(30 Jul 2021, 9:24 am)Andreos1 wrote There could be a whole raft of reasons.
Of the top of my head - they could use the time to do work (like streetdeckfan), Only if you're in a position to do that. A factory or a supermarket worker can't exactly box stuff or stack shelves on a bus. And even if you could work on the bus, there's stuff like GDPR to think about. All those eyes and very little privacy.
they could sleep, Could have an extra half hour uninterrupted at home and drive. On the way back, could drive and have a quick nap at home or go to bed/unwind earlier if you're a shift worker.
they could be thinking of the environment, I'll give you that one.
they could be doing so for health reasons (that bus isn't going to drop them at the door after all), Surely cycling or walking is healthier. Little exercise is better than no exercise, but if you're looking to do this for health reasons, then the exercise needs to be more prolonged to have a greater benefit.
they could be doing it cos the other half needs the car, perhaps, but how long before a two car family emerges if the arrangement isn't temporary?
they could do it cos their car is in need of attention at the garage and all of a sudden the bus becomes a viable alternative, again, temporary arrangement in all probability. If the car is beyond repair, I think it is more likely a replacement car will be sort after rather than transport modal switch.
they could be sadomaschicists who enjoy the torture of public transport, this one should have been last on the list as its the only real reason presented.
they could be sick of the traffic and see that bus lane as a good idea... bus has to wait in the same traffic elsewhere.
Many, many reasons.
(30 Jul 2021, 9:43 am)streetdeckfan wrote To me, the best way to get people to use the bus is to make sure they don't get the car in the first place. The bus shouldn't be the alternative, getting a car should be
As we've argued about, sorry discussed, if you already have a car it doesn't make financial sense to switch to the bus, but if you don't already have the fixed expense of a car (tax, insurance, monthly payments etc.) then the bus can work out considerably cheaper.
Agreed. The focus of bus use should really be geared towards the capture and retention of younger passengers, provide a reason not to migrate towards car usage in the first place.