Zen and the Art of Recreational Bus Travel

For a fair number of us weary commuters, travelling on any form of public transport is an ordeal.  Whether its overcrowded trains, high fares or slow journey times, it brings out the inner grouch in us.  Such manifestations of this may lead us to yearn for a 1950s utopia of steam trains, short pants and the Light Programme, or drive us to… drive – and add to growing traffic congestion.

One good thing about this 1950s utopia was the launch of paid holidays.  In the space of the last 50 years, we have progressed from a week at Butlins to that of a week abroad thanks to cheaper air travel.  The latter has resulted in higher CO2 emission sources from transport alone.

Overlooked by this increased demand for travel is the humble service bus.  Due to increased car ownership, it has till the last two years been in continuous decline.  Recent fuel prices and re-regulation of buses in Greater London have been the contributory factors to increased patronage.

We tend to travel by bus on short to medium distance journeys, with the rest of the journey completed by a longer train or coach ride, and possibly another bus at the end.  What we do forget is that some journeys are best enjoyed by bus than any other form of public transport.

Its piece de resistance lies in rural and semi-rural routes for the views ahead.  The UK is blessed not only with its scenery but also, in some areas, double decker buses.  Which other vehicle allows for unrivaled views of the scenery ahead besides observation railway coaches?

A long bus journey on a most scenic route allows the passenger time to dream, some space to relax, and forget about the tedium of the desk/commuter cattle truck/rush hour traffic.  It allows us to stop and stare like the sheep and cattle on the hills, though anywhere between 3′ – 7′ above ground.  On higher terrain, we are treated to birds’ eye views of the horizon (especially on double decker vehicles).

The Zen Guide to Recreational Bus Travel

1. If you are unfamiliar with the route, research as many sources on the route (maps, timetables, sightseeing, fares);
2. Take a good book or newspaper(s) to read on the most monotonous parts of the journey;
3. Take a digital music player with you (remember to keep this at a sensible volume to the passengers);
4. A bottle of water is a must for long journeys;
5. Your backpack is a good friend: it saves carrying multifarious carrier bags and would hold enough for a day’s non-clothes related shopping, literature, food and drink;
6. Allow time for a dinner stop on your journey;
7. Allow for toilet breaks;
8. If you are a member of English Heritage/National Trust, put your membership card to good use: public transport users can gain discounted admission in some National Trust properties;

Scenic Routes Worth Trying:

• 343 (Oldham – Mossley – Hyde): the only route which connects each of the four constituents of the former Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Board. Worth using for Stalybridge Country Park and views of Mossley;
• 273 (Bolton – Ramsbottom – Rawtenstall): the best way to explore Holcombe Brook and the Irwell Valley. Please note that this route will be replaced by the 49 come the end of 2009 – continuing to Todmorden via Bacup;
• 528 (Rochdale – Ripponden – Halifax): in my opinion the most scenic route to Halifax from Rochdale. With views of Blackstone Edge, the CAMRA listed Moorcock Inn and moorland scenery, what is there not to like?;
• 503 (Weymouth – Portland Bill): fact: Weymouth is home to FirstGroup’s only Bristol VRT in regular service. Running throughout the summer season, this is an open-top route which takes in superb views of Chesil Beach and Portland;
• 555 (Lancaster – Ambleside – Keswick): what is there not to like on this route: stupendous views of the Lake District, unrivalled access to the Lake District and sheep? You’ve got to do this route some time before you leave this world.

Finally

It is worth noting that most bus routes outside Greater London are commercially ran. As per the 1985 Transport Act, bus companies determine the frequencies, which also means frequent changes to the timetable of each route or buses within that given area.  Frequencies and journey times may be changed at short notice due to road works or service withdrawal.  If you are unfamiliar with the route or need to clarify the route’s timetable, consider telephoning the local bus company/companies or Transport Direct.

Alternatively, log on to Transport Direct’s website or any of your local bus companies’ websites.  If the local operator is part of a transport owning group like First, Stagecoach or Arriva, you may be able to search their website(s) by area.

It also pays to be at the bus stop some 10 minutes before your desired journey, to allow for early running, or late running buses on earlier journeys.

Though bus companies are carrying more passengers (due to free travel for aged persons), services are still no more profitable than before, if there is a low number of full fare paying passengers.  This may result in some lesser routes being withdrawn, so please support them to avoid this scenario.  On a personal note, whilst off work, I like travelling during the weekday off-peak periods due to higher frequencies than, for example, Sunday and Bank Holiday services.

The best book on the subject is David McKie’s treatise on little known bus routes throughout the UK. It focuses on the routes less trodden on and some of the lesser known local landmarks which are just as important (locally) as St. Paul’s Cathedral or The Great Pyramids.

Well, I’d better leave you to your own devices and let you return to when ‘we had time to stand and stare’ by forgetting everything other than your bus fare/pass/day saver/return ticket.

S.V, 07 September 2009

Now Reopen the Woodhead Line!

A57/A628 Mottram-Tintwistle Bypass funding rejected

Courtesy of an email from one of my fellow comrades, I am proud to announce one ‘No’ vote which will have greater benefits than that of The Car Lobby v. The New Trams.  It is of great pleasure for me to announce that the North West Regional Development Agency and 4NW has rejected funding for the Mottram – Tintwistle bypass.

The bypass would cut through the heart of Swallows Wood and Arnfield Reservoir, which would lead to degradation of the environment, increased noise pollution and traffic fumes.  Among the successful lobbiests against the bypass were Save Swallows Wood and the Tameside Nine Towns Green Party.

Estimated costs for the bypass increased from £184 million in July 2007, reaching £223 to £315 million by June 2008.  Emma Lawrence from Save Swallow’s Wood stated “Of all the schemes being proposed Mottram Tintwistle was the most expensive and the most environmentally damaging. This is the first time a sensible decision has been made relating to the bypass and is a real cause for optimism amongst campaigners”.

The Tameside Nine Towns Green Party also support proposals to extend the proposed Piccadilly – Droylsden Metrolink line to Glossop, with extensions to Denton and new rolling stock.

A good move I say, but I reckon we should seriously think of reopening the Woodhead line.

Closed under the Thatcher led Conservative government in August 1981, the Woodhead line was considered as a trunk route for bulk freight in Dr Beeching’s ‘The Reshaping of the Railways’.  Reopening the Woodhead line would potentially bring improved links with Sheffield and Barnsley from the Tameside area, assuming Guide Bridge becomes an intermediate station for Sheffield bound trains.  The current journey from Manchester to Barnsley by rail involves changing at Huddersfield for the Penistone line (which is no bad thing if you love scenic routes but not speedy travel) – at least 90 – 120 minutes – compared with up to 90 minutes by road.

The Woodhead line could also be a suitable diversionary route for East Midlands Trains services to Norwich, whilst the Hope Valley line is closed for engineering works.  This could avoid the need for reversal at Sheffield before continuing to Chesterfield or Manchester.  Reopening the Woodhead line could increase journey opportunities for Glossopians whose only way of travel to Sheffield is likely to be the Woodhead Pass (A628) or Snake Pass (A57).  Rail using Glossop folk are forced to change at Piccadilly.  A Sheffield service over the Woodhead line could call at Dinting, providing connections with the stopping service.  This could only work if the Hadfield – Glossop section is doubled.

Now the funding has gone for the bypass, let’s campaign for improved public transport based solutions for Tameside and Glossop.

Hopefully, those bypass signs near The Gun Inn will be demolished.

S.V, 18 March 2009.

Nightmare on Deansgate

If Manchester Votes ‘No’ To £3 Billion Transport Plan, Will The Last Person To Leave Deansgate Allow Extra Time For Their Journey?

“…So Roll Up and See/How They Rape the Universe…*”

Longdendale Bypass public enquiry, Stalybridge Civic Hall

Opponents of the Longdendale Bypass criticised plans to build a 3.5 mile across Green Belt land between Mottram-in-Longdendale.