Transport software

http://www.mobexx.co.uk/content/software

I don't plug products for commercial reasons, but I cam across an advertorial for this company's bus network management software and just found it interesting to read about. Going to their website I notice they offer a turn-key package for taxis too.

If we are to tap in to the advantages of cars as transport, whilst minimising their negative effects, on thing we don't want is a million and one minicab firms each with their own phone number / controller and each only willing and able to dispatch one of their own vehicles. I don't know what scalability the mobexx software has, but an integrated taxi/minicab service for London (or even on a larger scale) makes sense.

Re-sue those tetra paks

http://www.bicycology.org.uk/tetra_pak.htm

Here's a Blue Peterish "make" - Tetra Pak becomes wallet/purse

Barking & Gospel Oak Line

It looks like the weekend disruption on the B&GO will continue for at least another year (see news below). I really can't work out what it is they're doing that's taking so long - and we had a recent spate of signal problems (!) and train failures. It was like the old days. I don't know why technicians haven't improved the bit of track just outside Barking where the train jolts, nearly throwing people over. I have reported it but I'm just ignored.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/livetravelnews/realtime/rail/rail-all-future.html

"LONDON OVERGROUND PLANNED CLOSURES ON GOSPEL OAK - BARKING LINE: To enable the running of more frequent and reliable services across London, on time for the Olympics in 2012, there will be temporary closures on various lines of the Overground network. TfL will run two rail replacement bus services an hour calling at all affected stations in both directions.

The first set of improvements, to enable the running of 4 trains per hour will take place at weekends on the Gospel Oak to Barking line until 2011 during which time there will be a reduced service most weekends.

LONDON OVERGROUND PLANNED CLOSURES ON RICHMOND - STRATFORD LINE: In addition to this, further works are scheduled to take place on most Sundays until 2011 on the Richmond to Stratford line. TfL will also run a rail replacement bus service during these times.

There will be an extended period of line closure between GOSPEL OAK - STRATFORD in the first half of 2010. Dates are still to be confirmed."

Barking Station

As most people will know, Barking made it into the worst 5 stations in England and Wales. The full report from which that information is taken is here

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/stations/betterrailstations/

Rumours are spreading that the Barking Dog will be closing to make way for redevelopment, but 'better stations' speaks of £50 million to spend on 10 stations - noty enough to rebuild Barking. The council has a master plan for the station quarter, of course, but whether developers are waiting in the wings I don't know.

Axe Street Cycle Lane

I'm pleased to report a small but welcome campaigning victory. Axe Street, Barking was made one way in the 1970s. A few years ago, the one way restriction was partly lifted to make things easier for construction traffic for the many new buildings in or near the street. A few weeks ago, I objected to a plan to re-introduce 1 way working, saying that one way streets are against the council's policy of promoting cycling. As a result the council has offered to install a cycle lane to allow cycling in the opposite direction to the general traffic flow.

Right to ride to school

"All children should have the right to cycle to school.

There are many excellent programmes designed to promote cycling to children – such as Bikeability and CTC’s Bike Club.

But there remains a persistent problem - many children are unable to cycle to school because:

* they don’t know how
* their parents would rather drive them
* they don’t have anywhere to keep their bike
* their school actively discourages this mode of transportation

It is especially frustrating when children who have received Bikeability cycle training and whose parents are supportive of cycling are unable to cycle because their schools forbid them from bringing their bikes onto school grounds … or just forbid them outright.

In response to these concerns, CTC will be releasing a campaigning kit for families who want their children to be able to cycle to school despite opposition from head teachers and/or governors. "

Cycle to work guarantee

"A healthier workforce means higher productivity. Cycling to work is a great way for people to get, and stay, fit and healthy.

The Cycle to Work Guarantee is a voluntary initiative from the Department for Transport, challenging businesses to become cycle friendly employers by making it easy for staff to cycle to and from work.

By signing up, your business can signal its commitment by providing the facilities and incentives to help your workforce become healthier, greener and more productive.

• Secure, safe, and accessible bike parking

• Good quality changing and locker facilities

• Offset the cost of cycling equipment and save on the tax through the ‘Cycle to Work scheme’

• Bike repair for cyclists on or near site

• Training, reward and incentive programmes to achieve targets for more cycling