Free bus travel for kids in London

[Red Mist]

Fuck off with that shit. I can't get a seat on the bus because some young hoodlum has already taken it without paying a fucking penny for it. Mugs like me who fund this stupid scheme that allows spotty, smelly, fat, ugly kids to take free bus trips around the capital are being completely short-changed.
I'm voting this silly commie twat Livingstone out in the next mayoral elections.
In fact, my very vote will go to any candidiate who promises to scrap this ludicrous policy, whoever that candidiate may be.
Bring in schoolbuses if you want to give these kids free travel, and leave public transport for those who actually pay to use it.

[Karl]

Originally Posted by Red Mist Fuck off with that shit. I can't get a seat on the bus because some young hoodlum has already taken it without paying a fucking penny for it. Mugs like me who fund this stupid scheme that allows spotty, smelly, fat, ugly kids to take free bus trips around the capital are being completely short-changed. I'm voting this silly commie twat Livingstone out in the next mayoral elections. In fact, my very vote will go to any candidiate who promises to scrap this ludicrous policy, whoever that candidiate may be. Bring in schoolbuses if you want to give these kids free travel, and leave public transport for those who actually pay to use it.

And create more congestion and pollution for you to moan about?

I think it's a good idea, if you can get children use to using public transport and put good systems in place then there are massive benefits to be had.

[Red Mist]

Originally Posted by Karl And create more congestion and pollution for you to moan about? I think it's a good idea, if you can get children use to using public transport and put good systems in place then there are massive benefits to be had.

Fine. Let these kids pay for bus use, like I had to do when I was at school. Or better yet, let them walk. Kids are getting fatter and free bus travel takes away any incentive for the podgy little feckers to take a healthy stroll home.
I don't see any benefit in letting loud and obnoxious schoolkids ride the bus for free.

[AVEEZ]

I dont live in London - but do use public transport daily. I have mixed feelings about this I completely agree that its not right to expect people to stand on buses if they have paid for a ticket to allow kids to travel for free.. but then in leeds the schools finish well before ruch hour starts so providing the times of the buses they could use for free end well before rush hours starts I wouldnt care..

I also agree that this service encourages kids to be idle - a bit more walking wouldnt kill them but again in Leeds free (albeit school buses) are only available to kids who live furhter than approx 3.5 miles from the school any closer you pay or make your own way..

And finally whilst I wouldnt want to be surrounded by kids coming home from school f ing and blinding all over the shop and generally being horrible teens - I also wouldnt like to think my daughter had to walk home from her school if she missed the school bus - especially not in this weather, in the dark on her own.. its just not safe.

[G Richards]

Mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand it is a good idea, since it might stop children who could be vulnerable walking home in the dark or on their own. But on the other hand, there's a certain injustice about it if it is abused, and it could easily make the buses an unpleasant way to travel if they are overcrowded with rowdy teenagers. There have been a few cases lately where serious assault has happened on the bus. It should be monitored closely to ascertain whether this step helps or hinders that.

[wiiksie]

Originally Posted by Karl And create more congestion and pollution for you to moan about? I think it's a good idea, if you can get children use to using public transport and put good systems in place then there are massive benefits to be had.

Aye. This is a good initiative. Safe free transport for kids to get to school and back home again, less cars doing the school run and pissing off the car commuters, less congestion and pollution as a result of decreased school runs and it might make some of these kids think of using public transport more when they leave school and start making their own commute (as opposed to if their parents are just taxi-ing them around at present).

[thechap]

Originally Posted by weeksie Aye. This is a good initiative. Safe free transport for kids to get to school and back home again, less cars doing the school run and pissing off the car commuters, less congestion and pollution as a result of decreased school runs and it might make some of these kids think of using public transport more when they leave school and start making their own commute (as opposed to if their parents are just taxi-ing them around at present).

I agree. I tempted to add that a child who hasn't paid should give up their seat to someone who has paid although, like the train companies say, "You're not paying for the seat, you're paying for the journey."

[Section_31]

They should give them free stabvests instead.