Yes David,but only if they are operating under the Cashless 3 Door Boarding
system.
My point is that if the Citaro is operated on the same system as a
Routemaster,ie:cash Fares collected then the "Advantages" tend to
evaporate.
The problem with TfL`s introduction of Cashless Operation is that it has NOT
been accompanied by the very necessary increase in Revenue Inspection and
Roving Supervision.
Rob Wooley`s previous post re planned increases in Rev Pro resources
confirms how wrong TfL have got this one.
Once the Revenue Collection system is compromised in the Travelling Public`s
eye it then becomes far more difficult to re-impose the required degree of
compliance.
On my two most recent visits to Londres I witnessed intending pax being
waved through on both an RV 1 and on a 527 because thay proffessed to having
some form of difficulty with the Off Bus ticketing machines.
Now it is not these individual pax concerned that TfL need be concerned
about but the many other pax already on the buses concerned who were a
receptive audience indeed to a short play about Free Travel......
And while I am about it Bob Wooley (Who admits to working for TfL.....Well
somebody`s gotta do it ?) is only partially correct in Town Crying the TfL
line on "Accessibility" where the Routemaster is concerned.
Its a matter of opinion really as to whether a Considerately Conducted
Routemaster is any worse than a modern One Person Operated Low Floor Double
Decker for MOST people up to and including those classed as "Moderately"
disabled.
I am aware of some discussions in which many ambulatory but infirm folks
remain resolutely in favour of the Routemaster TPO especially in its
refurbished guise with DipTAC Stanchions and Brighter Interior lighting.....
I am not an Anorak in this matter,as I am well aware of areas where the
Routemaster does fall short of modern practice BUT the Standard of service
capabable of being performed by the Refurbished vehicles remains on or above
par with even the most modern LFDD designs.
I remain unconvinced by attractive PR packaged "Spin" which attempts to sell
us bottles of coloured smoke and I feel that Routemaster operation utilising
the Latest Spec Refurbished vehicles is well within the capabilities of a
well managed and inventive Customer-Centred operation.....?????