The problem is that queuing for buses became standard when fares were
collected by the conductor after boarding. In those circumstances, it's
sensible that the queuing order should determine who boards first and who
gets first choice of seats. But now we have some people who have pre-paid
and some who need to pay the driver, and without a conductor the boarding
process takes longer, thus slowing down the journey. The circumstances have
changed.

Richard, you make valid points.

If the bus is near to capacity, then it's up to the driver to decide how
many people can get on, and to regulate boarding if necessary.

In a rush-hour scramble, it's my experience that drivers are unwilling or
unable to exercise any authority over who gets on the bus, except closing the
door when the front of the bus (even when there are empty seats etc. upstairs)
simply cannot hold any more passengers.

But
otherwise, I think it's more civilised for the boarders to get on as quickly
as possible. If you are so concerned about sitting in your favourite seat,
get a Travelcard or travel outside the peaks.

Incidentally, your boarding would be slightly quicker (and your journey
cheaper) if you bought a Bus Saver from your local ticket agent instead of
handing over cash every time.


Most of the time I do have a (daily) Travelcard but occasionally, when making a
single journey by bus (almost always from Clapham Junction to Fulham by 295
bus) I agree a Saver booklet would be a good idea - but I'd easily lose the
booklet after the first couple of journeys.

Incidentally, is there a stub that can be kept for tax purposes when all Saver
tickets have been used?

Marc.