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by Free Lance
Tue Jan 29, 2019 12:16 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Picton Mittagong loop line
Replies: 7
Views: 3532

Re: Picton Mittagong loop line

My understanding is that there is a MAJOR infrastructure issue south of Colo Vale, (ie an old bridge which would require a lot of money to be brought into service)
by Free Lance
Sat Jan 26, 2019 3:09 pm
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: Australian Road Passenger Transport History Re-Written Again
Replies: 8
Views: 8233

Re: Australian Road Passenger Transport History Re-Written A

Comes to mind, the old saying "Never let facts (truth) get in the way of a good story".
by Free Lance
Tue Oct 09, 2018 6:01 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Station Link Observations
Replies: 326
Views: 117845

Re: Station Link Observations

More drivers, the lower the BAR is set.
by Free Lance
Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:14 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: STA Privatisation / Franchising
Replies: 1397
Views: 371252

Re: STA Privatisation / Franchising

When did the "common" government decreed livery become "STA" I thought the STA had its own distinct livery before our "Gladys" decreed all metro (inc Newcastle & the Gong) services buses would look the same, I recall she even set a ridiculous timetable for all buses...
by Free Lance
Tue Aug 14, 2018 2:50 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: W19 pre 890 amalgamation restrictions
Replies: 16
Views: 4567

Re: W19 pre 890 amalgamation restrictions

The restriction allows for passengers travelling beyond Wire Lane on Remembrance Dve. ie Buslines cannot pick-up once they pass Wire Lane (inbound) but can set down, conversely when operating outbound services passengers cannot alight prior to Wire Lane. Thus passenger could join at Campbelltown and...
by Free Lance
Tue Aug 14, 2018 9:05 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: W19 pre 890 amalgamation restrictions
Replies: 16
Views: 4567

Re: W19 pre 890 amalgamation restrictions

Back in my time at the STA there was also a service restriction on Route 136 west of Forest way, to/from Chatswood and operating through Forest territory. I think is a restriction on Picton's 900 service operating north of Wire Land on Remembrance Dve (Camden) through to Campbelltown. (correct me if...
by Free Lance
Thu Jun 21, 2018 8:23 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Route number changes regional NSW
Replies: 15
Views: 7100

Re: Route number chngaes regional NSW

Still think the best I have seen is the "Buslines Group" using an animal (numbered of course but one or two (where a change is required) a lot simpler for anybody to understand.
by Free Lance
Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:58 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: how do i give positive feedback about a bus driver
Replies: 6
Views: 3819

Re: how do i give positive feedback about a bus driver

You would get a better response from the Manly Daily than any sort of response from an STA manager. So my advise write a letter to the local paper they may or may not print it.
by Free Lance
Fri May 25, 2018 12:39 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: STA Privatisation / Franchising
Replies: 1397
Views: 371252

Re: STA Privatisation / Franchising

If memory serves me correctly, I recall that when Busabout took over the Campbelltown services from Busways a vast number of drivers stayed in the district working for a new employer. I have no details to verify this only what was "hearsay' On separate issue when the ownership on Manly Bus Serv...
by Free Lance
Sat May 05, 2018 11:10 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: STA Privatisation / Franchising
Replies: 1397
Views: 371252

Re: STA Privatisation / Franchising

Having driven for both Govt services and private operators, I feel a decent driver is more appreciated by a private operator, with the Govt you are just a number. The difference pay is only a small factor in the total picture.
by Free Lance
Sun Apr 08, 2018 10:16 am
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast
Replies: 71
Views: 24666

Re: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast

Bus companies that knew how to run and operate a "SERVICE" from memory Forrest had a satellite depot in Dee Why West were a number of "out of town" buses were stabled. I think there was satellite depot at Warriewood for the extra buses operating for Shorelink. (it was nearly 18 y...
by Free Lance
Sat Apr 07, 2018 4:51 pm
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast
Replies: 71
Views: 24666

Re: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast

Doing Cross regional services from the Northern Beaches was a delight. Carrying visitors from all over the globe. Found nothing easier. Had a late afternoon / evening trips through DY short meal break at Homebush Bay then the first am run in from Mona Vale. Suppose it was the work I was doing but I ...
by Free Lance
Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:53 am
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast
Replies: 71
Views: 24666

Re: Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast

Using KERB side lane is almost always the best you just have to aware of traffic around you, but as a bus driver that is already a part of the job description
by Free Lance
Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:56 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: NSW Railway Observations - January to June 2018
Replies: 709
Views: 169685

Re: NSW Railway Observations - January to June 2018

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ruled that Monday's planned train strike in Sydney cannot go ahead. Lawyers for the NSW Government have been arguing against the industrial action, saying it will cost the state $90 million, bring the city to a standstill and force the cancellations of elective su...
by Free Lance
Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:13 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: NSW Railway Observations - January to June 2018
Replies: 709
Views: 169685

Richmond Train incident

NOT A BUS but certainly a Transport issue, As many as 13 people have been injured after a train hit a buffer stop at the end of the rail line at Richmond station in Sydney's north-west. (22.1.18) Tell me it wasn't driver fatigue. This will be a fun time for the RBTU. Never lets the actual facts get ...
by Free Lance
Tue Jan 16, 2018 8:47 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: How old is too old for a rail replacement bus
Replies: 20
Views: 7360

Re: How old is too old for a rail replacement bus

Old Bus is better than NO BUS, often see the occasional Landseer on coach replacement for interurban rail. Every bus/coach in commercial use has to have regular RMS inspections.
by Free Lance
Fri Jan 12, 2018 12:56 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Newcastle to Orange ???
Replies: 15
Views: 5713

Re: Newcastle to Orange ???

Orange > Bathurst > Sofala > Mudgee > Merriwa then Golden Highway to New England Highway, scenic trip beats traffic every time
by Free Lance
Sat Jan 06, 2018 11:22 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Inner West Light Rail observations
Replies: 1731
Views: 366641

Re: Inner West Light Rail observations

Inbound.

Harris (L) George (VR) Pitt (R) Eddy (L) Elizabeth (L) Hay (L) railway Ramp (stays away from the Campbell Street MESS)
This of course give the option of an extra stop in Eddy Ave for pax wanted Sydney trains service
Doesn't matter which option, it is still painfully slow in Hay Street
by Free Lance
Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:45 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: Forest Coach Lines new MAN/Gemilang Deckers
Replies: 11
Views: 7494

Re: Forest Coach Lines new MAN/Gemilang Deckers

Though I saw a Forest DD last time I did cross regional at Olympic Park. too busy manoeuvring through the site to pay much attention to detail (I think it was 15.11.17 for a soccer friendly).
by Free Lance
Thu Dec 28, 2017 10:34 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: STA Privatisation / Franchising
Replies: 1397
Views: 371252

Re: STA Privatisation / Franchising

Last time I checked, Campbelltown to Sydney airport, using local shuttle $110.00 each way, extra pax discounted when included in one pick. My other (preferred) option local Hire Car @ $150 each way. personalized service with extra pick-ups. Local taxi not interested in home to railway station so tha...
by Free Lance
Thu Dec 21, 2017 9:52 am
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: 2 axles v 3 axles
Replies: 5
Views: 4947

Re: 2 axles v 3 axles

Years ago ( yeah I know still an old driver) I was driving a Landseer between Sutton Forest and Marulan, the cross wind was so strong I struggled to keep to 80kph fro a short distance. Even Sydney Harbour Bridge can have its moments.
by Free Lance
Fri Dec 15, 2017 5:16 pm
Forum: General Transport Discussion
Topic: 2 axles v 3 axles
Replies: 5
Views: 4947

Re: 2 axles v 3 axles

3 axle able to carry more, different load limits (pax / luggage) some 53/57 seat 2 axle coaches are prone to being overweight with a full deck, (normally front axle) 2 axle lighter weight less operating expenses 3 axle more stable on uneven surfaces, better ride / handling capabilities It all comes ...
by Free Lance
Fri Dec 15, 2017 12:15 am
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport
Replies: 41
Views: 11245

Re: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport

All I can do is drive my allocated vehicle on the shift I get rostered, for then play in the traffic, till meal break time.
by Free Lance
Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:40 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport
Replies: 41
Views: 11245

Re: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport

Don't forget some drivers (NO they are only "SWA" if you have done rail with any of them you know who I mean) are morons and would arrive at the starting point after their departure time and out of sequence, and on the first trip it is always fun to find which stand you should be using. Be...
by Free Lance
Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:50 pm
Forum: Discussion - Sydney / NSW
Topic: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport
Replies: 41
Views: 11245

Re: New Year's Eve (and holiday period) transport

Chatswood has two set of traffic lights and can get very congested with taxis and local buses thus would add time for those impatient types who always want an express for personal use. A classic is when on rail route 60 Chatswood to Epping they always want an express to their destination even though...

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