When completed, Cambridge's guided busway will be the largest in Europe, expected to carry some 20,000 passengers each day within eight years. The cost will be over £100 million (and that doesn't take into account extra fuel costs incurred by drivers during months of roadworks and diversions). 6,000 concrete beams now scar the rural areas. It is a high-profile, much debated project. With all this money and all this work, it has to be successful.
However, popular informed opinion indicates that it won't be. It doesn't serve enough villages. It's not convenient enough to attract drivers out of their cars. It will have a negative impact on existing rural bus services.
So maybe it's time to consider Plan B. Alternative uses.
My first thought was that the bus could double as a mobile post office. We are desperately in need of those! Then I thought - the ideal solution - senior citizens' mobile social club! We could travel on the same day every week and meet up with old friends, or be really adventurous, change our day and meet new people. Making use of our bus passes, we could ride round all day, catching up on the latest gossip and taking in the scenery whilst filling the guided bus and helping it to hit the projected passenger numbers. There's air conditioning for our comfort in the summer and heating during the winter - so we'll be saving on our domestic fuel bills.
We could have guest speakers. Exercise workouts - whilst seated, of course! A knitting circle! We could have free computer lessons for the uninitiated, making use of the free wi-fi - so 'concessions' wouldn't be an issue (see 'Thanks But No Thanks Swavesey Village College'). And the comfy leather seats would be ideal for a quiet read, or even an afternoon nap. Refreshments may not be allowed, but we could set up picnic tables at Park & Ride sites, where we could also use the toilet facilities.
Yes - it could work! It really could. Or do you have a better suggestion for what Mr Menzies (much-quoted Head of Guided Busway), can do with his guided bus?
I'm very cynical about the Guided Busway. I just think that it's been very badly designed at a detailed level.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you're not old, as you're younger than me!