroline Travel with new Optare Metrodekker all-electric double-decks (contract start date 2nd February 2019)

It is believed this may well be the design of the buses ordered for route 134.  Shown here is a demonstrator previously used by First Group on services in York

228   (Maida Hill & Park Royal) LBSL (QC) contract awarded to Tower Transit with a mixture of new and existing fleet Euro-VI diesel single-decks. Currently operated by Metroline West with DE-class ADL E20D diesel single-decks from Willesden (WJ) Garage (19th January)

262   (Stratford & East Beckton) LBSL (QC) contract awarded to Tower Transit with double-deck type yet to be confirmed. Currently operated by Stagecoach East London with ADL Trident and Scania double-decks from West Ham (WH) Garage (30th March 2109)

372   (Hornchurch & Lakeside) LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Stagecoach East London using existing fleet 2014 Euro-VI hybrid double-decks (30th March 2019)

396   (Ilford & King George Hospital) LBSL (QC) contract awarded to Go-Ahead Blue Triangle using existing fleet 2011 Euro-V diesel single-decks upgraded to Euro-VI (30th March 2019)

472 (24-hours) (North Greenwich & Thamesmead) LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Stagecoach Selkent using existing fleet 2014 Euro-VI hybrid double-decks (9th February 2019)

473   (Stratford & North Woolwich) LBSL (QC) contract awarded to Tower Transit with double-deck type yet to be confirmed. Currently operated by Stagecoach East London with ADL Trident and Scania double-decks from West Ham (WH) Garage (30th March 2109)

486   (North Greenwich & Bexleyheath) LBSL (QC) contract re-awarded to Go-Ahead London Central using existing fleet Euro-V diesel double-decks upgraded to Euro-VI (23rd February 2019)

601   (Thamesmead & Wilmington Hall School)  LBSL (TG) contract re-awarded to Stagecoach Selkent using existing fleet 2012 Euro-V diesel double-decks upgraded to Euro-VI (26th January 2019)

602   (Thamesmead & Bexleyheath)  LBSL (TG) contract re-awarded to Stagecoach Selkent using existing fleet 2012 Euro-V diesel double-decks upgraded to Euro-VI (26th January 2019)

Want more information on the full London bus scene, then why not have a look at the London Omnibus Traction Society's website at  http://www.lots.org.uk/
Better still why not join and gain the benefits of the regular monthly newsletter along with other useful publications

 

Press release from Alexander Dennis

BYD ADL partnership continues the electric revolution in London with biggest part of London’s first order for pure electric double deckers

The winning team of BYD and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) has scooped the largest part of London’s first order for fully electric double deckers. Thirty seven BYD ADL Enviro400EV buses will enter service with Transport for London (TfL) operator Metroline in the second quarter of 2019.
Using the proven combination of BYD electric technology and batteries and stylish bodywork and passenger-centric interior by ADL, the UK’s double deck market leader, the BYD ADL Enviro400EV is a brand new concept, designed at ADL’s facility in Scotland and BYD’s R&D Centre in Shenzhen, China. The finished buses will be assembled in Britain by ADL as are all BYD ADL joint products.
The 10.9m long electric double deckers will feature ADL’s eye-catching City style bodywork with a glazed staircase and will be built to TfL’s comprehensive specification. They will use BYD’s Iron-Phosphate battery technology which enables the buses to run all day on a single charge using cost effective off-peak electricity.
The buses, based at Metroline’s Holloway Garage in north London, will serve the intensive Route 43 running through the heart of the City of London from London Bridge in the south to Friern Barnet in the north.
Holloway garage was opened in 1907 as a tram depot, later switching over to trolleybuses and later still to diesel buses. The chargers, managed by BYD’s smart charging battery management system, will not only service the new double deckers but also Metroline’s fleet of 23 10.8m single deck BYD ADL Enviro200EV buses when they enter service in the middle of this year.
In October 2015 BYD supplied Metroline with five Chinese-built double deckers – the first in the world. These pilot vehicles have performed well on TfL’s Route 98 which spans the length of Oxford Street. They are estimated to have clocked up over 100,000 miles of trouble free service, saving 140 tonnes of harmful emissions.

Metroline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jaspal Singh said: "Operating zero-emission all electric buses on route 43 confirms Metroline’s continued commitment to London, our customers and Transport for London. The 37 new BYD ADL Enviro400EV’s have very impressive environmental credentials and will deliver significant benefits for Londoners. Metroline’s latest investment underscores our resolve to lead the industry and continually deliver the very best service for London."
"Our joint team has made tremendous progress in winning tenders for TfL routes across the capital with our 10.8m and 12m single deckers. But with 6,800 double deckers on London streets, their full electrification is the key to making maximum beneficial impact on air quality for Londoners. We are delighted, in the face of intensifying competition, to win the largest first order for electric double deck buses in London and to retain our position at the top of the electric bus sales league," said Isbrand Ho, Managing Director, BYD Europe.
"So far the Enviro200EV single decks have delivered in excess of 1.5 million miles of zero emission transport in the UK. This new contract for double decks takes the BYD ADL collaboration to a whole new level in every sense. We look forward to continuing our journey of improving air quality, while responding to the operational demands of our customers and the requirements of their passengers with this brand new vehicle," said Colin Robertson, ADL Chief Executive.

 

Emirates Introduces Virtual Windows

Emirates has introduced virtual windows for first class passengers on board its latest aircraft.

Rather than being able to see directly outside, passengers will see images projected in from outside the plane using fibre-optic cameras.

Removing windows from planes makes them lighter and faster and has the potential to reduce fuel costs.

It was predicted that fuel prices will increase by 25 per cent this year at last week’s Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), so it’s no surprise that airlines are thinking of creative ways to keep costs down.

Emirates president said that the images were “so good, it’s better than with the natural eye,” and that the eventual aim was to have planes with no windows at all.

“Imagine now a fuselage as you’re boarding with no windows, but when you get inside, there are windows.

“Now you have one fuselage which has no structural weaknesses because of windows. The aircraft are lighter, the aircraft could fly faster, they’ll burn far less fuel and fly higher,” he said.

Some concerns have been raised about the safety of this proposal. Aviation safety expert, Professor Graham Braithwaite of Cranfield University, said: “Being able to see outside the aircraft in an emergency is important, especially if an emergency evacuation has to take place.

“Flight attendants would need to check outside the aircraft in an emergency, for example for fire, before opening a door and commencing an evacuation – and anything that needed power to do this may not be easy to get certified by an aviation safety regulator.”

The European Aviation Safety Agency, which is responsible for civil aviation safety, said: “We do not see any specific challenge that could not be overcome to ensure a level of safety equivalent to the one of an aircraft fitted with cabin windows.”

The virtual windows can be found in the first class cabin of Emirates’ newest Boeing 777-3000ER aircraft.


NOW SEE THE LATEST ON THE NEW FOCUS FLICKR SITE

From high up in the skies to low down on the high seas. The latest album on the flickr site is something a little different. For a change the focus this time is a selection of shipping cruise, ferry and freighter, seen on the Solent from the Bembridge side of the Isle of Wight. Varying contrast owing to times of day and weather conditions, most at distance, thus a little iffy in content. However, may appeal to some and can now be viewed by clicking  here.

East Yorkshire Motor Services

Go-Ahead welcomes East Yorkshire Motor Services

Hull-based East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS), including Scarborough and District Motor Services, have been acquired by award-winning bus operator Go North East, part of the international transport organisation Go-Ahead Group Plc.
Established in 1926 and owned and operated for the last three decades by the Shipp family, EYMS transports over 17 million passengers annually, has a workforce of 700 staff and runs over 300 buses and coaches throughout Hull, East Riding and the North Yorkshire Coast.

For over 100 years, Go North East has run bus services connecting the region's towns and villages with the cities of Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland. Currently operating across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and into Tees Valley, it is one of 10 regional subsidiary bus companies within the Go-Ahead Group.
“We are excited to welcome the EYMS team into the Go-Ahead family,” says David Brown, Group Chief Executive of Go-Ahead. “Like Go North East, the company is well established in the local communities it serves and shares the same values of excellent customer service and strong employee engagement.
“Bringing companies like EYMS into the Group draws us ever-closer to our vision of a world where every journey is taken care of, while meeting our strategic objective of building a sustainable business that meets the needs of our customers and communities.”

Peter Shipp, Owner and Chairman of EYMS who has been with the company for 38 years, commented: “At the age of 74 and after 56 years in the bus industry I think it is time for me to hand over the business, and I am delighted to be doing so to an organisation with such a strong reputation caring for its people, customers and communities. It has the scale required to invest in the assets, both people and buses, to take EYMS forward in a healthy and successful way.”
EYMS will operate as a stand-alone company within Go North East, overseen by the Go North East executive director team.
For more information about Go North East, visit www.gonortheast.co.uk or EYMS visit: https://www.eyms.co.uk/

NOW SEE THE LATEST ON THE NEW FOCUS FLICKR SITE

Staying with the Go-Ahead Group a recent visit to the Isle of Wight by one of the editors, allowed him to observe and photograph buses and the odd coach operated by the established Southern Vectis subsidiary. Pictures are in an album which can now be viewed by clicking  here

East Anglia Transport Museum

The million-pound development at the East Anglia Transport Museum, based in Carlton Colville, will see the attraction’s current premises almost double in size.
Included in the plans are new storage and exhibition depots, the most notable of which will be devoted to the legacy of Lowestoft’s Eastern Coach Works, which once employed as many as 1,200 workers before its closure in 1987.
The existing tram, railway and trolleybus tracks will be extended, and a station built to cater for the longer rides. Much-needed space for the attraction’s numerous rallies and displays will also be provided, as well as a staff car park.
With the museum having acquired a plot of adjacent land at the end of 2016, Waveney District Council’s (WDC) planning committee has now permitted the registered charity to go ahead with the expansion.

Speaking in light of the unanimous approval, museum new land committee member, Tim Major, said: “We’re very pleased with the decision. The expansion will provide the accommodation we need for our vehicles because the collection has grown so much over the years.
“Several vehicles have been built since the museum was formed and an important part of that is to have facilities that contribute towards the history of the coach works, which was obviously a big local business years ago.
“It has to be emphasised that the museum is a volunteer-run organisation, and of course funding is going to be the next thing to think about.”
Since opening in 1972, the transport museum has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors through its doors, with more than 550,000 arriving as either holidaymakers or day-trippers. Nearly 15,000 people have visited from overseas.
The venue is therefore deemed to be hugely beneficial to the region’s tourism industry, contributing approximately £450,000 to the East of England economy in 2016 according to the Association of Independent Museums.

WDC planning committee chairman, Paul Ashdown, said the expansion would be “very favourable to the area”.
Two residential properties backing onto the land had lodged objections on the grounds of noise pollution, but an environmental health officer was satisfied that it can be minimised using noise-reducing fencing.

NOW SEE THE LATEST ON THE NEW FOCUS FLICKR SITE

Staying on a London theme one of the latest albums on the site focuses on the former London Underground 1938 stock operated on the Northern Line, which now comprise the fleet of the Island Line. Oper ated by South Western Railway on the Isle of Wight this ageing fleet is showing its age as they run from Ryde Pierhead via Brading and Sandown to Shanklin. A set of pictures can now be viewed by clicking  here