Yearly Archives: 2023

Three Into One Doesn’t Go

It Was An Oyster What Done It The political, technical and PR genius that created the “integrated” (but very much NOT integrated) transport service for London was the infamous Oyster Card. It was this card which enabled passengers to travel seamlessly between modes, For those unfamiliar with the genre, you load you card with money then tap in and tap…

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Short term thinking at its very worst

  Rishi Sunak’s new ‘Plan for Motorists’ and his decision to cancel Phase 2 of HS2 are not ‘long-term decisions for a brighter future’  Rishi Sunak at his ‘Net Zero’ press conference last month  In my last column for Passenger Transport, I observed that it never helps when No 10 or No 11 take too close an interest in transport…

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Why isn’t multi-modal integration a priority?

‘It’s the thing everyone wants but in so many ways it remains elusive. Last week’s Great Transport Debate examined why we can’t join up journeys  The debate brought together executives from the air, rail, bus, micro-mobility, taxi and active travel sectors in Manchester Airport’s Concorde Hanger   Why hasn’t more progress been made to integrate different modes of transport to…

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‘Ragtag’ investments cannot replace HS2

Prime minister Rishi Sunak announces that high speed line won’t go north of Birmingham – but ‘every single penny’ saved will be invested in transport  The government has scrapped HS2 north of Birmingham   After a long and intense period of speculation, prime minister Rishi Sunak finally announced that his government is scrapping HS2 north of Birmingham this week. Addressing…

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We need inclusive leadership

October marks Black History Month, an opportunity to build understanding and bridge divides  The theme of year’s Black History Month is ‘saluting our sisters’  By Nafisa Nathani October marks Black History Month. The theme this year is ‘saluting our sisters’ – recognising the important role Black British women have played in modern Britain through building communities and inspiring change. Throughout…

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A transport debate with a difference

  Last week’s Great Transport Debate in Manchester brought together all modes of transport, and more. But what did we learn?  A quirky venue (underneath a Concorde aircraft) and a quirky host (yours truly)   I’m not going to lie but I make it my place to avoid corporate and social events. I am actually socially awkward and find them…

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It’s A Right Mess – Innit?

Septuagenarian’s Silly Signal Box At the moment it is, indeed, a right mess! But it should look better with some retouching, some mortar between the stonework and a few applique details. Peterville Quarry Railway’s house colours are blue and white ; but there may be too much white. fbb will see after the mortar courses treatment. London’s Bus Services : A…

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Very Handy Andy : Fine And Dandy (3)

Curiouser And Curiouser There are three stations called Watford. One is actually just called Watford but tends to be known as Watford (Met) for Metropolitan Line. (above map, centre left, definitely an “Underground” station). The station is quite sweet realty and probably the least used of the three. Watford High Street (map bottom right) was served by the “Watford Electrics”…

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Commercial Manager – trentbarton

  Commercial Manager   A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen within our really good bus company and we’re on the hunt for someone to step up and take a leading role within the commercial team of one of the most dynamic, customer focused and forward thinking bus companies in the UK. The individual At trentbarton we’re all about people,…

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