wrote to uk.transport.london on Wed, 22 Sep 2004:

But there are many people who use the bus occasionally who will not want
an oyster card or have to buy saver tickets. I don't pay bus fares, but
there are still the odd occasions when I need to pay a fare for a friend
that is travelling with me who cannot afford the fare. Many other
occasional travellers, unemployed etc. are in the same boat. Why should
they have to fork out money in advance? Like I said, it's a rip off.

Although if you have a pack of saver tickets in your purse or wallet,
it's very useful for the occasional journey and, indeed, to give one to
a beggar who importunes you for the price of a bus fare.
--
"Mrs Redboots"
http://www.amsmyth.demon.co.uk/
Website updated 11 September 2004