Also of interest is the statement at the end of the article saying
that 40% of people travelling on London Buses are doing so for free or
at a discount.

I wonder what effect this 40% has on bus fares for the remaining 60%?

When Ken introduced free bus travel for all children the cost was
estimated in 2005 at c.£m50 lost revenue. The numbers using the buses
around here for short journeys increased dramatically so I would expect
the long-run marginal cost to be much higher.

Oddly I could never find Ken's assessment of what free bus travel was
expected to do for levels of fitness and obesity among the capitals'
children. And IIRC he was deaf to the reports of reduced numbers of
paying passengers due to the behaviour of so many of the sweet little
things.

--
Robin
reply to address is (meant to be) valid