Sign in

Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden)

@markonthemaps.bsky.social
6.8K followers 14K following 886 posts

🌈 Author, broadcaster and lecturer in design, cartography, typography and architecture around public transport. Partner of ND 🌈♾️ person. Pro-Transit 🚆 🚃 🚋 🚟🚌 and ‘in transit’ from X as @markovenden.

PostsRepliesMedia
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 21h
What a joy to a part of of this years magnificent #CYANfestival in #Split, #Croatia. Joyful volunteers and dedicated organisers, enthusiastic attendees and informative lectures. Look out for this event in 2027! lnkd.in/p/e6y2Stgb
lnkd.in
#design | Mark Ovenden
A superb gathering of designers in Split, Croatia: the cyanfestival is an absolute must-visit on the circuit of well-organised and professional #design events. Honoured to have been one of it’s lectu...
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It's a year since #FelicitySpector and #JackCurtis explained why their incredible train experiences were included (with mine & 7 others) in 'The Untold Railway Stories'. How Ukraine workers fix bombed tracks so fast? And an amazing train journey from UK to Baku. www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese...
020
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Wayfinding is crucial of course but in this case I just wonder if someone had a wee bit of a need to spend the signage budget at the last minute. Do you think there may just possibly be a parking spot around here? Anyone got any other examples of signage overkill? #Wayfinding
0100
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
You are very correct Richard But as you know there used to be direct service Soton to Gatwick (not branded as such I know) but was really bemoaning loss of that direct train!
110
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Steve: Paul is correct. They haven’t bothered to repaint. It’s especially galling considering we are travelling to Gatwick via the most circuitous route imaginable. Well: not quite, it just feels interminable. Broken PID’s, zero communication, surly staff. Just sadly puts people off using rail.
030
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Little update: connection to Gatwick at Havant cancelled due to a “fire”. No update. No announcement. Found out by complete chance via realtimetrains before disembarking. Southern guard unhelpful/surly. Told us: “this will teach you - should have got an earlier train in case of cancellations”. Urgh!
180
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Currently on a train still branded as the “Gatwick Express”. It no longer runs to Gatwick from Southampton, it now calls at every single station en route to Brighton. Yiu need to changetrains to go to the airport now. So: not Gatwick, and not an Express. Bravo to all for this. #UKRail
5293
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#Comedian, #contentcreator & #transport lover Christopher Beanland joins todays CATCHcast. www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese... He's produced books on Lido's, Stations, Brutalism & performed stand-up comedy at Edinburgh. He also runs #ParkDate pod! Hat's off to him and do take a listen! #TransitSky
vectisradio.com
Mark Ovenden
000
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Anniversary today of this fine feline going to #cat heaven. With him for 18 years and he brought so much happiness. An indoor housecat his whole life (living in flats) he eventually got limited garden access in his last year before passing in 2020. Miss him still. #CatsOfBlueSky
0182
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Urgent medical attention required: life #signs are not good! #signpostSunday
1101
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Fascinating chat with @roadscholar.bsky.social about possibility of a new #tunnel under the #Pennines. He reckons linking #Manchester and #Sheffield can be done much cheaper with the Norwegian method that a #TunnelBoringMachine Listen here: www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese... #TransitSky
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Always good to see new mass transit infrastructure opening but this must be especially pleasing for the people of beautiful #NewZealand. www.railwaygazette.com/auckland-cit... Huge bravo to all for completing this vital link for #Auckland. And a rather fine map too! #TransitSky
0173
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
When I made this playful diagram about 20 years ago, it wasn’t too far off the new #GreaterManchesterMayor’s plan but I’ll be in my 90s by 2050 - if indeed any of us make past the AI killing us all off in 2 years time. But hey, otherwise: it’s a great plan! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
0171
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
#OTD 100 years ago, 7 new #Underground stations opened serving #SouthLondon. With beautiful modern designs by #CharlesHolden and escalators to all platforms, it was a huge boon to southern suburbs and brought the #Tube to Morden. #TransportForLondon #TFL #Train #TransitSky
1346
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Goodness Michael! How very gratifying! Thank you so much for sharing that. I’m truly humbled. :-) And the 465908 trip round Kent sounds fun too!
110
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Leading young #rail planner Kayla Bibby, founder of the North Star Rail Alliance, wants a new Merseyrail route utilising disused tunnels: names it 'the Sergeant Pepper Line'. Hear our geeky map chat plus thoughts on rise of the UK's new skyscrapers. www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese... #TransitSky
031
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Privilege to speak for #TootingHistoryGroup on #Centenary of the #NorthernLine extension to #Morden They made an exceptional cake we all tucked into afterwards! And sang happy birthday to it!
2222
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Appreciation to @joebrownlondon.bsky.social for this post. Great to see his excellent books in @stanfordstravel.bsky.social too. And he’s so right to ask everyone to buy in physical bookshops if possible. To paraphrase the wise old car sticker: « if you can read this thank a bookshop »!
091
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
#BAFTA award-winning Geoff Posner's back: more tales of #AcornAntiques, #French&Saunders, #DinnerLadies & his other telly productions in the 2nd part of our long giggly natter about his life as a TV Director including cast corpsing over #MrsOverall's lumpy tights: www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese...
040
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
He's worked on #CatherineTate, #HarryEnfield, #Blackadder, #SteveCoogan, #French&Saunders, #LittleBritain & #VictoriaWood / #JulieWalters. #AcornAntiqes #2soups: all directed by #GeoffPosner. He reveals how he 1st met Vic. Plus why he's a big transport fan too! www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese...
021
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
@terriblemapshq.bsky.social have you seen this one? AI seems to have made the south of Ireland into southern England while turned Ulster into an island for a solar panel advert. Quite the mapping mix up!
0110
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Thank you so much Brendan! We transport authors stick together! :-)
020
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
#AndrewMartin host of 'Reading On Trains' Substack & author of bestseller 'To The Sea By Train' told me last year about these plus then new 'Moquette Mystery'. Listen again and find out more about why there was a station at #Waterloo dedicated to corpses! www.vectisradio.com/podcasts/cat...
150
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Wow Speedy! Hope you enjoy Gareth :-)
110
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Thank goodness for the existence of ND people! The perspective that so many incredible individuals have given us have provided refreshing outlooks on so much that others take for granted. All power to the neurodivergent community!
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Thank you Ann! (And for your help in it too given some of the fun with had during production!)
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Thanks Gareth, do give us your thoughts once it arrives. :-)
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Forgive shameless self promotion but for we freelance #authors these things are rare: new book with @mrmappy.bsky.social #Mapping #Britains #Railways has just gone to Number 1 in 6 #Amazon categories. Also No1 @stanfordstravel.bsky.social in #Trains & #Transport. Appologies for trumpet-blowing!
Screenshot from Amazon.co.uk showing Ovendens book as « Number One Best Seller » in the Railways History category.
2239
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Hi Aaron, it's a little different in ratio to Iconic Transit Maps. Different publisher so they all have their wonderful ways. In fact it feels a bit easier to carry about so hopefully will be popular for a alternate readers as much as the dedicated map book fans. :-)
110
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Book launch ahead! Love #maps #railways #design? Know people who do? Search "Mapping Britain's Railways" & "Ovenden" for new #BritishLibrary title out 18/08/26. 1st with every #TrainOperatingCompany & newest #GreatBritishRailways maps, plus historical ones. #transit & #cartography lovers must-have!
Mark Ovenden poses inside the Stanfords book store, Covent Garden, London, with piles of his new book, just signed!
5577
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
As if we didnt already know: the #SUV (Stupendously Unnecessary Vehicle) is dominating the #UK. Time for action now to reduce these things down and tax them off our roads? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
It’s the SUV tyranny: where have all the normal family cars gone? | Coco Khan
They rule the roads and, in their wake, even old-style saloons have been supersized. It’s an illusion of consumer choice, says writer and podcaster Coco Khan
1174
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
What's the attraction of that golden age of #bus and #coach travel? Transport Historian Michael Walton wants to enthuse us about the beautiful design of #marketing & #posters that epitomise those glory days of buses & coaches. Listen to Mike here: www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese... #TransitSky
0152
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
And Piccadilly still running trains from 1973 of course also Chris!
MetroCammell makers floorplate reveals date of 1973 on Piccadilly Line train still in service.
130
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Oh my word! This is quite hilarious. For anyone who knows the geography of the UK and our #railway network in particular you will be horrified. Let’s hope no one tries to use it to plan a journey! #TransitSky #UKRailways
2170
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Not the best eclipse photo, but with my cracked iPhone lens and cover it somehow feels quite sweet
1250
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Spotted this huge cloud emanating from the #NewForest last night but zero mention of fires on local news so assumed must be a weird natural formation. How wrong! Very noticeable aroma in air this morning. Were local news outlets asleep last night (approx 8pm)? www.islandecho.co.uk/islanders-ur...
040
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Rare chance to see inside a #railway #signalbox. Disconnected in 1988 but now a #Grade2Listed historic landmark. Fine views down the line to #Shanklin from where a #Ryde bound ex-London #Underground renovated D-Stock (now 484) is seen entering #Brading station under electronic control. #TransitSky
0144
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Can #Trams, #Railways, #Sport and #Music mix? Dr Kevin Tennent of the #UniversityOfYork says YES! Hear how he studied the #LondonOlympics, and #Independent #RecordLabels between the business systems behind our transport systems. www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese...
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Terrifying. The population has blossomed since then and so has our water usage. Britains needs much more clean water and much less wasted.
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Very sad to see this. Hope it is not true or massively exaggerated?
0122
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Today: a Welsh-born professor who lived in China as a child and studied in Leeds and Taiwan! Dafydd Fell also presented a radio show in Taiwan, writes about party politics there and his book on the islands Sugar Railways is an absolute delight. Listen here: www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese...
020
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
A few large heavy ‘steam rollers’ clearing bus lanes might put idiots like this off flouting the rules maybe? #TransitSky
120
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
More good moves on reducing #publictransport costs. #TransitSky
090
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
So proud to have this book published by @blpublishing.bsky.social You can pre-order now, available generally in a few weeks!
010
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
#TransitSky Anything to boost #publictransport simply has to be applauded. Sister who is incapacitated needs to take 3 buses to the hospital (an £18 per return trip) but with this: cut to £12 it’s more do-able. Ideally we need ‘hopper’ fares too (allowing bus changes within an hour). Good start tho.
0101
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Bowled over to be included in #Waterstones list of Summer26 pre-orders! If you know anyone who loves #transport and #cartography: maybe point them in this direction! www.waterstones.com/book/mapping... #TransitSky #UKRailways
Graphic link to Waterstones website which includes their logo and cover of Mark Ovenden's new book. Pre-order 25% off offer begins today 21st July and runs until 24th July. Use code "SUMMER26" for discount.
091
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
When #hovercraft first flew they looked like #science-fiction. Historian and model-maker Ashley Hollebone has built unfeasible machines for #Hollywood from #JamesBond to #HarryPotter. Ashley explains his love of hovercraft and how they were developed. www.vectisradio.com/on-air/prese... #TransitSky
091
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
If we want better #publictransport: we have to fight for it. Direct from Oakland @carterlavin.bsky.social explains his great book and why we have to battle to get improvements. Listen: www.vectisradio.com/podcasts/cat... Get the book: www.islandpress.org/fight #TransitSky
120
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
This is the calmest I’ve ever seen the #EnglishChannel. There’s hundreds of miles of #ocean out there and was not a breath of wind and literally no waves. It felt like a sci-fi movie scene. Most disturbing! Videoed this morning at #Brook beach (where the #dinosaur footprints are).
4236
Markonthemaps (Mark Ovenden) @markonthemaps.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Phone just randomly threw up this photo taken on this day in 2022. Rather fine perspective on #London’s #BTTower from below. Such a clever building Ng when it first went up in #1964.
2324