(04 Jun 2020, 1:19 pm)Andreos1 wrote I agree with most of what you said there. One thing I would add, is that this sort of system adds barriers. It removes the flexibility of turning up for a bus. Turn up and go type services in urban areas has reportededly led to an increase numbers. To restrict that, is only going to take it away.

(04 Jun 2020, 1:29 pm)streetdeckfan wrote What if you forget your wallet and need to call back home and pick it up. Do you have to re-book a ticket home, then one back out again?

Think these points are the key to it all. 

Bus services, unlike trains, in urban areas are reasonably frequent. If I was to get a train from Newcastle to Aberdeen, I'd book in advance and reserve a seat because I know there are a limited number of trains per day and am I hell standing for 4 hours. 

Being able to just head out at a rough time and catch a bus is a huge plus - say you got an important phone call just before you left the house, with a booking system that could mean you can't get to where you need to be. With the current system, you can relax and just hop onto the next bus. 

I'd back that the people advocating this booking system for buses don't rely on buses, and don't use them for leisure either.