The Buses of London or Why I'd Rather Walk | 46 comments (46 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 1)

I ask myself whether or not you have yet travelled on the "Bendy Buses" (aka "Happy Buses" because payment appears to be optional) and whose drivers tend to wear the benevolent demeanour of a travelling philanthropist.

As a regular traveller on the 25, which goes through "bandit country" on its way from Oxford Circus to the Ilford Badlands, I am always intrigued to see how many of those alighting through the rear two pairs of doors somehow forget to use their Oyster card.....

"The future is already here -- it's just not very evenly distributed" William Gibson

by ChrisCook (cojockathotmaildotcom) on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:00:32 PM EST

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

Yes, Chris, indeed, I have travelled on the 25 many times (at times with a leg or an arm caught in the door). A horrific experience in spite of the philantropic bus drivers. I would estimate that only about 1/8th of the passengers touches their Oyster card to the reader -- the rest of them cluster around the two readers (located by the doors) in hope that if they're checked, they can pull out their card fast enough. Tempting... maybe that's why they tend to be even more crowded than other buses, if that's even possible.

"If you cannot say what you have to say in twenty minutes, you should go away and write a book about it." Lord Brabazon

by Barbara on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:07:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

Surely the most cosmopolitan bus route in London, as well.

Apart from the East End immigrant populations of Bangladeshi's and Somali's, I have noted a phenomenal rise in Eastern European riders in the last couple of years.

(Any other bids for Cosmopolitan Route of the Year, anyone?)

Didn't note any difference as between likelihood of use of Oyster card though... I reckon your observation is about right, Barbara, both in terms of Oyster use and "Reader Clustering".

"The future is already here -- it's just not very evenly distributed" William Gibson

by ChrisCook (cojockathotmaildotcom) on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:20:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

So, are you in London or in Scotland? I'm confused.

We should meet, regardless...

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy They first make mad. -- Euripides

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:23:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

Both, mainly in Linlithgow (about 20 miles West of Edinburgh) since I am rarely in London these days, although I am down there 4th to 7th December because the housing coop in Bromley-by-Bow I am a member of is fighting the latest round of our battle with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to:
(a) survive;
(b) do an eco-build using the "Community Land Partnership" model;
in which context we actually have support from the LibDems, Conservatives AND Respect Councillors...

Not bad eh?

So on 5th you'll find me having my 5 minutes of fame before the Council's scrutiny committee...

"The future is already here -- it's just not very evenly distributed" William Gibson

by ChrisCook (cojockathotmaildotcom) on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:49:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

Do you think we could meet while you're in London?

Those whom the Gods wish to destroy They first make mad. -- Euripides

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Sat Nov 25th, 2006 at 03:39:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Buses of London - Freestyle (none / 0)

But Chris, if you live so close, how come we never see you ?

keep to the Fen Causeway

by Helen (lareinagal at yahoo dot co dot uk) on Thu Nov 23rd, 2006 at 05:24:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The Buses of London or Why I'd Rather Walk | 46 comments (46 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)