transportation – Page 2 – SteveWhittythoughts1965

January 20, 2013January 20, 2013

UK + Snow = No Go

I woke up on Friday thinking that I would struggle to find inspiration for the next blog posting. Then I opened the curtains and then it hit me. Snow had come to the UK.

With snow comes everything else and being the UK everything comes to a grinding halt. The schools shut and it seemed that a lot of people did not make it to work. It is estimated that snow costs the UK economy £500m per day.

Then I had my own personal experience of going to work. Yes, I managed to get to work (shift was 14:00 – 22:00) I could see the carnage on the roads. As normal there were no signs of gritting vehicles or snow ploughs. This meant that other vehicles were moving slowly. Coupled with the temperature falling below zero I could see the ice forming on the roads. This particularly affected local public transport especially the buses. There were plenty of people who were late for work because of this. I managed to get to work on time by catching the train. At the time they were not affected by the snow.

I could see people struggling and I felt embarrassed. I speak to people who deal with snow though out the winter and they must laugh at our inability to cope. Then you see the scenes at Heathrow Airport with all the cancelled flights. Not a good advert for the UK. It is hard to believe that six months ago we successfully organised the Olympics and Paralympics. A bit of snow and we grind to a halt. The problem is that the UK is that it is difficult to predict when we will get snow. It usually only falls once during the winter and then it last for a week at most.

As for my own experience of the day, it was mixed. The local buses stopped running at 19:00 which while bad news I still could catch the train. They were still running but I noticed that they were beginning to get delayed. I had no real choice but leave work early. I managed to get home safely but the journey took nearly 90 minutes.

However, snow is not all bad. It does allow the chance to take advantage of possible photo opportunities.

Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve

Posted with Blogsy

January 13, 2013

Happy Birthday to ‘The Tube’

January 10 saw the 150th anniversary of the opening to the public of the first section on what was to become known as ‘The London Underground.’ Operating as the Metropolitan Railway the line ran from Paddington to Farringdon Street via King’s Cross. From this humble beginning the network also known as ‘The Tube’ has grown into the network that we all know and sometimes love.

I would say that the Underground is the lungs of London. It allows the city to breathe and function as the global capital city. The Underground model has now been copied by other major cities around the world. Nearly all capital cities in the developed world has some sort of underground rail network.

Throughout its history the London Underground has been the scene of some of the major events in London’s history. During both world wars tube stations were used to shelter the public from the bombing that rained down on the city. It has also been the scene of several tragedies. The two that come to mind are firstly the King’s Cross fire in 1987. The fire was ignited by a discarded cigarette under the wooden escalator. This led to the death of 31 people. The other one was the 7/7 bombings in 2005. Suicide bombers detonated three bombs on the network. The first one happened between Liverpool Street and Aldgate on the Circle line. The second explosion happened again on the Circle line between Edgware Road and Paddington. The third device was detonated on the Piccadilly line between King’s Cross-St. Pancras and Russell Square. 39 of the 52 victims were killed in these explosions.

There are advantages and disadvantages of using the London Underground. The advantages are that it is a fast method of travelling across London. It is also an efficient way of transporting passengers. As the rolling stock is electrically operated it is also a green option. Imagine the number of people who would be travelling by cars if there were no underground service. Of course there are disadvantages. During peak times the trains always become overcrowded. Also during the summer the lack of air conditioning can make if feel too hot during the summer. You also need to keep your wits about you as crowded trains attract pickpockets.

Having said that I enjoy travelling on the Underground. It gets me across London quickly. With an Oyster card it can be cheap. Sharing a train with visitors from around the world I feel that I am part of the global village. In short I love it and I wish it another 150 years service.

Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy, keep smiling and mind the gap.

Steve

January 8, 2013

Cutty Sark

This post is a follow up to a previous photo of the week.

The Cutty Sark can be found in Greenwich. It is one of the most popular attractions in London.

Built as a clipper ship it was the fastest ship of its type operating during the late 19th century. Primarily its cargo was tea which was carried between Britain and Australia. For ten years it was the fastest ship operating between these two countries. The Cutty Sark ended up being sold to a Portuguese shipping company. The Cutty Sark also served as a training ship based in Falmouth, Cornwall. It became a tourist attraction when moved to its present location in 1954.

Disaster struck the ship in 2007 when it was badly damaged by a fire. It was fully restored and reopened in 2012. So far there have been over 13 million visitors to the Cutty Sark.

What a visit to Cutty Sark allows you to do is to experience what life would have been like on board the ship. There are various collections to be found on board. These include an archive of publications that have featured the Cutty Sark. There are also collections dedicated to the construction and working life of the Cutty Sark, Figureheads, memorabilia, Navigational Instruments, Paintings and objects used during the working life of the ship. Surprisingly, there is a collection dedicated to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. It was from his poem ‘Tam O’Shanter’ where the Cutty Sark got its name.

Entrance fee is £12.00 and that could be considered as expensive. However, given what you get to see I feel it is value for money. There are concessions available to seniors and students. You do have book to your ticket online and select the time you are going to visit. If you miss your slot you will not be allowed in.

The Cutty Sark is located at King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HT

Nearest DLR stop is Cutty Sark station.

Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.

Steve