London Banter - View Single Post

Paul Corfield · July 8th 06, 09:20 PM posted to uk.transport.london

On Sun, 9 Jul 2006 01:57:00 +0930, (Aidan Stanger)
wrote:

Mizter T wrote:

Barry Salter wrote:
On Sun, 28 May 2006 19:39:25 +0100, "Chris Read"
wrote:

Why was this route withdrawn?

And when was it withdrawn?

29 April 2006 IIRC

A quick bit of Googling suggests that it was expensive to operate
compared to the number of journeys undertaken, plus with the Rotherhithe
Tunnel being closed for roadworks I would suspect it would have meant a
fairly major diversion compared to the short route.

Searching the tfl site shows nothing about its withdawal, and the search
results include several spider maps where it's still included. This
suggests that it may be temporary. However, the bus tender results page
list of routes does not include 395.

It was not awarded at retender - instead it was earmarked for
withdrawal. TfL do not advertise bad news or cuts to bus services.

I can assure you that there is no indication whatsoever that it is a
temporary withdrawal. The special buses that are required to run the
service have been sent away from London for other duties within First
Group.

Don't know why it was withdrawn, can only suggest it was never that
busy.

But even if they wanted ot keep it away from Canary Wharf, they could at
least have diverted it up Burdet Road to Mile End. TfL are well aware
that buses attract many more passengers when there are significant
destinations at both ends of the route, so there was really no excuse
for finishing at Limehouse.

I think the excuse is simple - they wished to devote the minimum amount
of resources to the route. Given that very expensive Mercedes Sprinter
buses were needed and they were dreadfully unreliable there was little
prospect of extra money being spent.
--
Paul C

Admits to working for London Underground!