On Sun, 1 Oct 2006 14:35:49 +0100, Paul G wrote:

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/n...users_away.php

I notice the singular lack of statistics in the article.

There may well be a correlation between more youths using buses and
crime going up,

The article doesn't even say there is, although it tries to decieve
you into thinking so. Other than a vague statement that overall crime
on buses is going up, it contains no actual evidence at all - just
statements of the obvious interwoven with speculation. All it actually
says is that there's a correlation between crime and anti-social
behaviour - you don't say?

I also note they don't name the actual report they're referring to,
making it harder to determine whether they're using weasel words and
cherry-picking information out-of-context or whether the report really
does say what they make out it says. I can't find anything relevant on
the MPA website.

And are these
outweighed by the likely long-term benefits, e.g. teaching kids to use
public transport rather than becoming permanent car drivers in later
life?

Somehow, I don't think that's something the author cares to consider.

It seemed more like a whine by Grumpy of Richmond than a useful
informative news article.

That, and polemic from someone who is opposed to free travel in
principle and will say anything that supports its withdrawl even if
slightly ridiculous (kids are better off cycling in London than using
buses?).