• Our booking engine at tickets.railforums.co.uk (powered by TrainSplit) helps support the running of the forum with every ticket purchase! Find out more and ask any questions/give us feedback in this thread!

2021 Pocket Map is on eBay! So excited

Status
Not open for further replies.

Terry_Train

New Member
Joined
17 Sep 2021
Messages
2
Location
London Town
I love collecting the little pocket maps. Just seen the latest on ebay for a couple of quids with the new wiggle extension! Anyone else like a kid at Christmas?! Haha
 
Sponsor Post - registered members do not see these adverts; click here to register, or click here to log in
R

RailUK Forums

bb21

Emeritus Moderator
Joined
4 Feb 2010
Messages
24,151
Why would you need to buy off ebay, especially if you are from London?

I'm sure if you require a copy for collection, there will be plenty of people willing to help send you a copy if you ask on the forum. Even offering to cover their postage won't cost more than £1.

TfL may also send you a copy if you ask the helpline.
 

Mcr Warrior

Veteran Member
Joined
8 Jan 2009
Messages
11,648
Suppose whomever is selling them on Ebay has had to get hold of the map, package it up, post it and presumably also pay Ebay a fee. Won't be all that much in it for them after all that, if the selling price is a couple of quid, even if the maps have been sourced for free. :|
 

Terry_Train

New Member
Joined
17 Sep 2021
Messages
2
Location
London Town
When I was in London last month, I saw a whole wad of them in Uxbridge Station. Head there?
Oh wow! Unfortunately I’ve ruptured my Achilles and am recovering from surgery. Will head out there when I’m back up and about!

Suppose whomever is selling them on Ebay has had to get hold of the map, package it up, post it and presumably also pay Ebay a fee. Won't be all that much in it for them after all that, if the selling price is a couple of quid, even if the maps have been sourced for free. :|
Yeh, handy for those outside of London or those on crutches like me!
 

Ianno87

Veteran Member
Joined
3 May 2015
Messages
15,215
So the cover art on the latest pocked tube map has the words "sit alongside and feel me breathe" printed on it.

That's, um, an interesting choice in the present time...
 

bramling

Veteran Member
Joined
5 Mar 2012
Messages
17,685
Location
Hertfordshire / Teesdale
So the cover art on the latest pocked tube map has the words "sit alongside and feel me breathe" printed on it.

That's, um, an interesting choice in the present time...

It indeed could be seen as being a little insensitive when well over 100,000 people have lost their lives.
 

Ken H

On Moderation
Joined
11 Nov 2018
Messages
6,271
Location
N Yorks
Huge market for current stuff on Ebay, train and bus. The one that gets me is that people pay for current dalesbus timetables, when the pdf of exactly the same content is online.
 

Chriso

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2006
Messages
330
The Sep 2021 tube map is available at Victoria LU station (racks by Victoria line gateline) . I picked up a bundle yesterday
 

Mikey C

Established Member
Joined
11 Feb 2013
Messages
6,830
Huge market for current stuff on Ebay, train and bus. The one that gets me is that people pay for current dalesbus timetables, when the pdf of exactly the same content is online.
TfL missing out on a means of making some money. Perhaps they can recoup the lost revenue from the late opening of Crossrail by flogging timetables and pocket maps on eBay :D
 

choochoochoo

Established Member
Joined
6 Aug 2013
Messages
1,215
how often do TfL put out a new map ? 6 monthly ? Is there a place you can find the release date ?
 

Dstock7080

Established Member
Joined
17 Feb 2010
Messages
2,741
Location
West London
how often do TfL put out a new map ? 6 monthly ? Is there a place you can find the release date ?
Last card map was September 2021, before that was June 2021.
There is no set interval between releases.
Unlikely to be a card issue for the Northern Line closure, so next expected is Elizabeth Line part opening and Barking Riverside for later in the year.
 

AlbertBeale

Established Member
Joined
16 Jun 2019
Messages
2,690
Location
London
Last card map was September 2021, before that was June 2021.
There is no set interval between releases.
Unlikely to be a card issue for the Northern Line closure, so next expected is Elizabeth Line part opening and Barking Riverside for later in the year.

It's bizarre, of course, that the tube map covers a much less complicated system than the bus map - yet the latter is no longer produced, even though its absence causes far more problems than the absence of a printed tube map would!
 

rebmcr

Established Member
Joined
15 Nov 2011
Messages
3,845
Location
St Neots
It's bizarre, of course, that the tube map covers a much less complicated system than the bus map - yet the latter is no longer produced, even though its absence causes far more problems than the absence of a printed tube map would!
The bus map doesn't support a vast range of tourist-focused merchandise — of which the tube map represents a much-needed chunk of TfL's income.
 

AlbertBeale

Established Member
Joined
16 Jun 2019
Messages
2,690
Location
London
The bus map doesn't support a vast range of tourist-focused merchandise — of which the tube map represents a much-needed chunk of TfL's income.

Sure - but in terms of producing a paper, fold-up, pocket map for use by actual travellers, the bus map is far more essential than the tube map. I understand the value of revenue from something iconic ... but what about the actual travelling needs of those trying to use public transport in London? Most people - locals and visitors - could survive quite well with just the wall maps at stations (though I'm not arguing against having the useful pocket tube map!); but plotting routes around town by bus is incredibly difficult without a map to consult in advance, because of the much greater complexity of the system, so its lack is far more problematic than the lack of a pocket tube map would be.
 

choochoochoo

Established Member
Joined
6 Aug 2013
Messages
1,215
Wouldn't the sheer number of buses/routes/paths taken in london would make this an absolute mess of a diagram ?

I know there are local bus maps (like those you see at the bus stops). They usually show routes local to that stop, and are normally a good reference for route planning.

Fortunately these days, with mobile devices, the online route planners are pretty good at giving you viable bus routes.
 

Busaholic

Veteran Member
Joined
7 Jun 2014
Messages
14,029
Wouldn't the sheer number of buses/routes/paths taken in london would make this an absolute mess of a diagram ?
1) It managed to be done for about eighty years, up to a few years ago
2) It's precisely because of all the routes and roads traversed that you need a map to sort them out!
 

AlbertBeale

Established Member
Joined
16 Jun 2019
Messages
2,690
Location
London
Wouldn't the sheer number of buses/routes/paths taken in london would make this an absolute mess of a diagram ?

I know there are local bus maps (like those you see at the bus stops). They usually show routes local to that stop, and are normally a good reference for route planning.

Fortunately these days, with mobile devices, the online route planners are pretty good at giving you viable bus routes.

Without a map to look at to get an overview of options, it isn't even possible to ask a sensible question of an online system, let alone get a sensible answer with all the what-ifs clear before you set off. Some colleagues of mine from abroad, after the London bus maps were discontinued, said the lack of a map (and therefore the difficulty for them to plan outings and sightseeing in between meetings) made them less likely to argue for London as a venue for their international gatherings. (Which I understood: a few years ago the lack of a local bus map caused me to leave Genoa after only one day, and spend extra time elsewhere in Liguria.)

1) It managed to be done for about eighty years, up to a few years ago
2) It's precisely because of all the routes and roads traversed that you need a map to sort them out!

Absolutely. I've lived in London most of my life, but without a bus map I find it harder and slower to move round areas I'm not familiar with.

Take a look at busmap.co.uk to see what can be done. It will be updated at some point post pandemic.

Yes - those maps are great; and I'll certainly buy one when they start being issued again. But they're the whole of Greater London on one sheet, so (though handy for reference) they aren't very practical for use while on the move. And most visitors to London aren't going to come across them - so they're stuck; and its visitors I feel especially sorry for and angry on behalf of. Not having a bus map you can pick up at tube stations, given the complexity of the bus network, must surely strike tourists as being the height of silliness and unfriendliness on the part of TfL.
 

rebmcr

Established Member
Joined
15 Nov 2011
Messages
3,845
Location
St Neots
Sure - but in terms of producing a paper, fold-up, pocket map for use by actual travellers, the bus map is far more essential than the tube map.
What I meant was, the only reason we have any paper map of any sort at all, is the marketing connection. TfL have clearly decided on the philosophy that passengers' needs are to be met exclusively by point-to-point digital itineraries.
 

AlbertBeale

Established Member
Joined
16 Jun 2019
Messages
2,690
Location
London
What I meant was, the only reason we have any paper map of any sort at all, is the marketing connection. TfL have clearly decided on the philosophy that passengers' needs are to be met exclusively by point-to-point digital itineraries.

In what way is that a "philosophy"? It's a fact that many passengers' needs aren't met by point-to-point digital itineraries.
 

Busaholic

Veteran Member
Joined
7 Jun 2014
Messages
14,029
In what way is that a "philosophy"? It's a fact that many passengers' needs aren't met by point-to-point digital itineraries.
Roger French is one of the most well-regarded figures in the bus industry, albeit now retired from the 'day job' but still acutely interested in all the goings on in his old world: he was both scathing and perplexed when TfL first announced there'd be no more bus maps. It would never have happened under the 'old guard' of Hendy and Daniels, but then they knew a few things about bus operation, not a charge that could be levelled against the present incumbents. <D
 

Mikey C

Established Member
Joined
11 Feb 2013
Messages
6,830
Do TfL care about buses, indeed do they want more people to use them?

My own gut feeling is that while in previous eras buses were seen as a solution, now they are seen as just another form of road traffic. Certainly TfL have been very happy to introduce new cycle lanes that make bus journeys slower and less attractive.
 

LAX54

Established Member
Joined
15 Jan 2008
Messages
3,753
Why would you need to buy off ebay, especially if you are from London?

I'm sure if you require a copy for collection, there will be plenty of people willing to help send you a copy if you ask on the forum. Even offering to cover their postage won't cost more than £1.

TfL may also send you a copy if you ask the helpline.
Much prefer the 1960's maps....when I find them, Tube and Bus Routes.
 

Chriso

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2006
Messages
330
Picked up this in Central London today
 

Attachments

  • BD26C5C9-2BE4-4DEC-9165-1BDE54BD212E.jpeg
    BD26C5C9-2BE4-4DEC-9165-1BDE54BD212E.jpeg
    2.4 MB · Views: 76
  • 905BEBD9-8E78-4C4C-BEAB-FC4ED441DC99.jpeg
    905BEBD9-8E78-4C4C-BEAB-FC4ED441DC99.jpeg
    2.9 MB · Views: 76

Techniquest

Veteran Member
Joined
19 Jun 2005
Messages
21,674
Location
Nowhere Heath
I love collecting the little pocket maps. Just seen the latest on ebay for a couple of quids with the new wiggle extension! Anyone else like a kid at Christmas?! Haha

Hi, I'm a bit late to this thread, but two really quick things:

1) I hope you've recovered now, or at the least making good progress :)

2) I'm sure I have the maps of your desire here, I will check in the morning and if so you are welcome to them. Quite happy to send you them, no charge, and if I've got them I'll PM you :)
 

Chriso

Member
Joined
7 Dec 2006
Messages
330
Ruislip tonight
 

Attachments

  • 6A6C5250-E007-4CAA-AD2E-E12AC015BC3D.jpeg
    6A6C5250-E007-4CAA-AD2E-E12AC015BC3D.jpeg
    1.9 MB · Views: 205

PG

Established Member
Joined
12 Oct 2010
Messages
2,809
Location
at the end of the high and low roads
Ruislip tonight
6a6c5250-e007-4caa-ad2e-e12ac015bc3d-jpeg.108345

Sponsored by Chairman Mao...?
 

urbophile

Established Member
Joined
26 Nov 2015
Messages
2,059
Location
Liverpool
(Which I understood: a few years ago the lack of a local bus map caused me to leave Genoa after only one day, and spend extra time elsewhere in Liguria.)
You missed out! There is a bus map online, but you can explore Genoa quite well from the main railway line (approx 4tph across th city from East to West), the (tiny) metro and the variety of fascinating lifts and funiculars. Enough to keep any transport nerd happy for at least a week. And don't forget the narrow-gauge line into the hills from Piazza Menin. [apology for going off-topic but I couldn't resist]
 

AlbertBeale

Established Member
Joined
16 Jun 2019
Messages
2,690
Location
London
You missed out! There is a bus map online, but you can explore Genoa quite well from the main railway line (approx 4tph across th city from East to West), the (tiny) metro and the variety of fascinating lifts and funiculars. Enough to keep any transport nerd happy for at least a week. And don't forget the narrow-gauge line into the hills from Piazza Menin. [apology for going off-topic but I couldn't resist]

Yes - Genoa's narrow gauge, funiculars, etc, are great. But I needed an actual physical map of the system - including the buses - so as to find my way round and plan outings. Getting around the city - which is quite large - without efficient use of buses didn't seem an option, especially for anyone finding walking long distances in a very hilly city difficult. (I was there to visit the city itself, not just be a transport nerd - in that case I might not have been so interested in the buses.) I think there are more than 100 bus routes in the conurbation; so even if I could have found a map of the system online, which I couldn't, it wouldn't have been possible to print out a useable version myself. Without a bus map to use, I gave up trying to get around and left for somewhere more visitor-friendly.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top