Internet off line

The bus depots have computers for use by the drivers to access the internet in their spare time. Burwood has 4.

However, they have been off the air for the past few weeks. Apparently, they have been used to access 'inappropriate' material. They are to be updated with improved filters. A driver from the Leichhardt depot said their computers are down, too. So it seems to be a company wide change.

Burwood also has an unsecured Wi-fi signal which I have used to access the internet via my PDA. That, too, is off the air.

Regarding my PDA, I have used it to try to find unsecured Wi-fi signals in various parts of the city when between runs but without success.

10 Cents Revisited

In March last year I said that fare changes introduced in January of that year meant drivers gave out a lot of 10 cent coins as change. The most common 'new' fares were 1.70, 1.90 and 2.90. Managing the supply of 10 cent coins was a daily challenge. I would bring 10 cent coins from home to boost my supply.

Well, the fare changed again in January this year, the most common fares are now 1.80, 2.00 and 3.00. The tyranny of the 10 cent coin is over, well, until the fares change again, probably in January next year.

A few months ago a change machine was installed in the depot which gives 10 and 20 cent coins in return for paper notes. About 18 months late.

The Pope is in town

This week has been World Youth Day .

There have been a lot of road closures in the city. Which roads where closed depended on the day and, sometimes, the time of day.

From a bus driver's point of view, it is no different to any other occasion when roads are closed, New Years Eve, APEC , parades, etc. On the day, we are given instructions and maps showing the alternate routes, lay up areas and bus stops to be used. We have no need to know this information in advance of the day we use it.

The 'pilgrims' (as the attendees are called) have a pass which gives them free public transport.

Extra bus services were put on, drivers were asked to volunteer to do 12 hour days. I didn't volunteer but got one anyway. Some months ago, we were told that no leave would be granted for this week (though, those who had already been given leave, kept it).

The pilgrims I had on my bus runs were cheerful, friendly and polite.