London Traffic

Justin Bieber takes double-decker bus ride in London

15/11/2011 By Louise Williams Leave a Comment

Teen pop idol, Justin Bieber, is the latest in a line of celebrity faces ditching the chauffeur driven car and giving London’s famous buses a try after he was spotted catching a lift from his hotel to the ITV studios on a big red double-decker over the weekend.

Only a few weeks ago R&B singer Rihanna was spotted catching the London tube to her concert at the O2 Arena, while Made in Chelsea star and daughter of Sir Phillip Green the Topshop the tycoon, Chloe Green, was snapped catching the night bus home with a friend.

Now Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber is the latest celebrity to endorse public transport, although his bus trip may not have been 100% authentic as there seemed to be a whole camera crew in tow, and also a few minders to keep over-eager fans at bay.

The 17-year-old star is currently over in the UK to promote his Christmas album release, Under the Mistletoe, and is reported to be starring in his own ITV special to advertise the release of the festive record. In fact, at the time he was spotted on his hired London bus, the singer was being transported from his West London hotel to the ITV studios, possibly to record material for the upcoming show.

The teen pop star evidently enjoyed his ride on the open top London bus as he tweeted a picture of himself looking relaxed and enjoying the view from the top deck with the caption, “London Town.”

London bus checker app launched

28/09/2011 By Tracy Wilcox Leave a Comment

Bus users in London can now keep up to date on the very latest developments to their favoured routes and receive live updates at the click of a button thanks to a brand new app.

In August, Transport for London introduced its live data feed as part of its open data policy, the information from which has been used to develop the new bus checker application. TFL’s countdown site allows passengers to log on and check the progress of their chosen bus in real time, enabling them to make better use of their time in between services.

The application, which has been developed by FatAttitude, combines real time data relating to over 19,000 bus stops throughout the capital. Users can programme the app to alert them to any changes to their favoured bus route so they’ll receive information to update them on any cancelled buses or diverted routes, which could prove a godsend for busy city commuters. The app also displays the complete bus route, ideal if you’re travelling in an unfamiliar part of the city.

The bus checker application also boasts a GPS enabled map service which can direct users to their nearest bus stop, or find alternative routes in the event of a problem with their favoured bus route.

The iPhone application costs £1.49 to purchase, and can be downloaded from iTunes onto a range of devices such as iPhones and also iPads and iPod touch devices.

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Fine for dodging fares on London buses could be about to rise

26/08/2011 By Louise Williams Leave a Comment

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and Transport for London are considering increasing the fine for being caught fare dodging on public transport in the capital after the amount of money lost from fare evasion rose last year.

Figures revealed that the amount of money lost as a result of passengers on both the bus and tube network avoiding paying their fare rose to £63 million during 2010, the highest figure recorded in the last three years. The economic downturn and also an increase in the number of people using London’s transport system has been cited as possible reasons for the spate of fare dodging cases recorded last year.

The statistics showed that the case of fare evasion was worse on London’s buses than its tube system in 2010. The estimated cost to TFL for non payment of fares on buses was found to have risen by £7 million to £39.5 million, while this figure dropped for tube passengers from £22.3 million in 2009 to £19.6 million in 2010.

In an attempt to deter passengers from avoiding paying their fare, the mayor is looking at increases the penalty for being caught fare dodging from £50 to £80. The fine increase will come into force from January 2^nd if plans to introduce the heavier penalty are approved.

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Wi-Fi coming to London buses

11/08/2011 By Tracy Wilcox Leave a Comment

Wi-Fi connectivity is about to be rolled out on London buses, according to recent newspaper reports.

The plans to introduce free Wi-Fi for bus commuters in the capital is part of the mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s, plan to help improve connectivity for public transport users in the city.

It’s been reported that internet broadband provider, Virgin Media, are in the advanced stages of negotiation with London councils with regards to providing the Wi-Fi internet service for London commuters via the bus network. If successful, Virgin would need to install wireless routers throughout the city to facilitate the free Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s believed the plans to roll out Wi-Fi on London buses are in taking shape, and we could see this technology in place in the not too distant future.

If successful with their negotiations to be the Wi-Fi internet provider for the London bus network, Virgin Media would offer free Wi-Fi of half a megabit for every passenger, although a very basic standard of internet, the connectivity would be sufficient for sending emails and web browsing. However if you subscribe to Virgin then you’ll benefit from Wi-Fi of up to 10 megabits while travelling on the London bus network.

Should Virgin Media get the green light to continue with their Wi-Fi plans, this would mean serious competition for BT Openzone which currently serves the city with Wi-Fi internet, however it charges non BT customers for using their internet while out and about, whereas Virgin would provide free access to all.

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Bus protest by disabled passengers and pensioners causes disruption in London

27/05/2011 By Louise Williams Leave a Comment

A group of disabled and elderly bus passengers caused disruption in London yesterday morning by staging a protest in the capital to complain over the Government spending cuts.

Two wheelchair users handcuffed themselves to a London double-decker bus Oxford Street while a group of members from the Great London Pensioners Association held up placards to show their anger over government spending cuts and the way this is affecting the most vulnerable in society.

There were 8 protestors in total but despite their small number, the group succeeded in creating a tailback of 20 London buses in the capital and causing delays of up to an hour on the roads in some parts of the city. Many passers-by also joined in the protest to show their support for the demonstrator’s cause.

One of the protestors commented on how the cuts have affected his heating bills and says he believes the axe will fall on the public transport service next which was why he decided to join in on the protest. The pensioner said he was protesting on behalf of vulnerable people such as disabled passengers who would be affected should the Government decide to cut public transport services for this group.

However the Government say they plan to reform the benefit system for vulnerable members of society to ensure those who are most in need get the best level of help and support.

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London bus driver handed £122 for dragging woman 500 yards under his vehicle

06/12/2010 By Louise Williams Leave a Comment

The 23-year-old woman who suffered horrific injuries as a result of being dragged 500 yards under a London bus has slammed the £122 fine the male driver was handed describing it as a “kick in the teeth.”

Latisha Brazier a former fashion student and model has had her life turned upside down as a result of the incident and believes the punishment 32-year-old bus driver Kevin Parkinson was handed by a Westminster Magistrates Court last week did not fit the crime.

The 23-year-old was left with a broken neck, dislocated shoulder, two broken ribs, and punctured lungs after she was trapped in the bus doors and dragged for 500 yards before the bus drivers stopped the vehicle.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on a street central London. The student had attempted to board the bus, but the driver stopped her from getting on as he said he couldn’t accept cash in payment for the bus fare.

The bus drove off leaving the 23-year-old Latisha stranded. She then noticed the bus stop at a set of traffic lights and open its doors. At this point the model decided to jump onboard, but as she did so, the bus doors closed, trapping her inside. She was dragged for 500 yards before the bus was halted and suffered severe injuries as a result.

The London bus driver pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and also failing to stop and was fined £122.

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New Routemaster London bus prototype unveiled

11/11/2010 By Andrew Morgan Leave a Comment

A full scale prototype of the new generation of the London Routemaster bus has been unveiled this week for the very first time.

Dubbed the “Boris Bus” because of the London mayor Boris Johnson’s involvement in reviving the iconic bus, the replica complete was revealed at the London Transport Museum by the mayor himself.

It was thought the days of the open-platform London buses were gone forever after former mayor Ken Livingstone, removed the last surviving Routemasters from the city’s transport system back in 2005.

However the new and improved Routemaster is now in the pipeline with the first new double-decker bus due hit the streets of London in 2012, just in time for the London Olympics.

The prototype, which comes complete with an engine, will be trialled on London bus routes next year. TFL bosses, stakeholders, and passenger organisations will have the chance to give the prototype the once over, and give feedback on any elements which they feel need changing or improving before the design is finalised.

The new double-decker buses will emit 40% less emissions than the current London bus. Plus steps have been made to make the new design more accessible with three entry and exit points, and also two staircases onboard.

The first of the new design of Routemasters will be introduced in 2012.

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Princess Beatrice’s car sandwiched between a bus and coach on busy London road

13/10/2010 By Tracy Wilcox Leave a Comment

Princess Beatrice had what was described by one onlooker as a “lucky escape” on Monday afternoon when the BMW she was driving became sandwiched between a coach and a London bus on the busy roundabout at Hyde Park Corner.

The fifth in line to the throne was accompanied by her bodyguard who was travelling in the passenger seat. The Princess was reported to have been in tears following the collision between the bus and the coach, however both she and her passengers were able to walk away from the smash unharmed, but shaken.

The accident happened at the notoriously busy 6 lane roundabout at Hyde Park Corner in London, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, the home of her grandmother the Queen. Eye witnesses described the princess as looking “traumatised” as a result of the accident.

Following the smash on the busy London road, Princess Beatrice exchanged insurance details with the other drivers involved in the crash, and a replacement car was sent to collect her from the scene of the accident.

The 22-year-old’s BMW 1 series became wedged between the coach and bus travelling in the same direction around the heavily congested roundabout. The luxury car has since been taken away for repair, however due to the damage caused following the collision with the two larger vehicles, it’s highly likely the car will be written off.

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Motorcycles to use London’s bus lanes

08/12/2008 By Louise Williams Leave a Comment

Motorcycles will be allowed into most bus lanes in the capital by January 5th 2009, the Greater London Authority has announced. untitled

Red route bus lanes in London can currently be used by buses, cyclists and black taxis.

However, in line with Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s election pledge motorcyclists are also to be given permission to use the lanes.

Mr Johnson said: “I have long been staggered that while motorcyclists can use bus lanes in many other cities and some of our boroughs they were not allowed to use the Transport for London red routes.

“One of the ways we can ease congestion is by encouraging more people to get on their bike, whether pedal or powered, and I believe they should be able to share our bus lanes successfully and safely.”

Motorcyclists will be allowed into lanes on an 18-month trial, which it is hoped will ease congestion for other road users such as car hire vehicles and coaches.

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London traffic halted by Olympic Parade

23/10/2008 By Kate L Owen Leave a Comment

Britain’s successful Olympic athletes brought central London to a halt this afternoon as they made their way along the Olympic Parade route. untitled6

The sports men and women made their way from Mansion House to Trafalgar Square in their victory buses, led by the Grenadier Royal Guards band.

Crowds of supporters managed to find their way to Trafalgar Square for the victory parade, despite the disruption to traffic through the capital.

Sports fans gathered outside the Tate and a sea of waving blue hands greeted the athletes as the buses passed the famous fountains under Nelson’s Column.

Among the athletes lapping up the praise were 13-year-old Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds and double gold medallist Rebecca Adlington.

Speaking to the Press Association, triple Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy described it as “a great way” to celebrate their success.

He said: “It is the day that the athletes have been waiting for. It is going to be massive and it is a chance for us to say thank you to the public.”

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