Tuesday 26 April 2011

One of my many pet hates.

The day started OK, lost a little time on the 11:10 Galmpton trip and was a few minutes late starting the next trip but not too long, should be back on time after a couple of trips to Cockington. Headed up Manor Road and turned right towards Torquay and came to a dead stop. I wasn't too worried at this point, Preston can slow the traffic down at the drop of a hat. Went past Preston shelter, here is where traffic usually picks up speed once past the lights at Headland Park Rd. But not today. We continued towords the Gas Works at 0.5 mph and it became obvious that there was an industrial sized tail back. At first I thought it might be something to do with the planned change over of the traffic flow past Rock Walk but later a Stagecoach driver told me it was due to a manhole repair at the Grand Hotel.
 
I envisioned running late all afternoon and at first I, and every other bus driver in the area did just that but about 4 pm the traffic began to get back to normal and I managed to be on time for my last trip which is good. It like being on time, especially on the last trip. Got home feeling like I had done a day's work.

4 comments:

retired driver Peter said...

Sorry, my last comment was intended to be with this entry -not the previous one. It is early in the morning so my eyes are not fully in focus yet

Anonymous said...

We have a tourist place in Canberra, Australia that is a miniature village called "Cockington Green" I suppose the idea came from this place. Why is the bus called the 'cockington clipper'? What's a clipper?

Cabbie J said...

Problem with driving a bus is that you can't take cheeky shortcuts

David said...

Looking at the photos of the Cockington Green in Canbrra I don't think it is based on our Cockington which is a small, very old village with thatched cottages and a modest manor house. Not castles and mansions with moats all round. Clipper comes from Tea Clippers, small bus, goes fast, gets you there quickly. Thought not when I'm driving.