LTN shuttle bus is no longer free

In message <$Z9OBzndV2kHFAxU@perry.co.uk>, at 15:14:37 on Sun, 20 Jan
2008, Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk> remarked:
>And how will they identify "non-train" travellers, so as to rip them
>off an additional 50% - presumably by the fact that they haven't got an
>onward train ticket, which won't be a great surprise as you buy them at
>the station after you've taken the bus trip.

And of course the barriers at Luton Airport Parkway station will eat the
tickets of people who have just arrived by train.
--
Roland Perry

In message <479370b1.64204395@news.***************>, at 16:05:26 on Sun,
20 Jan 2008, Neil Williams <wensleydale@pacersplace.org.uk> remarked:
>If there wasn't enough capacity (which I'm not even convinced about),
>standard off-the-shelf bendy buses or even double-deckers would be fine.

There was definitely not enough capacity. Almost every time I've used it
there has been a big scrum to get on board, especially at the station
end. Double deckers don't seem to be an "airport thing", possibly
because of the luggage issues. Simply using larger single deckers would
be the best idea. Or more conventional bendy-buses like the Stansted
long stay car park has.
--
Roland Perry

> >standard off-the-shelf bendy buses or even double-deckers would be fine.


Luton did try out double deckers (2 ISTR, so it was not the entire
service) a couple of years back. No idea what the results were but I
don't think they'd be that practical, luggage heaved up and down
stairs etc.

--
Nick

On Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:18:47 +0000, Roland Perry <roland@perry.co.uk>
wrote:

>In message <479370b1.64204395@news.***************>, at 16:05:26 on Sun,
>20 Jan 2008, Neil Williams <wensleydale@pacersplace.org.uk> remarked:
>>If there wasn't enough capacity (which I'm not even convinced about),
>>standard off-the-shelf bendy buses or even double-deckers would be fine.
>
>There was definitely not enough capacity. Almost every time I've used it
>there has been a big scrum to get on board, especially at the station
>end. Double deckers don't seem to be an "airport thing", possibly
>because of the luggage issues.

They certainly were for LT's old Airbus services and their forerunners.

Double decks provide almost all journeys on the very large network of
Airbus routes serving Hong Kong Airport. Loads of racks downstairs with
CCTV surveillance which is relayed on screens to the upper deck where
most, but not all, seats are located. IME a very efficient and well
used network.

>Simply using larger single deckers would
>be the best idea. Or more conventional bendy-buses like the Stansted
>long stay car park has.

The choice of vehicle is entirely dependent on the role, capacity and
more importantly the distance involved. A bendy bus with appropriate
luggage space can work just as well as conventional single decks with
luggage space (but running more frequently) but probably only for short
shuttle links.

The argument here seems to be entirely down to the change in from a free
service to a paid service with the badly designed FTR concept being
introduced. Off bus payment seems to be "fashionable" after TfL
introduced both the PBYB zone and then open boarding on artic routes.
Given London's tendering and contractual regime with fare income risk
borne by TfL such concepts can work. In private sector, "every penny
counts" regimes I don't think it does work. Evidence from York where
conductors were quickly put onto FTR probably proves my point.

For an airline service a one size fits all concept probably does not
work. Most places will have machines, a local transport authority desk
or info centre plus often a dedicated ticket office to buy a ticket and
get change before arriving at the bus. Hong Kong certainly has most of
those elements although the big reliance is on the Octopus system which
locals will understand but most visitors probably won't.
--
Paul C

In message <2477p3psb8l6mks2fctd2pd930osuskj80@********>, at 19:18:58 on
Sun, 20 Jan 2008, Paul Corfield <aooy65@dsl.pipex.com> remarked:
>>Double deckers don't seem to be an "airport thing", possibly
>>because of the luggage issues.
>
>They certainly were for LT's old Airbus services and their forerunners.
>
>Double decks provide almost all journeys on the very large network of
>Airbus routes serving Hong Kong Airport. Loads of racks downstairs with
>CCTV surveillance which is relayed on screens to the upper deck where
>most, but not all, seats are located. IME a very efficient and well
>used network.

But not five minute shuttle trips. As you say later, the distance is
important.
--
Roland Perry

Neil Williams wrote:
> There is a <snip>
> Scheidt-and-Bachmann ticket machine.

Actually it's a Shere FASTticket machine - I was in the airport terminal
this morning. It's also the type that only accepts debit/credit cards.

<snip>

In message <n3Llj.3998$L73.1749@newsfe1-win.ntli.net>, at 17:45:55 on
Wed, 23 Jan 2008, Sky Rider <sky.rider1@ntlworld.com> remarked:
>> There is a <snip>
>> Scheidt-and-Bachmann ticket machine.
>
>Actually it's a Shere FASTticket machine - I was in the airport
>terminal this morning. It's also the type that only accepts
>debit/credit cards.

Just the ticket (sorry) for buying a £1.00 trip to the station.

--
Roland Perry

Earlier today I noticed that some contractors were unloading a cash/card
Shere FASTticket TVM in Thameslink navy blue colours near the airport
bus shelters. Where it will go remains to be seen.

Roland Perry wrote:
> And of course the barriers at Luton Airport Parkway station will eat the
> tickets of people who have just arrived by train.

I wonder if this also applies to tickets issued to 'Luton Airport'.

In message <HApmj.82077$KC3.68797@newsfe6-gui.ntli.net>, at 18:08:39 on
Fri, 25 Jan 2008, Sky Rider <sky.rider1@ntlworld.com> remarked:
>In answer to my own question, the aforementioned TVM (which *looks
>like* it was commissioned by Thameslink in terms of the user interface
>and external aesthetics) has been installed next to the shuttle stop
>and has its own mini-shelter.

No doubt we will discover whether it keeps the rain out any better than
the other shelters in the vicinity.

Thanks for the update, I think I may well be using that machine soon.

[I have a trip that only makes sense, largely due to times of day, as
follows:

Drive to LAP (mid morning)
Train to London
Afternoon meeting
Train to LGW (to catch a suitably late flight)
All day meeting
Flight back to LTN
Bus to LAP
Drive home (very late)]
--
Roland Perry