Freedom on the buses

Published: 28 April, 2011

• FURTHER to my letter regarding the Plus Bus service (All hail the yellow bus, April 8), I would like to suggest that two sets of double seats be replaced by the smaller, push-up style of seating which sits flat against the sides of the bus. 

This would allow passenger seating when prams or trolleys did not need to be accommodated, as well as allowing for a more spacious centre aisle. 

When prams needed to be secured, these could be placed firmly against the folded-up seats and strapped firmly together. The combined bulk of seat and pram would not occupy any more space than that occupied by a set of double seats. 

Positively sorting out the seating arrangements would allow for more variety of passengers, safer travel and a more comfortable journey. 

The concept of a bus that can be hailed at any point along its route is inspired. It allows much older citizens the freedom to travel where and when they want without the fatiguing walk to designated bus stops or the perhaps rather more unnerving wait among a group of younger people. 

It also eliminates the need for bus stops, thereby reducing costs. Signposting new routes would not entail erecting new structures as signs can be attached to existing lampposts.

The Plus Bus truly is a plus factor, not just by extending travel to secondary roads but by giving service to those who need it but would not receive it on the red buses.

SHEILA MOBERLY
N1