please empty your brain below
If you use contactless or Oyster, do you have to touch in on this route? If so, does that count as your free transfer if changing buses or are you allowed two changes if boarding after riding the 28, 295 of C3? And with a 60 minute delay, would that also render the transfer window useless?

I have questions | 25.07.23 - 8:01 a.m. | #

It's another TfL triumph. I don't understand why the 28 can't just stand at its final stop on Wandsworth Bridge Road and also start from there in the same way as as the 72 now does on the north side of Hammersmith Bridge. The replacement stop is a long walk away and I doubt it's even signposted once you come off the bridge.

ap | 25.07.23 - 9:13 a.m. | #

I suspect they launched it without training enough number of drivers, or that some simply didn't show up causing a shortage.

Patrickov | 25.07.23 - 9:15 a.m. | #

It's interesting that TfL tends to use former Green line route numbers (low 700's) for replacement buses (there are also a few for the Bakerloo/Watford DC line blockage this summer).

I feel that TfL should have a dedicated sequence for replacements, maybe 500's, or higher 900's, rather than overlaying regional coach numbers

MilesT | 25.07.23 - 9:23 a.m. | #

ap - I would guess it's because of a lack of standing/turning space for both routes 28 and 295 at the north end of the bridge - note the C3 also turns a little short of the bridge too.

timbo | 25.07.23 - 9:30 a.m. | #

It's good to see there is a new generation of persons who like buses. Who knows, one of them may be the next DG in the far distant future.

John G | 25.07.23 - 9:34 a.m. | #

The approach to Battersea Bridge is always like that. And I feel exactly the same way about Arding & Hobbs, although I'm looking forward to nosing around inside.

Jonathan Wadman | 25.07.23 - 9:54 a.m. | #

The map should also show the 44 which runs between Wandsworth and the south side of the bridge far more frequently and reliably than the 728. Google maps shows the 728 and other changes correctly, but only with scheduled times due to aforementioned lack of iBus function.

What a complete fiasco. And at what expense to TfL's depleted coffers. Makes my blood boil.

Strabismus | 25.07.23 - 9:55 a.m. | #

Oh dear!
Another case of DG doing something so we don't have to. When do you collect your OBE for services rendered!

Cornish Cockney | 25.07.23 - 10:34 a.m. | #

I'd count two coming at once as a win, but then I'm a photographer. cf SL8 debut the other day; only had five mins to spare at White City and there were two straight behind one another. Result!

Matt | 25.07.23 - 10:35 a.m. | #

Big fan of the BWLB. Public transport will inspire. Despite TfL maybe.

Jack31439 | 25.07.23 - 11:46 a.m. | #

When Battersea Bridge closed following a boat collision in 2008, the 239 bus (since renamed 170) took a similarly vast detour for a few weeks, until sense prevailed and the service was converted to a 'walk this bit and have a free transfer to the bus waiting on the other side' service. I took the diversion route once, and only once!

Rest assured the Arding & Hobbs 'crown' is only temporarily gold, it's already fading at the back and a far more muted brown patina is expected by the end of the year as the metal weathers.

David | 25.07.23 - 12:28 p.m. | #

Surprised you've only just discovered the BWLB contingent! They are all over YouTube and I'm sure they've always existed even decades ago, though of course now, social media and cheaper photography devices give them more presence than they once had.

MilesT -- TfL once used to use 5XX for temporary routes, not too sure why they've swapped to the 7XX series now.

I have questions -- Hopper is unlimited transfers within 60 minutes so the transfer window will be an issue here for some. Fares often seem to be an afterthought when works are being done -- on the Tube when the Central Line was run in separate sections, you'd end up making one paid journey, followed by a free replacement bus, then finishing off with another paid journey separate to the first one. It's fine on occasion but when rolled over several weekends it must start to add up.

With regards to the 728, I suppose if TfL didn't run it they may come under fire by those who can't walk over the bridge. I wonder if it'd be more cost effective instead to have a few dial-a-ride minibuses on standby on either side of the bridge.

matthieu1221 | 25.07.23 - 2:25 p.m. | #

Do BWLB grow up to be NUMTOTS or is that just a USA thing?

Would it have been better to buy a few pedicab type vehicles or small electric carts (both set up to be better suited for less mobile travellers) and allow those to run over the bridge to fill the gap specifically for the less mobile?

dg writes: given you can't even ride a bike over the bridge, no.

MilesT | 25.07.23 - 4:05 p.m. | #

Having asked my own question about why the 28 doesn't turn back the same way as the 295 at the bridge, I went to have a look.

Both the 295 and 28 terminate in a bus lane so you can't argue there's no space to wait.

The 295 doesn't even stand there, instead using the 424/C3 Wandsworth Bridge bus stop (TT). The not on the closure map 424 is of course still running a cross river service via Putney that coupled with the 220/270 may well be faster for some of the day.

Even better, the yellow notice at the southbound terminal suggests for Clapham Junction you should go back to Harwood Road. No suggestion there are buses the other side of the bridge which for now is a quiet traffic free walk.

ap | 25.07.23 - 5:17 p.m. | #

To be fair, in the third paragraph of its bespoke webpage TfL does say that if you are able, walking (or wheeling your bike!) is likely to be the quickest and easiest way to cross the bridge.

Steven Saunders | 25.07.23 - 7:20 p.m. | #

(I hoped someone would've noticed it by now)

diamond geezer | Homepage | 25.07.23 - 8:36 p.m. | #

It being the timestamp on the post? I noticed!

Adam | 25.07.23 - 9:33 p.m. | #

Not that. (but yes, also that)

diamond geezer | Homepage | 25.07.23 - 9:34 p.m. | #

It was DGZ bus...

ap | 25.07.23 - 10:21 p.m. | #

Where is the Zoo to which the signpost relates?

timbo | 25.07.23 - 10:22 p.m. | #

Adam - me too, but perhaps 3 days early?

rogergh | 25.07.23 - 10:47 p.m. | #

timbo - it's Battersea Park Childrens Zoo.

ap | 26.07.23 - 9:29 a.m. | #

(I've changed it back now.
It was right at the top of the page.
As far as I'm aware, nobody noticed.)

diamond geezer | Homepage | 27.07.23 - 8:06 a.m. | #

A few of the dashes between comments were replaced with small buses? I assumed it was my connection playing up and something rendering incorrectly. I'll be more on the look out for their next appearance.

Philip | 27.07.23 - 5:40 p.m. | #











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