(18 May 2023, 8:51 pm)MurdnunoC wrote Nope.
Once people have chosen the car over bus (for whatever reason), I think it is extremely difficult to persuade anyone to return on a long-term basis. Getting the likes of me, for example, is a complete non-starter. Why would I want to sit on an overpriced and overcrowded vehicle to travel to a destination that takes twice as long as it does in a car? Even if that journey was made cheaper and more direct, I've already paid for the car, which is infinitely reliable as I know first hand whether a problem has developed without the aid of social media or a crystal ball to tell me that 'service xxx has been delayed by xxx minutes en-route to xxx'; or that because of a lack of staff service xxx won't be running at these times.
I think you have to be an absolute masochist to enjoy using public transport these days outside of having an interest, either professional or enthusiastic in nature. You once mentioned recently that Andreos Constantopolous Jr. has been afforded the freedom of the road. Do you think he'll ever go back to using public transport as a matter of choice?
He's been driving the best part of 4 years now.
Has his own car and access to a company vehicle too.
When he first passed his test, he would use the bus when available (popping to see his mates, going to and from the match etc).
He lives not far from the 21 corridor, but due to the horrendous timings with the connecting bus, either had 15 min walk up-hill or he hung around for 20 mins.
Needless to say, getting the N21 often saw him stranded in the town for an hour at a time and there wasn't the option of getting a connecting bus.
He always used the car when seeing his girlfriend, because it was 3 buses and the best part of an hour travelling or a 10min/6mile drive in the car to get to where she lived.
He took advantage of the fares available for under 25's on the bus when he did use it, but even now (with the recently launched 21 and under fares), he's staying well away from the bus.
He's shown absolutely no interest at all in making a switch. Even temporarily.
Evening matches such as tonight - he drives in to the town and parks.
Weekend matches - it's a lift there and an uber back.
Quotes from him regarding the bus include:
Awful
Horrendous
No idea if it's going to turn up or not