If you had a choice...

[deltabravo]

As discussed in other threads, the West Yorkshire Passenger Executive(Metro) is attempting to bring bus quality contracts to West Yorkshire. But they are also attempting to get funding for the proposed Leeds Trolleybus scheme.

Now, if the government said they had to choose between them, which would you go for?

Me, I don't really know. It would be great to see trolleybuses back on the roads of Britain. But, it is fair to say that bus services really need sorting out, particularly in Leeds, as its fair to say, deregulation is not working.

What would you choose?

 

[Oswyntail]

Can't see any benefit in trolleybuses. White elephants like "guided busways"

 

[Wyvern]

How are they different from trams, or do you feel the same way about them?

 

[exile]

Trolleybuses involve less disruption to implement and maintain as they use ordinary roads rather than steel rails embedded in the street (obvious I suppose!). On the other hand they can't run on tracks which mean fast running on dedicated routes isn't possible unless converted to guided busways. From the green point of view they are lighter than trams so probably use less energy in stop-start mode in urban areas but may use more at high speed - not sure though! I believe trolleys were last seen in Bradford in the mid 70s.

 

[starrymarkb]

As long as they don't go for these - http://www.transitstop.net/Gallery7/France/Caen - St Plerre Station - Bombardier Twisto GLT(1).jpg

 

[tbtc]

it is fair to say that bus services really need sorting out, particularly in Leeds, as its fair to say, deregulation is not working

Since First are the only commercial operator in most Leeds corridors there's not a huge need for "Quality Corridors". These are more useful on routes with a lot of competition/ confusing ticket ranges like we have in Sheffield on the Halfway - Fulwood corridor. We've now got a combined four minute First/Stagecoach service on the bulk of this route (inter-available tickets etc).

However, less need for this kind of arrangement where there's only one operator/ one set of tickets etc.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Since First are the only commercial operator in most Leeds corridors there's not a huge need for "Quality Corridors". These are more useful on routes with a lot of competition/ confusing ticket ranges like we have in Sheffield on the Halfway - Fulwood corridor. We've now got a combined four minute First/Stagecoach service on the bulk of this route (inter-available tickets etc).

However, less need for this kind of arrangement where there's only one operator/ one set of tickets etc.

Id rather have two operators confusing because at least they compete first in leeds just charge a fortune. In sheffield on the uni routes you can get a single for 60p with a student fare because they need to compete in leeds first just charge £1.90 to go six stops because they are robbing ba****ds

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

If trolleybuses were ever to make a comeback, would much of their routes have to use something similar to "bus-only" lanes on the roads, as these do seem to give public transport a real help in "rush-hour" periods.

 

[Nym]

Not really, so long as the routes had sufficent clearence for the standard UK vehicle running envelope I couldn't see a problem.

ie. Everything that needs 'low bridge' signs etc.

 

[Deerfold]

As discussed in other threads, the West Yorkshire Passenger Executive(Metro) is attempting to bring bus quality contracts to West Yorkshire. But they are also attempting to get funding for the proposed Leeds Trolleybus scheme.

Now, if the government said they had to choose between them, which would you go for?

Me, I don't really know. It would be great to see trolleybuses back on the roads of Britain. But, it is fair to say that bus services really need sorting out, particularly in Leeds, as its fair to say, deregulation is not working.

What would you choose?

No contest - The Bus Quality Contracts is what I'd plump for.

If nothing else, you know well in advance (at last in theory) of any changes to your bus routes. I know to my cost how annoying that can be
- I had 6 weeks of advance train tickets booked connecting with a no-longer existing last bus. If I'd known I'd have got my tickets at a different time and to a different station.

I suspect this is why a lot of people don't start using the bus - you never know how long it'll last for.

 

[LE Greys]

Ideally, the trolleybuses would have back-up batteries so that they could move (slowly perhaps) when not in contact with the wires. This might be a neat way to increase their flexibility, although it would add weight. I'm not sure just how much battery capacity you would need, but it's a good idea.