The bus that's making a splash on the Clyde

An amphibious bus is being tested on the river Clyde which could replace the Yorker to Renfrew ferry which will end service in March. Will it really work? The video is worth a watch anyway. There is a tour bus called the 'DUK' in London which uses a ex military vehicle which is part boat and part truck. The difference with this bus is it actually looks very much like a coach, so much that I am left wondering how it floats!

Travel Connections

The tracks don't go everywhere and Scotrail have produced a really useful section of their website which describes links to other transport options. See it here along with a guide to download. It includes details of bus and ferry links, airport connections and cycling by rail. Things that you might not know about include all in one ferry and rail tickets, a cycle rescue service for rail passengers, bus travel in town (included in the price of a train ticket) and airport links. Something travel companies are very poor at is joining up methods of transport. Scotrail is leading on this, lets hope the other train companies catch up!

Cheap East Coast Fares

East Coast Trains are offering cheap tickets through two newspapers - Scotland on Sunday and the Scotsman from today. All you need to do is collect three parts from a password to apply for your tickets. The East Coast railway was formerly known as National Express East Coast and before that GNER. Trains run from Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow, Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh to destinations along the east coast of England.

Day out to Edinburgh

If anyone is looking for something to do on Saturday 28th November 2009, 'The Christmas Pendle Scotsman' could be the answer. Compass Tours is running a special train to Edinburgh. Its just in time for the Christmas shopping or maybe just enjoying the festivities of Princess Street in the festive season including the Christmas Market. Or there is enough time to visit the Castle, or perhaps the brilliant National Museum. The train will run via the very scenic Settle and Carlisle Railway so there are views along the way too. Compass tours are a small organisation which arranges days out by trains for the general public to enjoy. The trains are staffed by enthusiastic volunteers who are dedicated to helping you enjoy your day out, so these are genuine fun trains.

Train or Coach

I recently had to head down to Dundee for a conference. The train fares were high (peak summer time) so I decided to look at coach tickets instead. So the final journey ended up being Megabus from Inverness to Perth, Citylink Coach from Perth to Dundee and back and then train from Perth to Inverness (National Express East Coast). Arriving at Inverness Bus Station I was looking forward to the journey as Megabus from Inverness uses new coaches that look pretty nice. My departure time was booked at 13.12 and since the coach is coming right from the bus depot, rather than other journey, you can be sure it will be on time...I thought. The tickets ask you to be there 30 minutes early for boarding. So at 13.00 there was no sign of the coach. At 13.10 it arrived. Ah well two minutes for us all to get on then. Only there was a problem. It sat there with the door closed. It seems we had the wrong driver. So when the right one arrived he got on and started checking tickets while the other driver helped us all load our luggage. So at 13.37 we left, very late. Before everyone thinks this is me being critical of Megabus let me explain. I understand Megabus to be a very reliable company, but in Inverness it is operated by Stagecoach Inverness a company that can't even get the first bus of the day out on time (0810 service to Dingwall - on time less than 50% of the times I've rode). On board my nice new coach was pretty good except the individual air vents were switched off. On a summers day with fellow passengers who perhaps are in need of a shower this was an issue. The journey was a long two hours.
Citylink was much better, for one thing the coach wasn't packed. So even if some of my fellow travellers had skipped the shower that morning I didn't notice. Plus the air was on, thank you Citylink. A pleasent journey to and from Dundee - and on time both ways.
Having enjoyed the conference it was time to head home and this was my train portion of the trip. Perth to Inverness first class on National Express. Well, you have to treat yourself after saving on every other bit of the trip! I was sitting at Perth thinking of dinner looking out over the Highland mountains. The Highland Chieftain is one of the few UK trains that still has an on board restaurant and the food is something else. The train was late, so I had lots of time to think of my dinner and to be honest I thought of very little else. Even after 30 years in service the HST still looks like a new train and I doubt there is anything more comfortable on the rails. I jamp on when it arrived and took a seat. Oh, it was a little hot. This reminded me of Megabus. The air conditioning was not working right. That is very unusual on the HST, its pretty reliable. Never mind dinner was about to be served. They always have the last serving just north of Perth from Monday to Friday. It was Saturday. Yes I had forgot that in my planning. Thoughts of a bowl of porridge and some toast were on my mind for the journey north.
Conclusions: avoid services run by Stagecoach Inverness. Citylink is pretty good if you are on a budget. Ask your Megabus driver (the one in the seat not the jolly yellow one painted on the side of the bus, to turn on the air), and check the day of the week before spending all conference thinking of your on board dinner.

Laurencekirk Reopens

The town of Laurencekirk is proud of their restored station. It was closed in September 1967 and fell into disrepair. This wiki image shows the extent of the decay only a couple of years ago when the platforms were gone and the building was in danger of being lost. Thankfully the Scottish Government decided to do something about this crazy sitatuion where a resonable sized town on a busy rail route has no station. The Station was restored and new platforms built. In May of this year it reopened and has been very popular with local people. The picture is from www.laurencekirk.info where you may see more pictures, details and find out more about the town.

NXEC no more

Yesterday I was writing about National Express East Coast offering 20% off their lowest advance fares, today they are back in the news again, this time having lost the franchise to run trains on the east coast mainline. The route runs from Edinburgh (and points north), Newcastle, York, Leeds to London. It is one of Britain's most popular routes and was Intercity's flagship in the 1990's with the high speed 225 electric trains. Today the Government has anounced that it is taking over the franchase and will run it until a new operator can be found. Ironic that British Rail's most successful route is back in state ownership, for the second time. Yes it has happened before. GNER (Sea Containers) won the rights to run as it was then known Intercity East Coast. Soon dark blue trains, stewards in smart uniforms and perhaps something of a return to the great days of rail was around as GNER lead the industry for customer service. GNER won the franchise for a second time but then in 2005 it was taken over by the government. Why? They didn't pay enough money. GNER didn't win the franchise for their customer service, they won for agreeing to pay a 1.3 billion premium to run the route. It was unaffordable. At the time Gerry Doherty, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, said "GNER is losing the contract because it cannot afford to pay £1.3bn to run the service, while at the same time the government is giving Sir Richard Branson £1.3bn to run the West Coast line,". Fast forward two years to 2007 and the Government and National Express now think 1.4 billion is a realistic figure to pay to run the route. At the time many industry insiders were wondering if anyone had learnt anything. Clearly they have not. Its still unrealistic. Yes, the East Coast makes money, it made money for BR, GNER and National Express, or would have if the franchiase rates were realistic. Of course the Government is well known for their over optimistic economic predictions...

What does this mean for the passenger though? Well the trains have been almost all refurbished, tickets purchase will be honoured and tickets for future travel are being sold. Thankfully unlike an airline going bust there is nothing to worry about. The route will continue as is for the time being and the most likely outcome is that a new operator will continue where National Express left off (National Express itself changed very little from GNER other than the livery). It would be nice though for the money constantly spent on new brand images, re franchising and other waste to be spend on trains or lower fares though. Do I ask for too much?

20% off National Express East Coast

From 30th June (today) until 4th July (happy Independence Day for my US readers ;), National Express East Coast is offering 20% off the lowest standard advance fares - so thats the standard class tickets you buy in advance but only the ones in the lowest price category. The offer is for travel between the 7th July and 20th September. See the NXEC website for details and happy summer hols.

The First Train and Bus

I came across this picture of a Greyhound coach (USA) and it reminded me of the remarkable story of First Group. In 1989 any visitor to Aberdeen would be familiar with the scruffy buses of Grampian Regional Transport. But this was also the year that the municipal bus company was sold off and an employee buy our resulted. The company improved services and was rather successful. So successful in fact that they started buying up other local city bus operators all over the UK. Then came the new name – First and a new bright cheerful livery. Together with new buses First developed a reputation for high quality, clean, comfortable and reliable bus services. In just twenty years they are now a global bus and rail company. Currently they own several UK railways including Scotrail, First Great Western, First Capital Connect and First Transpennine Express. My experience of their rail and bus services has been very positive. In Scotland they have really improved rail services since taking over from National Express. The impression is they are more serious about running the trains and they are certainly a lot cleaner. On a recent journey to Glasgow I enjoyed the comfort of a Scotrail (First Group) Turbostar train with comfortable seats, big picture windows and a catering service. Arriving in Glasgow I was able to use the local First buses with my train ticket which included local bus services (Plusbus). The bus stop (First Group again) had an electronic display telling me how long till the next bus. I got on and of course being a bus in an unfamiliar city I had no idea where to get off but they had even thought of that – there was an electronic display linked to a GPS system giving street names so you knew where the bus was! First has become a truly successful company with great transport products.

Bus travel in the USA has long been neglected. Greyhound is a huge company but it is interesting to see what First is doing. Route by route these new Greyhound coaches are appearing along with nice refurbished terminals. Here’s what First are saying: “In its continued commitment to offering the best in leisure bus travel, Greyhound Lines, Inc., the largest North American provider of intercity bus transportation, today began unveiling its fleet of new buses designed to offer a more comfortable riding experience. The first of the 102 re-designed buses debuted on the company’s New York to Montreal and New York to Toronto routes, with additional buses slated to begin appearing on the New York to Boston route by mid-April. Over time, Greyhound will replace the entire nationwide fleet.

“More than an updated paint job, our new buses offer a truly upgraded experience for customers and a new way to sit back and experience the open road,” said Dave Leach, president and chief executive officer, Greyhound Lines, Inc. “As the industry leader, Greyhound sets the bar for what bus travel should aspire to be, continuously evolving and innovating to offer the very best service.”

The new buses will feature a sleek exterior of strong blue and premium silver colors, highlighting a new Greyhound logo. Inside, passengers will be delighted with the vast upgrades and amenities available onboard including extra legroom, free Wi-Fi access, power outlets and three-point seat belts."

Some people may be skeptical but we have seen First’s track record. If anyone can transform coach travel in the US it is Greyhound. These are exciting times for Scotland’s bus and rail company, still Aberdeen based.

Unlimited Travel

There is something very liberating to know that you can go wherever you want. Yes get on any train (almost any time) and go anywhere. No need to ask how much or buy a ticket, you already have and it will allow you to go where ever you want, maybe even using a ferry or bus when the rails run out. There are some really good unlimited travel tickets around the country and I have started a page to describe them. So you like? And you wonder why rail companies don't promote them more? Well they would rather you bought and advance ticket and told them in advance you were coming and traveled only on their own services. However I'd rather you had a good time so check out the page.

Well it's been a busy day at work. Sometimes I wonder how I can fit it all in. I checked my diary and realised that it is only two weeks until I am due to go on annual leave. Those of us with more than two weeks work to get through are worried...

Something fun

Okay this is only very loosely related to Britain by Rail with it featuring a train set, but its fun so here you go:

Morph gets a train set. There are some really fun Morph videos on youtube at the moment from Ardman Animations, enjoy : http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=aardman&view=videos

Dining by Train

I'm just back from another work related trip down to Edinburgh. Scotland's capital city is something else, city centre gardens, a castle on a rock dominating the central area and a historic old town (not to mention the historic 'new' town), its got it all. Friday was packed with visitors enjoying the warm summer weather and all the delights Edinburgh has to offer. Unfortunatly I could only watch on as I sweated it out in my shirt and tie on the way to and from my meeting. I couldn't think of a better place to be meeting though...
On the way home I wanted to stop off in Perth and with some expensive Friday train fares decided to take the Citylink bus up instead. It was not at all bad! Plenty of space, a reclining seat, curtains on the windows - a proper coach trip. As for the jounrey time it took ages to get out of Edinburgh and into Perth compared to the train with its own route. However taking a more direct route between the towns meant that we got there in about the same time. I'd try the bus again if the train fares are too expensive. Talking of which I used to be able to get a good value Advance fare on National Express East Coast any time north of Edinburgh (south was always a different matter!) but they are almost gone now. I'll be taking the bus or Scotrail a little more often until they come back down. However from Perth on this occasion I got an open ticket and took the 'Highland Chieftain' HST back up the Highland Mainline. On a beautiful summer's evening with the sun lighting up the lochs and mountains I was able to enjoy dinner with a view. It was one of those train experiences where the destination comes too quickly. For the reasons of good food, excellent friendly train crew, comfort and the most wonderful views anywhere in the UK, an evening trip on the 'Chieftain' north of Perth will remain one of my all time favourite journeys.
Well back home now and plotting how I might get another trip in...

Virgin Trains Advert

This is a fun new advert from Virgin Trains with 'Becky' visiting 'Tom' and the realities and imaginations of her journey. Now before you all say 'its an advert, train jounreys are not like that', can I just say yes they are! All you need is a little imagination and someone special at the other end, or better still with you. Trust me, I've been there and done it ;). Be inspired and go visit that special person.

National Train Day Saturday 9th May

Here it is, National Train Day has arrived. The first National Train Day was held last year to celebrate the 140th aniversary of the 'Golden Spike' when America's first transcontinental railway was opened. It is a celebration of passenger trains in America and there are events all over the country for you to visit. You can find out all about Train Day, find out about events and join the Facebook community at the National Train Day website. This year's exhibits include the themes of 'Moving Green' and 'Trains move our economy', both pretty relevant issues at this time. You can download a preview of the 'Trains move our economy' exhibit here. It includes details of President Obama's plans for a US high speed rail network. For anyone who has travelled in America by rail you will know that while the trains are great, the network is not at all comprehensive. Many huge urban areas only see one train a day, if any, and many parts of the country lack any rail service at all. The plans won't of course provide trains everywhere they are needed but it is a good step in the right direction.

By the way, the icon above is one of a number you can choose for your Facebook page. I choose this one because I happen to think trains are much more fun with two :)

For now though, enjoy Train Day and be inspired for your next holiday. I wonder if we could have a train day here in the UK to highlight all that is good about our rail system...

Cheap Tickets on National Express East Coast

National Express are offering a discounted £9 fare to almost anywhere along the east coast route. The booking must be made by Tuesday - 5th so you don't have long but if you wanted a day out or a long weekend hurry and grab one while they are on offer. See the NXEC website for information and to make a booking.

Walking or Biking to work can improve your health

This is a great blog post about a new piece of 'research' that shows that walking or talking the bike to work can improve your health. It often amazes me how lazy people get when they buy a car. Suddenly the under 30 minutes walk becomes a car journey. Or the trip to the shops to buy a few items which we couldn't possibly carry home (probably becase we never do, but that's a different story for another day). Walking and biking uses our bodies and so is an excellent way to keep healthy. Combine them with getting too or from work and you can even do them as part of your daily routine, feeling better and not really having to make time for excersise. Of course if you don't live close enough to work there may be a bus or a train that you could take part of the way. Not being a great fan of cycling along public roads myself, cycle paths are a wonderful thing for me. However I did come accross this video for some ideas of places to cycle when there is no path, such as railings (I'm joking don't come asking to sue me when you break every bone in your body!).

Summer is almost here - great days out

One of my favourite tour operators is Compass Tours. As well as offering a good selection of days out they have friendly staff and enthusiastic volunteers who give up their time to make sure customers have a great day out. I have put a list of the summer 2009 tours on the website along with a booking form if you are interested. Click here to download. It is a large file so right click and then 'save target as' and it should download fine. The summer tour program includes days out to the Scottish Highlands, West Highlands, Edinburgh, York, Scarborough and Devon & Cornwall. The tours depart early morning, alow time in the place you wish to visit and then return home in the evening so they can save on expensive overnight hotel bills. If you are travelling as a couple there is the option of a private table for two in first class but the entire train is formed of comfortable and spacious intercity coaches so you will have a good experience however you choose to travel.

Offers

I've come accross some special offers to share with the readers and put them in the news section of the main website. In particular if you are planning a trip anywhere along the East Coast route anytime soon, book any Advance ticket before 6th April and you will get 20% off the price, and that is in addition to any railcard you may have. After that the 10% discount is back. Those discounts are only when you book online on the National Express East Coast website. See the above link though for all the offers.

Happy travelling over Easter.

The end of the line

Have you ever stood in a station and wondered where the tracks go. If you just got on the train and kept going where would you end up? Probably Thurso if you were heading at all north as its Britain's most northerly railway station and only a street away from the coast so you couldn't really go any further if you wanted to. There is something about the seaside terminus, especially the rural Scottish one that really attracts me. Standing there and seeing those buffers which represent the railways limits is something that shouldn't be undertaken without a little thought about the journey you have just taken. When I arrived in Thurso most passengers hurried out of the Station as quickly as possible. It was a cold day and a long journey so who can blame them? But it left me on my own in this remote outpost of the British rail network with the sun coming through the rafters to keep me company on a quiet afternoon. Thurso is one of my favourite stations for the very reason that it is the end of the line. Its remote, quite and has the atmosphere of a long journey having been completed. I have come somewhere very different to my home. I have attached a couple of other pictures of the Station so you can see its architectural merits. In an age where train stations are more often bus shelters it is nice to arrive at a substantial stone building with ticket office and comfortable waiting room. A building that says the railway is important. It may not be the lifeline that it once was, but its here in town and I hope will remain so for a long time to come.
Talking of the waiting room I came accross this even more exotic item on the wall - a picture of a Union Pacific steam locomotive. UP is an American railroad so I'm not sure what it was doing up in Thurso. If anyone know's drop me a line, I'd love to find out. UP is the world's only mainline railway which has a steam locomotive that it has never retired. It now joins a co locomotive in providing the UP steam program, a rather clever marketing tool for the railway company.
My own visit to Thurso was for a careers event where I was representing my college. Perhaps an event which requires a couple of display stands, plenty of literature and some goodies to give away on top of my own luggage might not seem like the obvious occuasion to use the train, but with a bit of thought it worked out really well. If I did have too much to carry you can always courier the extra at less cost than taking a car anyway. The careers event went really well with over forty people coming up to ask about our courses. Before it started though, and after I had set up, I had the chance to have a look round Thurso. Most people on holiday are probably taking the train to Thurso in order to catch the ferry to Orkney. Having had a look around I was not blaming them, Thurso didn't seem to be the most interesting of towns. But when I left the exhibition hall I was greeted with the most amazing view of these huge cliffs behind the town. Obviously I had gone up hill more than I had realised. I went down to the beach to get a better view and came accross my second surprise of the visit - the sea was filled with surfers! It was good fun watching them for a bit so I can only imagine taking part must be even more fun. Thurso it seems is one of Britain's surf capitals. California it might not be but if you like riding the waves maybe you should be taking a trip up here too.

The next day I took the train back and enjoyed one of the most scenic journeys in Britain. It doesn't matter how many times I take this train, it always seems to get yet more interesting as the seasons and lighting add variety to every journey.

BTP at 30th Street Station

The British Transport Police are the railway's own police force keeping travellers safe on their journeys all over Britain. With one of my friends in the force it is one that I naturally have an interest in and a fondness for. 30th Street Station is the former Pennsylvania Railroads impressive Philadelphia Station built in 1933 and now used by Amtrak. I've been there twice on my travels and it instantly became one of my favorite railway stations. It is the 3D definition of style and the photos do not do justice to this masterpiece. So I was interested to hear that the BTP did an exchange with their American Amtrak colleagues and were to be seen patrolling 30th Street. It must have been an unusual sight for the passengers that day! You can see the story and some pictures of the event here.

Well I'm just back from Thurso, another of my favourite stations some 160 miles north of here. I was up north for a careers fair with my job. Perhaps tomorrow I'll upload the pictures and let you see what it was like. Unfortunatly the snow kind of messed up the train windows so I am lacking pictures of the most beautiful sections of the line, but there are some good ones and a surprise in Thurso beach... to be continued.