Most readers of this blog will probably have had Mark Hill's email messages this week (2nd / 3rd April). He reports on being invited at the last minute to a meeting with National Express, where it seemed they'd decided not to run any more double decker buses down All Saints Rd, but to reintroduce the 27 to All Saints and Abbotts.
A second message suggests this may not be on the cards after all.
So if anyone knows for sure what's happening, or likely to happen, feel free to post a comment! We seem to be in need of a channel for consultation between the company and residents. The councillors are clearly doing their best. Any ideas beyond that?
Friday 3 April 2009
Friday 6 March 2009
not much to report
Apparently there was a meeting on Wednesday night. We were at a different meeting - about the very positive plans to improve this area by developing the site and amenities around All Saints church. An email from Councillor Mark Hill reports on the transport meeting, and most readers of this blog have probably got that message. It basically says that National Express are aware of problems with their routes in our area and are looking into them. We no doubt need to remain vigilant. So far, it seems that none of the buses which started using All Saints Road in late January are now doing so, but the long term picture remains unclear.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Or are they?
Several phone calls this morning (Thursday 19th) when the 76 was spotted using All Saints and Abbotts again - and then it went quiet and they seem to have gone ...
They're back
Residents at home on Thursday morning (19th Feb) will know that the decision to stop running the 76 down All Saints Road can only have been temporary, and the noise and intrusion on privacy has returned with the buses.
Councillors have a meeting with the company at Yardley Wood garage on Wednesday afternoon.
Councillors have a meeting with the company at Yardley Wood garage on Wednesday afternoon.
Tuesday 17 February 2009
A bit more news
A resident on Abbotts Road spoke at some length to an operations manager and her assistant(?) from the company yesterday (Monday 16th). They seemed surprised to learn of some of the things that have been happening in our area, such as occasional use by the 76 of Hazelhurst Rd, the use of the last part of Abbotts Rd as a de facto bus stop to let school students off before the bus reaches Vicarage Rd ...
There is apparently some indication of a recognition by the company that the route is not satisfactory, but their own operational considerations (driver rest times, published timetables etc) obviously put constraints on what can be changed and on what timescale. We as residents are not unreasonable, but we need definite assurances, preferably in writing, of any changes planned and definite dates by which they will be implemented.
There's a meeting scheduled for next week between the company and the councillors, and residents will no doubt wish to make sure that their views are clearly represented there - so do please maintain communication with the councillors.
There is apparently some indication of a recognition by the company that the route is not satisfactory, but their own operational considerations (driver rest times, published timetables etc) obviously put constraints on what can be changed and on what timescale. We as residents are not unreasonable, but we need definite assurances, preferably in writing, of any changes planned and definite dates by which they will be implemented.
There's a meeting scheduled for next week between the company and the councillors, and residents will no doubt wish to make sure that their views are clearly represented there - so do please maintain communication with the councillors.
Monday 16 February 2009
Update
When a sizeable number of residents chose to park by the kerb for a few hours, it became even more obvious than it was already that these roads are unsuitable for regular bus traffic. Officials were seen taking photographs, but as far as we know they didn't take the opportunity to speak to any residents. A reporter from the Birmingham Mail did, however, so expect a bit of press coverage shortly! From early on Monday morning, it would appear that neither the 27 nor the 76 has been using the road. Let's hope this can all be sorted out in a permanent and satisfactory way soon.
A reminder: no-one we know of is advocating the taking of any dangerous or illegal action of any kind.
Nor is the reaction of local residents NIMBY-ism: we don't want to see bus routes suddenly imposed on ANY quiet, residential roads where they are unsuitable. We value public transport as part of an integrated, properly planned service to the whole community.
A reminder: no-one we know of is advocating the taking of any dangerous or illegal action of any kind.
Nor is the reaction of local residents NIMBY-ism: we don't want to see bus routes suddenly imposed on ANY quiet, residential roads where they are unsuitable. We value public transport as part of an integrated, properly planned service to the whole community.
Sunday 15 February 2009
Minor victory!
It seems that the 85 has now been re-routed. Unfortunately, as no representative from the bus company seems to think it necessary to keep residents informed, we only know this by watching what happens. So let's see what happens with the 76 ...
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