Category Archives: Transport

The bus lottery

I’ve just played the bus lottery.

The rules are simple; if you find yourself at Gateshead Interchange, in need of a bus in the direction of Deckham, Sheriff Hill or Wrekenton, then you can play. If the X1 arrives first, you have to go straight home. But if a 28, 56, or 57 arrives first you have to get off at the Three Tuns and have a beer.

This evening, a new rule was added. If a 57 turns up seconds after an X1, you have to disregard the first bus and run to the 57.

I’m now drinking the only bottle of Double Maxim in the Tuns’ fridge.

Metro

There’s a definite similarity between these Metro stations.

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I’d like to think that the Berlin decor has been influenced by its Tyne & Wear cousin. Which, since the same company owns both, that might actually be the case.

Bus rules

Bus Rule No 1: make sure that potentially mad people get on the bus before you to minimise the risk of them sitting near you.

Trains

This really isn’t a great week. Electrical problems at Newcastle meant that my train was delayed. Then, because so many delayed trains were using the same line, it ran very slowly. So there was no chance of catching the connection at York, even though I’d allowed a big enough gap to allow for any problems.

I had the all to frequent decision as to whether to continue or turn back. I’ve chosen not to go home, since I should still catch the last couple of hours of the meeting. Hopefully, it won’t end early.

Buses

I feel the need to express my dissatisfaction with public transport this morning. After missing the 07:37 X1 because it left at 07:35, I took my reserve route to work. Or, rather, I’m still taking it. A new timetable for the number 73 from Concord came into effect today. This should be a good thing for me, since it reduces the gap between buses. Unfortunately, though, the 08:19 number 73 hasn’t actually arrived. So I’m now on a W6 to Washington town centre, where I should catch the 08:59 number 8.

While waiting pointlessly at the bus stop I noticed that the number 73 service is provided by Gateshead Central Taxis. One can’t help but wonder why a cab company is attempting to run a bus service. I’m assuming it’s on its way.

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Sun-derland

‘Tis sunny in Sunderland. And not windy at all. I must stress that I’m here only because I needed to catch a bank.

I needed to catch a bank because I needed to withdraw a silly amount of cash. Because my second in command’s experiment with public transport hasn’t gone very well at all. And a vehicle must be purchased.

I should possibly say that:
– my in command made a real effort to embrace public transport
– A likely new job in Northumberland is also a factor, since the Metro doesn’t run to Hexham
– bikes aren’t allowed on public transport
– taxis home from nights out aren’t cheap

Mr Punch

I do appreciate the seriousness of Tourette’s, and know that it must be an awful condition for anyone affected. But when a man stands at my bus stop, randomly shouting fuck off in a Mr Punch kind of voice, it’s quite difficult to retain one’s composure.

And, of course, he had to get on my bus.

Smedley Hydro

I’m currently on a train bound for Smedley Hydro. Well, I need to change at Manchester. I’ve never been to Smedley Hydro before, although I’d heard of it. It’s in Southport; I’ve never been there either. It’s only fours by train.