In message , Chris
Johns writes

Ironically, London is about the only place where busses aren't
viewed upon as the "poor persons transport" like they are everywhere else,

I agree, but it largely an acceptance of reality by many of us who live
in London. I certainly wouldn't regard myself as poor - we have two cars
(posh and not-so-posh), but I wouldn't dream of driving the 7 miles into
London, except perhaps early on a Sunday.

The Congestion Charge plus the near impossibility of parking in the
central area (or the exorbitant charges if you do find a space) are only
half the story - the fact is that public transport in London is usually
both quicker and cheaper than driving in.

As a result, there is a broad social mix to be found on buses, as on all
forms of public transport in the capital.

so in reality you could get away with a bus service in London (and have
people use it) whereas outside of London they'd drive/walk/magic carpet
rather than get a bus.

I'd like to think that matters in the provinces might change if and when
using a car becomes as difficult as it now is in London ... but a lot
more, including a political will for intervention and probably an
acceptance of the need for regulation, is going to be needed first.
--
Paul Terry