In message , Mrs Redboots
writes
Ian Jelf wrote to uk.transport.london on Wed, 2 Feb 2005:

Paul C had earlier written:
Now given that existing sightseeing routes are permitted to carry
ordinary passengers paying cash fares alongside those who are taking a
tour or "hopping on and off" with a day ticket but typically are NOT
beseiged with eager Londoners wanting to travel on them I think there
will be problems in getting bids from bus companies to run these routes.
I've always been surprised that the sightseeing routes *do* have local
fares.

I didn't even know they did!
There are usually "strip signs" in the downstairs windows saying
something like ""Local Fares Available".

Goodness, you learn something new every
day - I thought they were strictly "do-the-tourist" traps and have
always steered visiting friends away from them.
Continue to steer people away from them. IMHO they're pretty poor
value unless you're *really* strapped for time. Spend your money on a
walking tour in a Travelcard and a good guide book and book as many
walking tours as you can.
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk