Transport News
Generic conditions relating to journeys on public transport, such as the use of face coverings (with certain exemption reasons), social distancing etc. are widely published and will not be repeated here.
Bus Users group conducted a poll using twitter. The survey, which attracted nearly 1,500 responses, was launched to coincide with face coverings becoming mandatory on public transport in England. In all, 73% of respondents said they would be wearing a face covering, 84% of people were aware of safety measures put in place by operators, over 65% were willing to use the bus, and around half said their views on using public transport had not changed during the crisis.
Bus News
First Essex has increased the weekday service with the introduction of some 31B buses in addition to the 31X services, resulting in two buses per hour, though not exact to every half hour. The revised timetable was effective from June 1, 2020 and I posted a list at the bus stop display case adjacent to the former Post Office. You can find a copy at the bottom of this page.
Stephensons advise no immediate plans to run the 200/220 service shopper buses and it will probably restart in September. No response from Ford’s to date.
Rail News
Covid timetable alterations are issued at short notice so I cannot check July modifications at present. However, June alterations were that weekday trains now run every 40 minutes. Althorne to Southminster start at 05.56 and run until 23.16. Althorne to Wickford start at 06.25 until 23.05.
For the weekend of July 25 and 26, the service has minor revisions to timings on trains on the Liverpool Street – Southend line, though no timetables are published so the impact on the Crouch Valley line can not be reported.
Check the service on your day of travel, though be aware that journey planning apps may not be up to date. e.g. National rail planner for July 1 only shows three trains!
Allan Brignall
Last updated: 2/7/20 14:09
Althorne Parish Council 