Taxi Driver Online

Taxis could lose out in Brighton Station revamp




TAXIS and buses could lose their sites at Brighton Station as part of a plan to improve the “welcome” to the city.

Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a public consultation on ways to regenerate the main entrance to the station.

The local authority and Southern Rail, which manages the station, want people to give their views on the proposals, which aim to “transform” the area around Queens Road to make it better for pedestrians and cyclists.

Plans mooted in the report include moving buses or taxis from outside the main entrance to Queens Road.

Other options include opening Surrey Street to two-way traffic so cars no longer have to drive past the station.

Trafalgar Street could be closed to traffic altogether and Terminus Road could become one-way southbound.

However, taxi drivers and bus bosses said they want to stay where they are.

Roger French, the managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, welcomed the consultation but said he wanted the bus stops to remain outside the station to help passengers who use trains as well.

He said: “We need more space for buses because we want to improve connectivity between buses and trains.”

Andy Cheesman, the managing director of City Cabs and a member of the Brighton and Hove Taxi Forum, said: “We want to stay where we are and have better services within the front of the station.

“Really that is the only viable option. There are too many buses and too many cabs in that area. If you bring the taxis out of the station it will be chaos.”

Ian Davey, the council’s cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said: “Brighton Station and its surrounding streets have a huge impact on anyone living in the vicinity of the station, or visiting for work or pleasure.

“We want to transform the area to make it a more enjoyable space to spend time in, a fitting welcome to the city, and a more effective movement interchange.”

A Southern spokesman said: “Anything that can be done to make Brighton more welcoming with more to offer can only be a good thing.”

To view the consultation visit http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/station-gateway before December 9.

source: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/9356514. ... on_revamp/

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

If it's not broke don't try and fix it.

_________________
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

You make a good point Nigel, however the lads who use the station are their own worst enemies.

_________________
IDFIMH

Yes, weren't they knocking seven bells out of each other a few years ago?

This is the new TDO

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Wot, TDO at Brighton station?

thought you meant nidge and sussex

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Whatever do you mean - they've always been the best of buddies

Actually there was a report in the Brighton Argus a few years ago about a bit of a dust up at Brighton station, no doubt it's on here someplace.

In fact this is the story here:

viewtopic.php?p=50117

Ah it's like that is it? Are these the ones who want it all to themselves?

_________________
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

Believe me, don't get Mercury X2

There is an issue of those with passes wanting those without passes to remain without passes, and if the rank goes around the back that may change, as they can rank up half a mile.

But the main problem of keeping the rank where it is at the front is that drivers trying to get onto the rank block a very busy junction.

And that alone will, IMO, mean the rank is moved around the back.

_________________
IDFIMH