"Paul Corfield" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 8 Aug 2007 19:29:25 +0200, Jarle H Knudsen
wrote:

Why does bus route 972 (Colindale - Neasden) only operate on thursdays?

It's a mobility bus route - there used to be a large network of these
specialist services before main routes were progressively converted to
low floor / wheelchair access.

The routes were typically operated with a small number of specialist
vehicles with wheelchair lifts so frequent services were not possible.
Now there are only two operators that provide the entire network after a
recent reorganisation so you have the strange sight of Metrobus
operating routes in East London.

They are designed for specific shopping or hospital trips and thus tend
to operate either morning or afternoon with a gap of a few hours between
arrival and departure. The few remaining routes also tend to use roads
that are not served by regular buses or provide unique links which
explains why they still exist.

I have never understood the point of these services. Surely anyone who uses
them is eligible for the Dial-a-Ride service which is a lot more useful and
flexible than a once-a-week bus service?

Peter Smyth