CLOUD OF DIS-AIR

As the first flight leaves Birmingham International Airport after the European airspace closure, the authorities worry about rumours of a new dust cloud heading this way from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in the south of Iceland.

FROZEN BUS FARES - 19 Feb 2010

The sign on the front of the bus declares that bus fares are now frozen, as indeed are the passengers waiting to board the bus. In fact, in a remarkable philanthropic gesture by West Midlands Travel (now part of National Express... sigh) they have indeed postponed their usual January hike in bus fares because, quote:

The region's largest bus operator is freezing the price of all bus fares into 2010 to help the region recover from the effects of the recession. Bus fares have traditionally been adjusted at the start of each year.

The West Midlands has the highest unemployment levels in the country, with over 200,000 people out of work. National Express took the decision to freeze their bus fares to ensure customers can continue to access education and employment at a low cost.

Nice one and very welcome, now can we have the 42C service back please?

Ring and Ride Mk II ??

Is this a new concept in bus travel for the people of the West Midlands? Wherever you happen to be in Birmingham, you phone the bus company and tell them where you want to get on the bus and where you are going. The bus company obliges by putting up bus-shelters for you. Problem is you still have to wait for 3 buses to come along together but at least you are sheltered.

After a wait for the buses, in which time the weather has changed from sunny to rain, you get on your bus.
You arrive at your appointed destination just as the company has finished putting up the stop for you. A word of warning if you have to cross the road... remember to wait for the other 2 buses behind to pass.

Actually all bus-stops are being altered so that the pavement is at the correct level for the kneeling buses, making it much easier for the aged and people with push-chairs, shopping trolleys and those in wheel chairs to board and disembark. This is a very welcome improvement. Of course this only works when there aren't cars or delivery vans parked in the designated bus-stop area - drivers please take note!