This afternoon I tentatively caught a tram replacement bus to the city thinking maybe things had improved. Again it was a bad experience. I waited forever for a bus, it was overcrowded and I had to stand all the way. A youngish woman sagged down in a faint and was pulled back to her feet by kind people and given a seat. A young man's backpack jammed in the door so the doors were partly open but that didn't stop the bus from starting off.
Google informs me that I spent 40 minutes in the City. I left home at 2.12 and arrived home at 4.30. That is 2 hours 18 minutes I believe,138 minutes. 138 less 40 is 98. So I spent 1 hour 38 minutes commuting for what would normally be a maximum return journey of 30 minutes by tram, usually less.
I assume 'Could not organise a piss up in brewery' is an old Australian term but no matter, it is a well deserved accolade for Yarra Trams that has provided a very insufficient bus replacement service for our tram system.
God help those who actually have to use the system to get somewhere on time.
On a brighter note, we, R who refuses to use public transport while the system is in disarray, and myself drove to North Point Cafe in Brighton and had a lovely brunch. We sat outside, the sun shone, the breeze was cooling, good food, the cafe was busy but not manic and the staff very nice. A memory came up that this was the place we first visited after the end of a three month Covid lock down. What year of Covid nightmare was that? I can't remember.
That bus situation sounds like a nightmare. When are the trams due to go back online? Glad you at least managed a pleasant brunch!
ReplyDeleteWas the 17th Steve and while it has barely rained, now delayed to 19th because of rain. There must be such a big effect on city traders.
DeleteTrams are what makes Melbourne a very special city, as they do in Prague, Milan and a few other attractive cities. So what on earth is taking so long?
ReplyDeleteHels, it is a huge job. The area will be barely recognisable to you when it is finished.
DeleteThat sounds like the bus ride from hell. Not good.
ReplyDeletePerfect description Strayer.
DeleteOh my gosh! That sounds like an awful bus trip!
ReplyDeleteDebby, I really thought it might have improved after two weeks. It hadn't.
DeleteBrunch sounds delightful - and a suitable antidote to the 'failed pissup' bus trip.
ReplyDeleteEC, lunch was nice and it was a last minute decision and a good one.
DeleteNorth Point cafe is the perfect place for a meal after a good walk.
ReplyDeleteCaro, guilty. No good walk.
DeleteYou must remember the rest of Melbourne still needs its buses so not too many can be diverted for off-peak times.
ReplyDeleteRiver, there are plenty of old buses kept for such purposes. I've only seen one operating without air conditioning. I think it is more about driver shortages. There is also bus replacements for some suburban train lines and regional trains.
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