February 2003
Well, it's just over a year since I moved to Colchester now which means that the Diary has come full circle. Regular visitors will recall that I was inspired to start the diary when I became a regular bus user again - sadly, the regular bus use did not survive beyond March but the diary did.
Regular readers will be gratified to hear that there will be no criticism of Arriva (my special friends) in this month's diary. As a matter of fact, I have something positive to say. I went on one of their new-ish Volvo B7s with Wright Gemini bodywork on route 29 (Wood Green - Trafalgar Square) recently and I was quite taken by the seat moquette. I can't say that I was particularly thrilled with the rest of the bus but it's a start.
Which brings me on to my next subject, the thorny issue of congestion charging (due to be introduced this month in our fair capital). I'll put my cards on the table and say that I'm broadly in favour of congestion charging - I say broadly because I think there should be a few more exemptions (taxis for instance). As an ex-London resident, I can see no reason why anyone would want to take their car in the the centre of London although I'm sure there are people out there who will enlighten me.
The need for some sort of deterrent was obvious when I caught a number 43 recently from Highbury Corner to London Bridge. Between Old Street and Bank, the bus was caught in a mire of private cars, most of which had only one occupant. It was coming on for the evening rush hour so none of the drivers seemed particularly keen on giving way to the bus (despite the fact it had a full load). Other buses in the vicinity were in the same predicament. I could have walked the distance in less time but didn't want to give up my front offside top deck seat!
I think our Ken should have paid a little more attention to the carrot before wielding his big stick, although I accept that his options probably were somewhat limited. Nevertheless, I think the charge won't be as bad as its critics predict and can only be good for the bus operator.