On 28 Jul 2003 09:04:25 -0700, (Gooner) wrote:

See http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/about-pay-before.shtml

It's a pity tickets will still need to be shown rather than a
much-needed increase in the penalty fare (I think 30 quid wouldn't be
unreasonable - at the very least) and spot inspections as on the
bendies. Surely, handing over a quid doesn't take that much longer
than showing a ticket and allowing the driver to read it - unless
you're fumbling for change, of course?

The real benefit of off-bus ticketing on busy routes is that it is not
necessary to board one-by-one - 4 abreast boarding (2 per door) is
possible - but not if you need to show your ticket.

It's also confusing that there are now 4 types of fare collection -
bendies, where it's buy before you board and no need to show tickets,
Routemasters, where you buy on board, normal buses where you buy
before you board but need to show your ticket on boarding, and
"traditional" pay-on-entry. It's also confusing that the same colour
(yellow) is to be used to represent both of the before-you-board
types.

Passenger-friendly? Not unless it can be simplified properly.

Neil