I haven't set foot on a bus in years and nor do I intend to do so any time soon. It's the worst form of public transport by far - seems to attract all the dregs of society.
But what if you can only afford buses? Even if the Tube prices aren't expensive, getting from station to destination, what would you use? Everything might not be walking distance...
The buses in London have improved ten fold in the last 10 years, they are fast cheap efficient and clean - on the whole safe. It is great to see the routemasters back, it is like a bit of tradition that has been transformed into the 21 century - due to the reversal of a stupid EU law.
Even though I live in London, I confess I don not know the price difference between a bus and tube journey nowadays...it's been that long since I've been on a bus. I use my car and the tube in London. Failing that I'd rather walk, if possible. Or even pay for a taxi. But if I knew I was facing a late night taxi fare, I'd always drive my own car and not drink nowadays. Buses in England tend to be the lowest form of transport, in towns or cities. The nightbuses in London used to be horrible back in the days when I'd regularly go out and get drunk. I wish!
Cars are hardly affordable for everyone though but I get your point. Buses are the lowest form of transport in any place where there is another form of public transport. You have the Tube equivalent called Metro over here and residents of the city mostly use it for travelling but sometimes you just have to use the bus and they're a nightmare.
With the Congestion Charge it can be quite expensive to drive in some parts of London. But when I'm on work business, I'm exempt from paying it. And no, I don't abuse that privilige!! If I drive my car into Central London on personal business I'll always cough up. And curse Ken Livingstone under my breath of course!! Coaches aren't much better. When I was younger I'd always use them in the UK (Network Express coaches) for long distance trips to see friends where I knew booze would be involved. But they're unbelievably bleak. Often with a number of oddballs on board. Ditto, Greyhound coaches in America. The first few times I went over there I used them to get between cities. Greyhound is so iconic but coach stations in America...never again!! I'll always stump up the extra cash for a flight, or even rent a car if the journey is going to be scenic.
I think that is the route that goes along Stoke New Church Street then down to Newington Green, then Essex Road, then past Euston down to Oxford St, Park Lane - Victoria, if it is to be fair it is pretty handy if you live in N16 that is because to get the train I´d need to either get on the Overground at Hackney Central then change to LU line, or go down to Whitechappel then change to District...no fun.
Sorry, sorry...you're quite right Torquinian. London buses are full of enlightened, intelligent folk who exist simply to make your journey more pleasant. Particularly night buses which are full of nothing but high-spirited young revellers. Back on planet earth, buses (and coaches) have always been the cheapest form of public transport. On that basis, do you think they are going to attract Royalty!? No. They attract the very worst of the poor elements of society, including drunks, druggies and feckless aggressive youths. In short, the dregs of society. Sorry if this offends your PC sensibilities but nevertheless it is true of buses across Britain. I feel sorry for the majority of decent bus users who are forced to endure these low-lives. PS. I don't like buses, btw!
Boris' massive waste of money broke down within metres of leaving the garage on its first official trip, and then there were problems with the doors... http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/boris-bus-gets-off-to-difficult-start/1796.article
I'm going to have to approach this another way... Danny Dreams Fun Facts about buses #1: A bus is the only public form of transport on which a friend of mine has been threatened with a knife!!
