In the early hours of the morning, a mysterious bus pulls up at a West Ealing bus stop, offering a one-way service to West Ruislip once a week. The service replaces what used to be known as a “parliamentary train” – a train service which rail operators are compelled by law to offer but can no longer be justified due to low passenger numbers.
There is no timetable for this “ghost” bus service and almost nobody has heard of it, with some passengers even having to pre-book their tickets. However, despite the almost clandestine new service, a handful of passengers are taking advantage of the bus’ inaugural trips, each drawn to the bizarre and unique experience of catching a parliamentary service with an almost cult following.
The bus service is provided by Metroline, with the cost being significantly smaller than running rail journeys and training additional drivers. While this particular service is a recent addition to the London transport network, similar replacements run by Chiltern Railways ended in 2009, at an operating cost of £500 per day.
Despite the ghost bus’s relative uniqueness, it is entirely necessary to keep these parliamentary services running. As rail operators are compelled to offer them under the Railway Regulation Act 1844, the cost of keeping them in operation is often cheaper than the alternative of ceasing operations. The unique service offers a weekly, unusual journey for public transport enthusiasts and the travelling public.
While some might find the service strange and unnecessary, there are still plenty of commuters and amateur enthusiasts keen to give it a try. For some, ticking off the service represents a unique and unusual experience, and with such low operating costs, it seems unlikely that the government will change the requirements anytime soon
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