No longer eating in style

" it will only allow first-class passengers to sit down in the restaurant car ”

From next month, First Great Western services between Penzance and Paddington will offer a sit-down dining car place only to first-class passengers, except on two journeys a day. Meanwhile, Arriva Cross Country, which runs the longest haul rail route in Britain between Penzance and Aberdeen, is getting rid of its buffet car and installing seats instead to ease overcrowding . A spokesman for First Great Western said the new dining car arrangements had been forced on the company by the recession. From May 18, it will only allow first-class passengers to sit down in the restaurant car on most services into Paddington. The exceptions will be the 6.03pm and 7.03pm trains out of the capital when anyone will be allowed to eat in the dining car. Image - Train Breakfast by Grumbler (cc)

Secure Stations

" Rail customers across the South West will feel safer and more secure when they use stations run by train operator First Great Western ” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz Others... TGP Exeter Riddle TGP 3x3

A SOUTH west train operator has been awarded for high safety levels at more than 170 of its stations. First Great Western has attained Secure Stations status at 171 stations. The status is part of a national scheme, led by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police, which recognises stations that have worked with police officers and other local partners for the best possible security measures. This is Plymouth Photo: Plymouth Station Ticket Hall by Macspite. (Flickr under creative commons) I assume that this news release was more about there being more than 170 (171 in fact!) now  included as Plymouth at least was awarded this status way back in 2005: Rail customers across the South West will feel safer and more secure when they use stations run by train operator First Great Western because all of the company’s stations in the region have now been awarded national Secure Station status by the Government. Plymouth and Totnes are the latest two First Great Western stations in the South West to win the accreditation, which shows that stations meet tough standards of design, management, security and passenger safety. They join Newton Abbot, Exeter St Davids, Tiverton Parkway, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads, Bath Spa and Chippenham stations, which all received the award earlier this year. FGW 7 Dec 2005 The Secure Stations Scheme is an opportunity for Britain's rail companies to improve security at their stations and display to their customers their desire to reduce crime. Recognising the public's fear of crime at stations, the Scheme provides an incentive to station operators to improve security and provide reassurance to passengers and staff. This national Scheme covers all rail and underground networks which are policed by the British Transport Police [BTP]. It establishes standards of good practice and accredits individual stations which have worked with the BTP and other local partners to implement security measures. Launched in 1998, the Scheme was independently reviewed in 2003 and subsequently revised in order to simplify some procedures and encourage more operators to take part. The Scheme is directed by the Department for Transport and the BTP. More… I guess that Devonport Station has yet to achieve this honour? (There does not seem to be anywhere where you can view which stations are covered by this scheme)

Devonport hits the Top Ten

"young people think it is fun to play 'chicken' with a 200 tonne train ” dbg elsewhere Numbers 20000000 Faceoff: Maternal

There’s a bit of a rail theme with my postings this week, catching up on some of the news over the past week or so. Devonport Station, pictured above, has hit the top ten - but sadly its not a position it can be proud of. Network Rail has announced the top ten regional hotspots for railway crime in 2008, and Devonport comes in at number 10. Link "We are working hard to tackle the most dangerous crimes where young people think it is fun to play 'chicken' with a 200 tonne train going at 100mph or place objects on the line, which could have catastrophic consequences." I guess that being in a cutting, and hidden from view from main roads its its quite vulnerable to railway crime. Although overlooked from the road bridge, its not exactly a busy road. I guess there is cctv etc covering the area, but catching people in the act is not that easy. Its not all bad news for our local railway stations though, as tomorrows post will point out!

Flickr Sunday Best Plymouth Citybus 203

"Perhaps their greatest fames is that they saw off the awful Renaults before them” dbg Elsewhere... 45 billion Others... AECRegent on Flickr TGP Sale of the Century Ancient and Modern Omnibuses2.0 Missed Opportunity?

©AECRegent: Royal Parade 1992 New in September 1990 one of four Mercedes 709D bread vans purchased. Two like this one with Reeves Burgess bodies whilst the other two had bodywork by Wadham Stringer. Large numbers of Plaxton (owners of Reeves Burgess) bodied buses followed to the same design. I am sure very few people, passengers or enthusiasts alike would call these buses their favourites but they have served a very useful life in Plymouth. Perhaps their greatest fames is that they saw off the awful Renaults before them. The early first half of the 1990’s were rather boring for Plymouth in that both Citybus and Western National were buying almost identical buses. Plaxton bodied Mercedes bread vans and Dennis Darts for both companies.

Western National Atlantean almost new

" as a very young bus spotter the VUHs were seen as being a bit special ” Others... Lady Wulfrun Flickr TGP Egypt in Devonport

I am out on Friday evening so was wondering what to post in advance. I then came across this excellent rare shot of a very new Atlantean of Western National which is interesting in so many different ways. The contrast of the square lines of the the Plymouth City Atlantean on the roadway above with the rounder flowing lines of the Alexander body illustrate why as a very young bus spotter the VUHs were seen as being a bit special. It was always a treat to get a ride on one of these. Notice also that Bretonside was still using the ‘saw tooth’ bus stopping arrangements at this time, much more suited for rear loaders! New to Western Welsh in July 1971, this Alexander bodied Leyland Atlantean, VUH377J, is pictured just 13-months later working for its new owners Western National. Wearing Western National livery, the bus is seen loading in Plymouth Bus Station, prior to making the long journey to Looe in Cornwall. Photo: August 1972. ©Claire Pendrous

What the buses are up against

" Cars were used for 78 per cent of all trips of 2-3 miles ”

A new survey out today shows the number of cars has gone up by 30 per cent, from 22.7 million to 29.6 million in the last ten years, while the population only increased by 4 per cent. The survey found that 85 per cent of households in rural areas have adults with a car licence, compared to 65 per cent in urban areas larger than 250,000 people. In all, 46 per cent of cars clocked up less than 5,000 miles a year, with 8 per cent of all trips under half a mile in length using a car. Cars were used for 78 per cent of all trips of 2-3 miles and 80 per cent of journeys longer than five miles. News source: The Scotsman For original photo under creative commons by Jigisha click here * * * * * This is a cross over post from my numberzz blog as it shows just what the bus companies are up against. The fact that cars are used for 78 percent of all trips of 2-3 miles is a lot higher than I thought it would be. Even a ten percent swing back in favour of public transport would make a big difference in the city centres. Of course we have just had a budget which purports to be a green budget so you would expect measures are being put in place to help with this swing back to public transport. A balanced blog posting on the Omnibuses2.0 site would suggest otherwise!

Citaro Demonstrator

"if you want to catch it you had better be quick” dbg Elsewhere... numberzz 88 Others... TGP: Devonport

Plymouth Citybus now have two demonstrators working for them. The latest is this smart looking Mercedes Citaro which is running on the 21/51 to compare with the existing Citybus Citaros. It is only here for another week so if you want to catch it you had better be quick. Although I was lucky to catch it in town for a photo this afternoon as I was only in town for 15 minutes I could have done with it being a bit later then I may have had the chance for a ride, but never mind! The other demonstrator is the gold Enviro 300 SN08AAF which is still around, although I didn't see which route it was on as it passed me on Royal Parade as I was boarding a 50 home.

Woops

"The splle cheker dont wokr”

Sunday Best on Flickr: Citybus 166 and 169

" I wouldn't pass up the chance of a ride across the moors in either a VRT or an Atlantean these days ”

©Alredbus. 169 comes into view, again on the Dartmoor 82 run in September 1990, with a rear view of 166. It always seemed to me that the best way to see Dartmoor was from the top deck of a Western National Bristol VRT so I remember being disappointed when Citybus took over operation of the 82 for a short while. The VRTs always seemed more suited for the route. Having said that this is a great shot and I wouldn't pass up the chance of a ride across the moors in either a VRT or an Atlantean these days! Check out Alredbus’s Flickr page for other excellent Citybus shots.

Three of the best of one of the best

"With such an amazing structure it is easy to take a good picture, but to take fantastic pictures like these takes real skill!” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz 237000 Friends TGP: North Corner TGP: West End Omnibuses2.0: Power Others... Steve Lavells Flickr Reece Kasitz Flickr

As we get nearer the 150th anniversary of the opening of this great bridge its time for a few more great images as seen on Flickr.       © Steve Lavelle. Really nice atmospheric early morning shot. ©Steve Lavelle. In total contrast to the above shot I just love the rich vibrant colours in this shot. ©Reece Kasitz. Taken from a similar viewpoint, but the contrast couldn't be greater! With such an amazing structure it is easy to take a good picture, but to take fantastic pictures like these takes real skill! I just wish that I had that skill myself. As always with these posts, please visit their Flickr pages (by clicking the images) and explore their other photographs. There is plenty to see.

Bus Stops get cleverer

" another very useful display that would be welcome across the city ” Others... TGP chases Beryl Tom hits the Target Creative Bus Stops found on the net (Click for larger view)

© Terry Partridge Thanks to Terry I can bring you this picture of a new type of bus stop that has appeared at Admirals Hard. It seems it is now possible to have Real Time info at the smaller bus stops, and not just in the larger shelters. Interestingly it does also illustrate a slight problem in that the reason for the two 34’s within 2 minutes of each other is that they are both heading off in different directions, but both stop at the same stop on this one way loop section of the route. No destination is displayed in this shot although the stop does indicate it should appear in the middle column. As there are not that many places where buses head off in opposite directions this needn't be a big problem. All in all another very useful display that would be welcome across the city.   I last visited the subject of Bus Stops back on the 10th March when I wrote “Of course what would be nice is the Real Time display system being installed in the shelter but I am not holding my breath for this. We are still waiting for it to be installed at Derriford in our nice shiny new shelters - the fittings are there - but are boarded up. So all in all its slow progress. But at least it is progress!” I did get a very useful reply from Steve Bagley from the Sustainable Transport Team which I meant to post at the time, but it got missed and then lost in my unique filing system so never made publication. So here it is now! Thanks for your item on the new bus stop poles and flags. I thought I would make good use of this opportunity to clarify a couple of things while I'm writing to you. I'm sorry that it has taken so long to get to Leigham and Estover with the new infrastructure. As you can appreciate, we have over 1200 bus stop flags attached to poles, lighting columns and wooden telegraph poles that are due for replacement. Before this can be completed, I carry out a site inspection of the existing infrastructure with our colleagues from JCDecaux (our installation and maintenance contractor) and representatives from the bus operators. We ascertain what is needed at each location in the way of display cases (usually size and one for each operator) and how/what we attach the flag and case to. This can be either a new Trueform Elite post or a lighting column, depending on the individual location and the need to reduce street clutter. I personally prefer installing a new Trueform post as the modular system allows us to attach not only the flags and cases but also little extras like Bus Stop Clearway Order signs and 'Both Direction' roundels, etc. The timetable information that is displayed from the cases is supplied and installed by the bus operators. Unfortunately, the officer who takes care of the Citybus publicity is currently away although I am sure he will prioritise this location upon his return. With regard to the SMS text information not being displayed in the bus shelter across the road, new backing sheets for the shelter display cases have been produced and amongst other things, display the SMS text code in the 'footer'. Our roadside publicity colleagues at Citybus and First are installing these backing sheets and the missing SMS code will be displayed in due course (the code for the shelter opposite plyjtpa is plyjtpm). The three JCDecaux bus shelters installed at Derriford Hospital in November last year are all fitted to receive RTPI and I understand the we are still awaiting delivery of the electronic components to go in the shelter roofs before RTPI 'activation' can take place.  I trust that this information is useful to your readers and please let me know if you require any further clarification on bus stop infrastructure matters in Plymouth. Kind regards Steve Bagley Assistant Public Transport Officer Sustainable Transport Team Plymouth City Council Thanks to Steve for the detailed reply - sorry it has taken so long to get posted!

Danger Lurks where least expected

" I had no idea of the danger that lurks in bus stop shelters ” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz 31 Others... TGP looks down

When I took this photo nearly three years ago I had no idea of the danger that lurks in bus stop shelters… This is Plymouth Fire-fighters from Crownhill were sent to a bus stop on Taunton Avenue, Whitleigh, just before 1pm today. On arrival a girl was discovered with her leg trapped in a bus stop seating unit. She was released using small tools and hydraulic cutting equipment. I guess you can never be too careful. Hopefully she was wasn't hurt, although I am sure she was embarrassed!   More Bus Stop related stuff tomorrow…

Plym Valley Atlanteans

"I did see 201 out on the road and it looks fantastic” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz 1282 Others... Tom catches up with Tally Ho ”Show me a loss-making bus service and I’ll show you a bulging petition. These are inevitably signed by those who require their bus for no other reason than an insurance policy should their lift fail when they need to collect their 4x4 from its annual service” Omnibuses2.0 Click the logo for more details on  PCTPG

© Brian George © Brian George I didn't get the chance to visit the Plym Valley Railway over the weekend as I had hoped, although I did see 201 out on the road and it looks fantastic. Seemed to be carrying a good load too, in what was excellent weather for the day. A couple of photos from Brian George showing 201 and 137 down at Coypool.

Birthday Best: Western National Lodekka

" These days I would be more than happy to ride on a VRT, Atlantean, or even dare I say it, a National over a Dart ” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz: 44 Others... Fray Bentos on Flickr TGP Goes to the museum TGP Goes bus spotting Bristol MP demands answers! Omnibuses2.0 Laughable

©Fray Bentos Western National's no. 2107, a Gardner-engined Bristol FLF Lodekka, seen in Plymouth on Friday 25th January 1980. Half the interest of such photographs is now in the background detail. The rebuilt centre of Plymouth still retains something of an authentic post-war look. Over the road at Collier & Co. there appears to be a solidly-constructed 1950s shop front, and the Post Office has a pleasing "slab serif" sign. Hanging baskets are not yet suspended from brackets on the lampposts, nor are there any flower tubs or black-painted "Victorian" litter bins with letters picked out in gilt paint. I imagine the honest-to-goodness flagstones have since been lifted and the authentic railings on the right also replaced by some fraudulent black and gold horror   Continuing my ‘indulgence’ for my birthday is this great shot from Fray Bentos. By this time in 1980 I was living in Ford, off St Levans Road and was served by Plymouth City Transport Leyland Nationals on the 8/9 routes, but often chose to take a ten minute walk up to St Levans Gate to catch a Western National into town in the hope that I would get a Lodekka. It was either these or a fairly new Bristol VRT - much better than an Atlantean in my view. These days I would be more than happy to ride on a VRT, Atlantean, or even dare I say it, a National over a Dart! I missed the opportunity to ride on Atlantean yesterday but did get to see 201 DDR201C on the road whilst taking Zak to McDonalds for tea. Looked fantastic too!

Flickr Sunday Best: Western National 823KDV

"The Gardner engine FLF was new to WN in May 1963 and did a good 17 year stint before retirement”

"I've spent an age electronically cleaning this old slide up. Anyway, this was Paignton Bus Station, Devon on 25 August 1973. There's just a little bit of everything in this picture for the true Western National enthusiast. However, it's late, and I'm too tired to comment further, so I'll leave it to you guys" Claire Pendrous. Ritchie B also adds some extra info: The very thought of running a double decker on a journey as short as the one to Kings Ash would have a modern day scheduler apoplectic! Evidence of the NBC absorption of Devon General 2 years previously are manifold; the Royal Blue ad' on the Bristol LD, the block-lettered fleet name on the Regent V and of course the very existence of a poppy-red VRT. This Series II would be one of either the BFJ-L or ATA-L batches and retains its pointless rear wheel discs. A Duke of Edinburgh stand-alike takes his chances with anything reversing off a stand. The Gardner engine FLF was new to WN in May 1963 and did a good 17 year stint before retirement. Although this bus does not survive, fortunately sister 824KDV does. Its my birthday coming up on Monday so I feel like indulging myself, so as Claire has titled this picture as ‘Go On, Indulge yourself’ I felt I had no choice other than to feature this superb shot of Western National 2018 at Paignton Bus Station.

Easter Specials

"Just in case you are free tomorrow” dbg Elsewhere... Numberzz: 10447 Others... TGP: Faces TGP Clocks Off Omnibuses2.0 Consequences How Railway Works

Just in case you are free tomorrow just a reminder that the Plym Valley Railway are running Easter Specials as noted above. It is also hopefully the first public outing of Atlantean 137 which should be on display with Atlantean 201 out on city centre shuttle / tour duties. There are also details on the PCTPG web site of Mondays event at Buckfastleigh. Sadly unable to make that one myself but details below: The South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh are holding their Easter Transport Extravaganza with Vintage engines, auto trains, goods trains, classic vehicles, fairground rides in addition to the model railway and café and shop. Lots for all the family to do and see. We plan to take 137 leaving (Milehouse)at about 1000hrs and departing from Buckfastleigh at approx 1630 (subject to confirmation of SDR timetable). If you wish to travel please email us – pick ups at Milehouse (1000) / Coypool (1020) / Ivybridge Town Hall (1040) all our trips are free no charge for carriage is made – (PCT PG Reserve the right to refuse travel) More details

Stuck

"after failed attempts to move the bus, the driver admitted defeat”

A BUSY road in Mutley was closed for almost two hours yesterday after a coach full of French schoolchildren became wedged on a hill. The long Aiglons coach was attempting to turn right onto Alexandra Road from the steep Lipson Hill when its rear end got stuck on the raised road, opposite the Vale Service Station. Straddling both lanes of traffic, the incident caused immediate gridlock in the area and after failed attempts to move the bus, the driver admitted defeat and police were called to the scene. More on This is Plymouth Photo slide show shows the extra length Bova coach and how stuck it was!

Oliver Cromwell

" the imposing 70013 Oliver Cromwell was completed in 1951 ” dbg Elsewhere... Swimming Others... TGP goes to the museum Toms odd bits

©Smudge 9000 (Flickr under Creative Commons) The Great Britain II tour arrived at Plymouth station hauled by the stunning Oliver Cromwell and Nunney Castle engines. Lucky passengers on board the scenic Penzance-Bristol trip had the chance to sample dazzling views over St Michael's Mount, in Cornwall, before crossing Brunel's impressive Royal Albert Bridge, with its superb views over the Tamar estuary. A British Railways Standard Class 7, the imposing 70013 Oliver Cromwell was completed in 1951 and was one of just four locomotives to work the last steam rail tour before the 1968 steam ban. This is Plymouth Not seen any local pictures of this event yet, but did find this stunning shot of the train by Smudge 9000. As always I encourage you to view more of his photos here

Does this make me a terrorist?

"I wonder how long I will be able to take photographs like these” dbg Elsewhere... Snake Numberzz 12.5 Others... TGP: South Circular Omnibuses2.0 Oxford and Black Velvet Woops!

With the way things are going in this country I wonder how long I will be able to take photographs like these! A selection of Police car and vans taken during March just to give a flavour of what they are driving around Plymouth. This includes an MOD Service Police van and a CCTV van