Lmst

After the first full week of non-school holidays since half of Commonwealth Avenue bridge closed, the effect on northbound morning bus journey times (before 8:30am) is actually positive, due to the new dedicated bus lane on the bridge.

My average journey time between Phillip Pool and London Circuit/Constitution Avenue this week is 10:15.

The southbound journey after 5pm is slower, but only by about 4 mins on average.

What is causing delays is increased loading time at stops as the buses are much fuller than usual. They're also skipping lots of stops.

It looks like TC has been too aggressive in cutting capacity.

#Canberra #Buses

A Westminster Hall debate on UK bus #manufacturing was held on 27 January, led by MPs Jim Allister and Euan Stainbank. As of Q3 2025, 144,429 buses were licensed in the #UK, with 17% built domestically by Alexander Dennis, Wrightbus, and Switch. The sector relied on a broad supply chain, so even UK-built #buses often used imported components. Around 4,400 people worked for the three main manufacturers, while 53,000 were employed indirectly. Investment in UK bus manufacturing exceeded £180 million annually. Job security remained a concern, with potential closures and relocations affecting hundreds of roles.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2026-0012/

A bar chart showing the number of licensed buses in the UK by manufacturer for Quarter 3 2025, categorised into UK and non-UK manufacturers, with Ford and Mercedes-Benz leading the non-UK group and Alexander Dennis the most prominent UK manufacturer (Source: Department for Transport and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Vehicle licensing statistics data files).

A table showing the number and percentage of licensed buses and coaches in the UK for Q3 2025 by manufacturer, featuring Alexander Dennis with 16,114 (11.2%), Wrightbus with 6,258 (4.3%), and Switch with 196 (0.1%), sourced from the Department for Transport and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Vehicle licensing statistics data files.

Arriva has retained the North #London 102/N102 bus route after winning a competitive tender, securing a new seven-year contract with #Transport for London from November 2026. The 24-hour service runs between Edmonton Green and Brent Cross, providing a key orbital link across outer North London and carrying more than 6.2 million passenger journeys each year. Operations will continue from Arriva’s Palmers Green garage, where the route has been based since 1947 and is supported by around 300 staff. As part of the new contract, 26 zero-emission electric #buses will be introduced, supporting the completion of the garage’s electrification. The investment forms part of Arriva’s wider £730m programme to expand electric bus operations across London.
https://news.arriva.co.uk/news/arriva-uk-bus-wins-competitive-tender-for-north-london-route

A man wearing a high-visibility vest stands with his arms crossed in front of a red Arriva double-decker electric bus parked at a depot under a blue sky.

New post: the broken Box Hill Bus Station lift https://philipmallis.com/2026/02/05/the-broken-box-hill-bus-station-lift/

#Melbourne #PublicTransport #Transit #MelbourneBuses #Buses

Published in March 2002, #London on the Move was a strategic policy report by the London #Transport Users Committee (LTUC, currently known as London TravelWatch). Produced after the first Mayor of London took office, it set out clear standards for transport users, promoting reliability, accessibility, sustainability, and integration across #buses, #Underground, rail, and walking. The report advocated managing road space through planned measures, addressing overcrowding, and supporting inclusive #travel. It discussed the future of Routemasters, recommending retention of existing vehicles but not new open-platform buses, and encouraged articulated buses, light rapid transit, and optional on-board staff for passenger support.
https://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/publication/london-on-the-move-march-2002/

A screenshot of a 2002 "LONDON ON THE MOVE" report page discussing transport policy, including the integration of National Rail into a zonal fare system, the success of the Travelcard, potential moves toward cashless buses, and the introduction of smartcards under the 'Prestige' project.

A screenshot of a 2002 "London on the Move" report page titled "Quality on board," detailing transport committee discussions regarding bus design, the future of the Routemaster, and accessibility regulations.

A screenshot of a document titled 'LONDON ON THE MOVE' from March 2002, featuring numbered paragraphs 15.9 to 15.15 discussing improvements to in-bus information, reducing bus stop dwell times, and railway carriage design.

A scan of a 2002 policy document titled "LONDON ON THE MOVE" discussing the use of on-board staff, featuring detailed text sections on bus conductors and driver attitudes alongside a table outlining the arguments for and against employing conductors on London buses.

Work has begun at First Bus’s Great Yarmouth depot to prepare the site for electric #buses, marking the next stage of Norfolk’s zero-emission bus programme. The upgrades at the Caister Road depot form part of a £13.8 million investment, with £8.9 million funded by First Bus and the remainder supported by #Norfolk County Council through its Bus Service Improvement Plan. The scheme will introduce 10 electric buses on Service 8, linking James Paget University Hospital with Caister via Great Yarmouth town centre, alongside the installation of high-power charging equipment. The buses are expected to enter service by autumn. Further works are planned at First Bus’s Vulcan Road depot in #Norwich, building on the earlier introduction of 70 electric buses at the city’s Roundtree Way depot. The Great Yarmouth site will also join First Bus’s First Charge network.
https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/works-begin-at-first-bus-great-yarmouth-bus-depot-as-norfolks-electric-bus-programme-expands

@organicmaps

Nottingham, England, GTFS bus info:
https://www.nctx.co.uk/open-data

Not sure if that gives the real time updates though or only the schedule.

Any #Nottingham techie folks know more? Or about the tram GTFS, which I haven't found?

#GTFS #buses #trams

Return journey, leaving at 5:10, took 16 minutes, which is a much smaller delay than I was led to expect. Buses are all chockers though, which is going to suck pretty hard for the next two years.

#Canberra #Buses

First Tuesday after the school holidays and the buses are all full due to the reduced capacity, but the journey (northbound) over Commonwealth Avenue bridge was smooth, at 8:05am, for an 8 minute journey from Phillip Pool to London Circuit. It's amazing the difference a dedicated bus lane makes. We should make it permanent!

#Canberra #Buses

Monday, February 2, 2026

- Ukraine sees 'real results' from blocking Russia’s Starlink use - Russia attacks bus carrying Ukrainian civilian miners, killing at least 12, injuring 16 - Russia steps up attacks with Kh-32 missiles; here's what we know - Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia injure at least 9, maternity hospital damaged ... and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2026/02/monday-february-2-2026/

The aftermath of a Russian attack near the city of Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, on Feb. 1, 2026. (State Emergency Service)

Saturday, January 31, 2026

"They are not very interested:" – Russia halts POW exchanges --We are all used to this; Inside one of Kyiv’s hardest-hit buildings this winter -- The illusion of a ceasefire in Ukraine -- Russia attacks passenger bus in Kherson Oblast, killing 1, injuring 5 ... and more

https://activitypub.writeworks.uk/2026/01/saturday-january-31-2026/

A car battery used as a power source during outages is seen in Daria’s apartment in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 27, 2026. Car batteries are often used by Ukrainians during power outages as an alternative source of electricity. (Danylo Antoniuk / The Kyiv Independent)

You're semi-regular reminder that Worst Bus #Bristol publish timetables only to infuriate and deceive paseengers

#FirstBus #PublicTransport #Buses

Feb 4, 6pm is next mtg of Transportation Agency for Monterey County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee. Public welcome.
On the agenda: Receive update on adopted state laws as of January 1, 2026; receive update on changes to Brown Act as per Senate Bill (SB) 707, and advise TAMC staff whether the BPAC committee wishes to ask TAMC's board to adopt a resolution allowing it to use the new videoconferencing provisions.
Details, and how to participate : https://www.tamcmonterey.org/files/e73eb70df/BPC+Agenda+Packet+February+4+Meeting.pdf.
Why participate, and bilingual glossary of transportation terms: https://bikemonterey.org/monthly-meetings-tamc-bicycle-pedestrian-facilities-advisory-committee-public-welcome.html

ICYMI: Per announcement by Natalie Florez of Monterey-Salinas Transit (mst.org) at Jan 14 TAMC BPAC mtg, MST “will upgrade and replace the mounted bikes rack on all the #buses. She noted that they will fit wider #bicycles and electric bikes."

#MontereyCounty #PublicTransport #eBikes #transportation #transport #eBikes #cycling #biking

A Department for #Transport study explored why people choose multi-modal journeys combining #buses, #trains, or #trams. Research with 67 participants (online, interviews, focus groups) found #travel choices are mainly influenced by convenience, cost, comfort, and safety, while #sustainability rarely affects local trips. Barriers include unreliable services, poorly aligned timetables, high planning effort, and unclear real-time information. Enablers include frequent services and contactless payments. Key measures to encourage use are better timetabling, lower fares, and unified travel information, with integrated ticketing and improved interchanges as supporting factors.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/factors-influencing-multi-modal-public-transport-use

This page from a qualitative research report on multi-modal transport outlines Stage 2 and Stage 3 focus groups conducted in Bristol, West Chester, South Norfolk, and London, noting that private transport accounts for only 35% of trips in London compared to 65% across the rest of England.

This image shows a page from a qualitative research report on multi-modal public transport, detailing enablers such as driving inconveniences and fare capping in London, alongside comfort-related barriers like walking between transfers in poor weather.

A report page titled "Multi-modal public transport and operational changes" featuring a table and a diagram (Figure 5) that illustrate how increasing bus frequency, extending service times, and aligning bus and train schedules can address various passenger barriers such as long wait times, stress, and lack of physical connection at stations.

A report page titled "Multi-modal public transport and operational changes: Qualitative research findings report" detailing participant feedback on integrated ticketing, discounted deals, and contactless payment systems, featuring quotes from rural transport users.

Highlights of the agenda reports pack (including the Commissioner's Report) for the 4 February 2026 #Transport for #London Board meeting:
The #TfL Board is asked to approve the draft 2026 Business Plan, the first since a £2.2bn multi-year funding settlement in June 2025. The plan focuses on renewing trains and signalling on the Piccadilly, Bakerloo and DLR lines, alongside projects including the DLR extension to Thamesmead, West London Orbital and Bakerloo line extension. TfL aims to deliver £750m in recurring savings, while passenger income remains £1.6bn below pre-pandemic forecasts. Financial results show a modest operating surplus, strong growth on the Elizabeth line and London Overground, and weaker bus demand. The Board notes executive appointments, bus safety incidents, Vision Zero progress, tougher carbon targets, proposals for a publicly owned bus company, Superloop expansion, more zero-emission #buses and testing of new Piccadilly line #trains. ⦵🚌🚇
https://board.tfl.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=950&Ver=4

An informative page from a Transport for London Commissioner’s report featuring several updates on capital projects and milestones. The top left section discusses the regulation of pedicabs and celebrates the 160th anniversary of the Knowledge of London, noting the rigorous standards required for taxi drivers. Central text details "Major projects," including an update on new DLR B23 trains which were temporarily withdrawn for braking performance checks, and news of a consultation report for a DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. The right side covers the Piccadilly line upgrade, aiming for new trains to enter service in the second half of 2026, and progress on the Gallows Corner flyover renewal. A map at the bottom right illustrates the proposed DLR extension route from Gallions Reach across the River Thames to Thamesmead, with a potential further extension toward Abbey Wood.

An infographic titled "Our ambitions for this plan" from the 2026 Business Plan, detailing transport and infrastructure milestones for London to be achieved by 2029/30. The page features several data boxes with icons and text, highlighting targets such as delivering over 20,000 homes with Places for London, introducing 6,000 zero-emission buses, achieving 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2030, and installing 43,000 public electric vehicle charge points. Other key metrics include introducing 158 new trains across the Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line, and DLR, creating 10,000 potential jobs through the DLR extension, and expanding the cycling network by 95km. A sidebar titled "Looking further ahead" lists long-term goals, including replacing the Bakerloo line fleet, refurbishing Central line trains, and aiming for 50 per cent of Tube stations to be step-free.

An image from a draft 2026 Business Plan titled "Improving our bus services," which outlines the future of London’s bus network. The top half features a large photograph of a modern red double-decker bus, an Arriva-operated 279 service to Waltham Cross, stopped at a roadside kerb next to a bus stop where a person is waiting. The bottom half contains four columns of text detailing plans for a cleaner, more efficient service. Key goals mentioned include expanding outer London services, developing proposals for a new publicly owned bus company, enhancing the Superloop network, and achieving a zero-emission fleet, with more than 6,000 electric buses expected by the end of the plan.

#Transport for #London Freedom of Information release:
#TfL has disclosed 81 complaints received since 28 October 2025 regarding the potential withdrawal of New Routemaster #buses from routes 8 and 16. Correspondents expressed concerns over accessibility, passenger flow, and the buses’ iconic status. Many highlighted the three-door, two-staircase design as essential for reducing bottlenecks and supporting passengers with mobility needs. The Heatherwick-designed vehicles were also cited as cultural symbols of London and inclusivity. Respondents urged TfL to retain and retrofit the fleet for electric propulsion, or ensure future buses adopt key NRM features.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/transparency/freedom-of-information/foi-request-detail?referenceId=FOI-3554-2526

A screenshot of a digital log from November 2025 containing an enquiry to Transport for London regarding the proposed removal of New Routemaster buses from routes 8 and 16, with the sender advocating for the fleet's preservation and electrification.

A screenshot of a text document containing formal correspondence to the London Mayor and Transport for London regarding a request to retrofit New Routemaster buses on routes 8 and 16 to be fully electric rather than replacing them with newer models.

A screenshot of two feedback submissions to Transport for London and their automated acknowledgements, showing text where a member of the LGBTQ community strongly objects to the withdrawal of the New Routemaster bus from routes 8 and 16.

A screenshot shows a series of email correspondence logs from Transport for London (TfL) dated November 2025 regarding the withdrawal of New Routemaster buses on routes 8 and 16, explaining that the vehicles are nearly fourteen years old and are being replaced by modern electric buses to meet the Mayor’s zero-emission strategy.

Off to the city of Rauma.

About 150km, so not very far...

#Onnibus #Traffic #Buses #VDLFutura

Councillor wants to hear views of residents on local bus services

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/01/27/councillor-wants-to-hear-views-of-residents-on-local-bus-services/

What to Expect for a Cold NYC Commute: Trains, Buses and Rail

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/26/weather/nyc-winter-storm-transit-trains-buses.html

An MTA bus passing Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn on Sunday.

#Volvo #Buses is reinforcing #Transport for Greater Manchester’s shift to cleaner transport, with its BZL Electric buses forming most of the 53-vehicle fleet at the newly electrified Middleton depot. The upgrade, completed last month, took the Bee Network’s total electric fleet to 390, with Volvos making up nearly half. The Middleton depot added 18 fully electric services, following the Ashton depot’s 83‑bus rollout in 2025. Passengers benefit from quieter, more comfortable rides, while local dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials provides dedicated #EV support. Volvo’s BZL Electric now totals over 650 vehicles in the #UK and #Ireland.
https://www.volvobuses.com/gb/news-stories/press-releases/2026/jan/volvo-bzl-electric-continues-to-strengthen-the-bee-network-s-large-scale-electrification.html

#buses

Client Info