Newsletter November 2009
Arriva Aylesbury Website www.arriva-shires.co.uk
The longest running source of information regarding the Arriva Aylesbury garage, and has been reporting News and events since 2005
Website addresses http://arriva-shires.co.uk/ and
http://redroverbuses.wordpress.com/
Email address ansellsweb@googlemail.com
Check on site for weekly updates…you can submit your own News as well
New Mobile ticketing coming soon
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q – Where can I use the m-ticket in the trial?
A – You will be able to use m-tickets on all Arriva bus services, except for Park & Ride buses, Fastrack A route and Transport for London services.
Q – Can the system be operated using any mobile phone?
A – Yes, provided you use any GPRS enabled phone. The only phones you cannot use, are those with green screens, which typically are four or more years old. A quick guide is to see if there are any games installed on your phone. If so, your phone is supported. Alternatively, click here for a full list of supported handsets.
Q – I only have a GSM enabled phone, can I use that?
A – No. Unfortunately you will need as a minimum a GPRS enabled phone. The majority of the mobile handsets in the market today are GPRS enabled. Even if you have never used this functionality, your phone will most likely be GPRS enabled. If you have Internet access from your mobile phone then your phone is GPRS enabled.
Q – What is GPRS?
A – GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a method of enhancing phones to enable them to send and receive data more rapidly. With a GPRS connection, the phone is “always on” and can transfer data immediately, and at higher speeds. An additional benefit is that data can be transferred at the same time as making a voice call. GPRS is now available on most new phones.
GPRS Class Types
The class of a GPRS phone determines the speed at which data can be transferred. Technically the class refers to the number of timeslots available for upload (sending data from the phone) or download (receiving data from the network). The timeslots used for data are in addition to the slot that is reserved for voice calls. These timeslots are available simultaneously, so the greater the number of slots, the faster the data transfer speed. Because GPRS transmits data in packets, the timeslots are not in use all the time, but are shared amongst all users of the network. That increases the overall data capacity of the network, and it also means that you are billed for the quantity of data transmitted, not the time that you are online. It may mean that during busy times, data transfer rates slow down, because the network will give priority to voice calls.
The most common GPRS classes in use are as follows:
GPRS Class
Slots
Max. data transfer speed
Class 2
3
8 – 12 kbps upload / 16 – 24 kbps download
Class 4
4
8 – 12 kbps upload / 24 – 36 kbps download
Class 6
4
24 – 36 kbps upload / 24 – 36 kbps download
Class 8
5
8 – 12 kbps upload / 32 – 40 kbps download
Class 10
5
16 – 24 kbps upload / 32 – 48 kbps download
Class 12
5
32 – 48 kbps upload / 32 – 48 kbps download
Generally speaking, the higher the GPRS class, the faster the data transfer rates.
Q – Can the system be operated using a Blackberry or iPhone?
A – Not at the moment. We expect both of these to be integrated as we extend the technology. We will let you know when this becomes available.
Q – Does it matter what mobile network I am on?
A – No, it doesn’t matter which mobile network you use.
Q – Where will the application (m-ticket) be stored on my mobile?
A – There isn’t a simple answer to this as different handsets will store the application in different locations. The following list shows where you can find your m-ticket application on your mobile:
LG: Games and Applications
Motorola: Games and Applications
Nokia: Applications, Collections
Panasonic: Games and Applications
Phillips: Games and Applications
Samsung: Games and Applications
Sanyo: Games and Applications
Sendo: Games and Applications
Sony Ericsson: Specified by User
Q – How much will it cost me to download the application (m-ticket) to my phone once I’ve registered?
A – It won’t cost you anything to register and receive the m-ticket application to your mobile; the only amount you will pay is cost of the actual m-ticket* that you choose to purchase once the application has installed on your mobile.
* Unfortunately, for the time being, this will not apply to some customers of T-Mobile where your usual charges will apply.
Q – What if I don’t have a bank account, debit card or credit card, could I still take part and pay by cash?
A – Yes. You will be able to use cash to purchase a credit for your phone from any PayPoint outlet, and also most Arriva Travel Shops. If you use PayPoint, your credit will appear on your phone first thing the next day, so it’s a good idea to make sure you always have enough credit on your phone. Click here to find your nearest PayPoint outlet.
Q – How can I be sure that someone can’t ‘hack’ into the information on my phone?
A – All the details that you register online via the Arriva Bus website will be held securely in the Arriva m-ticket application sent to your phone (please note: Arriva does not hold this data). All your data is fully encrypted (locked) and cannot be accessed by anyone – not even by you the user. Regardless of whom may gain access to your phone (lost, stolen, misplaced etc), no-one can access your data. The encryption used to lock your data is twice as secure as the encryption used when making online purchases on the Internet.
You will need to enter a PIN number (you can set this to your own personal number) to open the application to purchase your ticket. In the same way that you would not store your PIN number with your credit or debit card, don’t store your Arriva m-Ticket PIN number on your phone.
Q – Will my credit card/ bank account details be held on Arriva’s server?
A – No, Arriva does not hold any credit/debit card details; these are encrypted and held securely in the application on your phone. You are the only person that holds this information and only you can authorise use of your card details by using the PIN number, but not even you can access the actual card information as it is so securely stored on the phone.
Q – What do I need to do when I board the bus?
A – You need to ensure that you have activated the ticket you wish to use for your journey. The backlight on the screen needs to be on so when you show the ticket to the driver it can be easily read keeping your boarding time to a minimum.
Q – What if my mobile phone battery has run out when I board the bus?
A – Your mobile phone must be able to display the ticket on your phone screen to show the driver when boarding the bus. If your phone battery is dead when you board the bus, you will be unable to retrieve your mobile ticket, and you will have to pay the driver for the journey you wish to make, and this fare is non refundable.
Q – What if I realise that I don’t have enough credit on my mobile bus ticket for the journey I am making?
A – If you have insufficient credit on your mobile phone, you will not be able to purchase a m-ticket. You are able to add credit using cash at your nearest PayPoint (click here to find your closest outlet) or at most Arriva Travel Shops.
Q – What if I purchase a ticket, but decide not to travel?
A – The actual m-ticket, whether for a day, week or 4 week’s worth of travel, will only commence when you want it to (by activating the m-ticket). If you don’t wish to travel yet, you can select ‘Preview Ticket’ using the options within the application (you will recognise this because the ticket will have a yellow background, and there will be no ‘real time’ shown on the ticket). At this stage, the ticket will not have been activated yet, but it affords you piece of mind that you have a ticket at the ready for when you need it.
Q – Can I store my m-ticket on my phone until I need it?
A – Yes. The actual m-ticket, whether for a day, week or 4 week’s worth of travel, will only commence when you want it to (by activating the m-ticket). If you don’t wish to travel yet, you can select ‘Preview Ticket’ using the options within the application (you will recognise this because the ticket will have a yellow background, and there will be no ‘real time’ shown on the ticket). At this stage, the ticket will not have been activated yet, but it affords you piece of mind that you have a ticket at the ready for when you need it.
Q – How do I activate my m-ticket?
A – Whenever you need to use the ticket, simply select the ‘Use Ticket’ option, and the ticket becomes valid from that moment, e.g. it will be valid for that day only if you have purchased a day saver, or for a further 7 days if you have purchased a weekly saver. Please note that your ticket is automatically removed from your phone after expiry.
Q – Can I purchase multiple tickets?
A – Yes, if you need to purchase say 3 day tickets for the following week, then that’s fine, just make sure that you only use each ticket when you need it.
Q – Can more than one customer travel on one m-ticket?
A – No. Only one person can travel per m-ticket. If there is more than one person travelling, each person should have an m-ticket on their mobile phone.
Q – Can I buy a ticket in advance?
A – Yes. Since the ticket is not activated until you select “Use Ticket”, you can decide when the start will be.
Q – How long does it take to register?
A – The registration process is quick and simple to use, and should only take a few minutes. When complete, you will receive your application within seconds.
Q – What tickets can I purchase?
A – You will be able to purchase the full range of Arriva adult day, week and 4 weekly saver tickets available from Arriva in both Yorkshire and Kent. There will be no child tickets or m-ticket versions of single or return tickets at present.
A – Then you won’t be able to travel using an m-ticket, so try not to! Your phone is essentially your wallet, but remember that nobody else can purchase m-tickets using your phone unless they know your PIN number. We can also ‘freeze’ your application until you either find it, or if you replace with a new phone, we’ll transfer the application, including all of your tickets to the new phone.
Q – What if I change my phone number?
A – That’s OK, we can transfer the application, including all of your tickets to the new number.
Q – I’ve not used my m-ticket – can I apply for a refund?
A – If you’ve not used your m-ticket, and would like a refund, then you can call our m-ticket hotline on 0844 800 5235, and we will be able to refund the value of the ticket back to your phone (we will need to know your mobile phone number). Please note that if you have used a proportion of your m-ticket, we are unable to process a refund.
Q – I no longer wish to use m-ticket, and would like a refund on the remaining credit.
A – If you’ve not used your m-ticket, and you have registered your debit/credit card, then you can call our m-ticket hotline on 0844 800 5235, and we will be able to refund directly to your card. If you’re using cash top-ups, call our m-ticket hotline, and we’ll arrange for a cheque to be sent to you. In both cases, we’ll need to know your mobile phone number to remove any tickets and credit from your phone.
Q – I still need some help, who can I contact?
A – No problem, you can call our m-ticket hotline on 0844 800 5235 (8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday) or e-mail m-ticket@arriva.co.uk . Alternatively, if your query is more technical, then text ‘Arriva’ to 82500, and we will call you back.
Click on any traffic light report to enlarge
W/B 1 Nov 2009 New rotas in operation please check your duties start and finish times
Bucks County Council
Scholar/Student Passes
Please see below from Bucks County Council
In light of the current postal strikes, some of our clients are experiencing difficulties receiving their renewed passes in time for the new term starting 2/11/09. I have to stress this only affects a small number of pupils, however we need to address this problem.
I request that all drivers on Monday 2/11/09 only, when faced with a pupil without a pass stating they are waiting for it to arrive in the post. To accept the child for travel and take their name to forward to their manager for further investigation.
Also the driver must inform the pupil go to the school reception immediately to acquire a temporary pass for travel home and the following few days.
Please ensure this information is relayed to all your staff so situations of stranded pupils can be avoided on Monday 2/11/09.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADES IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2009
AYLESBURY
Walton St is closed from County Hall up to the Bus Station, so u turn in front of Bus Station on leaving G1 in Great Western Street.
HADDENHAM
Church End closed 15.40 – 16.00. 15.30 ex Aylesbury 280 to reverse turn in to Willis Road.
STONE
Road closed by War Memorial – opposite shop, between 09.50 and 10.10 – 280 from Oxford may be affected – will just need to wait until road clears as will only be a few minutes.
KIMBLE
Road closure to Service 300 for a few minutes. Buses to park up and wait for road to clear.
NAPHILL
On Main Road the 15.10 ex Ayl and 15.00 ex High Wycombe will need to wait for a few minutes.
PRINCES RISBOROUGH
A4010, Bell Street, closed in Princes Risborough for a few minutes around 9.30 and then again at 11.20. Buses to park up and wait for road to clear.
IN ALL CASES WHERE BUSES ARE DELAYED AND HAVE TO WAIT, PLEASE ACT RESPECTFULLY AND SWITCH OFF ENGINES.
SERVICE 300
PRINCES RISBOROUGH
NEW ONE WAY SYSTEM
From Monday 2nd November 2009 PR High Street will become ONE WAY. No vehicles will be able to enter the High Street from Bell Street.
All High Wycombe bound services will use existing route.
Aylesbury bound services will enter the High Street from Tescos’ roundabout, using the town Bypass Road. The bus stop on the Bypass Road is not to be used for setting down or boarding, unless instructed to do so.
Both High Wycombe and Aylesbury services will board and set down in the High Street at the same stop.
Drivers are asked to ensure that the correct destination is shown and to be aware of intending passengers.
Your help & assistance is greatly appreciated.
Further information
Click to enlarge
Bus station Entrance Warning
Click to enlarge
Overhanging branch warning
click to enlarge
SERVICE 150 SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2009
Due to closure of Canal Bridge on Linslade/Leighton Border, Service 150 will be unable to serve Linslade and will have a lengthy diversion.
From Aylesbury at the Linslade By-pass roundabout turn right, then (i.e. opp direction to 100 route) then left at second roundabout into Grovebury Road, at top of this road turn left onto Standbridge Road, follow ring road around and then turn left from West Street at traffic lights into Bridge Street and into High Street and normal route. On return from Milton Keynes follow reverse of this diversion.
TO ALL STAFF
As you are probably aware by now, services 260 and 261 are withdrawn after operation on Saturday 31st October 2009.
They are replaced by broadly similar Service 110, to run Monday to Saturday, but there is no longer a service between Worminghall and Oxford and the sections that divert via Haddenham Health Centre or Prebendal Farm, are now served by other Bucks County Council contracts run by other operators. Service 110 will issue through tickets from any point to Wheatley, Headington and Oxford as per the fare chart, to change at Thame on to Service 280. Please remember if issuing such a ticket to also issue a transfer ticket. However, Concessionary Pass Holders should not have a through ticket issued but re-book when boarding the Service 280.
On Monday to Friday, the last 110 westbound, is 16.05 from Aylesbury Bus Station. However there is still a 17.45 journey now as Service 111 but operated by Z&S. They will accept Arriva Return Tickets, Weekly and Monthly Tickets on this journey.
Please note that all journeys to Worminghall now operate direct from Shabbington to Worminghall, turn by reversing into THE AVENUE, then continue back but via Ickford – thus any passengers wanting Ickford have to travel via Worminghall first.
Finally the 110 is two separate contracts for Bucks County Council, so we have to use two separate revenue numbers – most journeys use revenue number 3110, but the journeys operated by 19 and 40 duties use number 3710 so please check duty boards carefully before entering details onto the ticket machine.
In order to save money, Bucks County Council has also cut back the evening service on Routes 2 and 9 on Monday to Saturday. The 21.40 and 22.40 Bus Station to Hospital and 22.00 Hospital to Bus Station on Service 9 will no longer run. On Service , the 22.20 will now run off of an arriving 280 and just run to Haydon Hill, Quarrendon and then to the Garage.
Social club update
October Social club draw results
N Oliver
L Humphreys
B Duncalf
S Macdonald
S Evans
Birmingham Xmas Shopping trip is cancelled
Some other interesting links from the Oxford and chiltern Bus Page
As mentioned in a previous addition one of the Enviro 400s has had its destination display changed to show the route number nearest the pavement. This is I now realise quite important for intending passengers as when buses are in a queue approaching a stop it is difficult for intending passengers to see a route number when it is on the "offside".
Arriva 5435 showing the route number change. Picture by Gavin Francis.
Cyclists – a question?
When commenting on cyclists failing to use the cycle tracks provided by Oxford’s Council, I seem to remember being told that this was because the surface was so uneven as to be dangerous.
Can our cyclist friends therefore please tell us why, when beautiful new surfaces have been provided, STILL cyclists use the road going to and from Headington near Oxford? With a 20mph speed limit now in force these cyclists now overtake those road users who obey the law. Is this also another law which cyclists are not obliged to abide by? Certainly for a vast majority they do not "see" red traffic lights, ride on pavements when it suits and generally behave as though they own the roads they neither pay for or contribute to.
It is interesting to note that when a bus is in their way in the bus lane (London road, Headington), they then can use the cycle track and then the pavements!!!!
I suppose I should clarify that there are still some cyclists who do abide by the law but sadly they do seem in a minority.