On Sat, 10 May 2008 02:48:16 -0700 (PDT), CJB
wrote:

The people that the cash fares catch are hapless tourists. This is
especially so on the N9 out of Heathrow - the ONLY public transport
after HEX and Connect and the Tube have shut down. Then tourists might
arrive on a late flight, and having just visited an ATM only have £10
notes (or worse £20s). When I used to work at LHR I witnessed hundreds
of times a stroppy bus driver refusing to allow a tourist (usually
with luggage) to board because said driver did not have any change.
They don't have a float when they start their shifts. Most airport
workers use Oyster. So the lack of cash change is a real problem. The
situation would be marginally better if the airlines sold Oyster cards
on board, or if Oysters could be bought from vending machines. Even
ticket machines would be useful at Heathrow Central - but there are
none there. Rip-off Britain again. CJB.

While not excusing the poor attitude of the bus drivers concerning
change giving I think people are just refusing to recognise that London
is far from unique in appearing awkward to tourists. I cannot think of
a single transport organisation in a major city that I have visited that
does not attempt to sell a premium priced, restricted availability
product to tourists. I believe London has, at last, got rid of the
premium priced Tourist Travelcard. I can't think of a city anywhere that
makes it easy for people with loads of fresh, high denomination currency
to use standard public transport services. Many systems are farebox no
change, exact fare only or else charge a direct premium for cash
acceptance or force you to pay off system anyway. If people think
London's buses and tubes are awkward or impenetrable then try Rome! Try
to find the public transport at Singapore Airport, try to find a NYC
transit bus to take you into town at JFK in NYC.

In my experience the only way you get access to the cheap, every day
tickets is to do a bit of research beforehand. I don't recall who it
was, in another post, that said you were basically a bit stupid or else
a raving transport loony to do this but it's the only way IME to get a
decent priced ticket. I'm not saying this is right btw - I'm simply
saying that London is far from being unique in seeming difficult or
discriminatory of its treatment of visitors.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!