|
Post by busaholic on May 28, 2019 17:17:03 GMT
In deregulationland it may seem a perfectly reasonable price, but in London people will always compare it with the standard fare of £1.50. £3.50 is more than double that, which crosses a psychological barrier even if it isn't very expensive compared with minicabs or other alternatives. The fare question is an interesting one. For those on a tight it is a non-starter, they simply won't pay £3.50 when they can get an ordinary bus for £1.50. For those who are more cash rich, particularly the younger cash rich and time poor, this could well be just the number. I am none too sure of the demographics in Sutton, but for me it will be very interesting to see how this progresses. I do agree with snoggle that fewer senior citizens will use an app based bus. For comparison it is interesting to look at the Citymapper bus. You see relatively few senior citizens on it, and the busier times very much match when the younger are out and about. I guess TfL don't want too many of us 'seniors' on it as they're required (forced?) to accept free passes. I don't have a smartphone, so I wouldn't be using the service, even if I lived there. I've no opinion on how many might fork out, but I'd imagine some research has been done which suggests the concept might work. I wouldn't write it off is all I'm saying.
|
|
|
Post by redbus on May 28, 2019 17:37:28 GMT
The fare question is an interesting one. For those on a tight it is a non-starter, they simply won't pay £3.50 when they can get an ordinary bus for £1.50. For those who are more cash rich, particularly the younger cash rich and time poor, this could well be just the number. I am none too sure of the demographics in Sutton, but for me it will be very interesting to see how this progresses. I do agree with snoggle that fewer senior citizens will use an app based bus. For comparison it is interesting to look at the Citymapper bus. You see relatively few senior citizens on it, and the busier times very much match when the younger are out and about. I guess TfL don't want too many of us 'seniors' on it as they're required (forced?) to accept free passes. I don't have a smartphone, so I wouldn't be using the service, even if I lived there. I've no opinion on how many might fork out, but I'd imagine some research has been done which suggests the concept might work. I wouldn't write it off is all I'm saying. I think it also comes down to cost. In today's world the 'obvious' method of 'calling the bus' is via an app. Once you go down that path it is only a short hop (forgive the pun) to paying via the app as well. It saves all the costs associated with other methods of payment such as paying on the bus.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 28, 2019 23:45:57 GMT
Demographic wise, personally think Ealing might be busier than Sutton.
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on May 30, 2019 12:25:06 GMT
Worth having a look at the Diamond Geezer blog today (30/5) for a review of Go Sutton and also for the links (on DG's post) to Roger French's review as well.
|
|
|
Post by galwhv69 on May 31, 2019 22:51:59 GMT
Heard that the minimum age for Go Sutton has been lowered to 13 Will post link if I find it again
|
|
|
Post by galwhv69 on May 31, 2019 23:03:53 GMT
Heard that the minimum age for Go Sutton has been lowered to 13 Will post link if I find it again
|
|
|
Post by snowman on Jun 1, 2019 4:36:26 GMT
Heard that the minimum age for Go Sutton has been lowered to 13 Will post link if I find it again When I was 13 used buses and trains unaccompanied, but must have paid cash No one had a bank card at 13, (and when you did get one, were just for cashpoint machines)
|
|
|
Post by busaholic on Jun 1, 2019 18:09:16 GMT
When I was 13 used buses and trains unaccompanied, but must have paid cash No one had a bank card at 13, (and when you did get one, were just for cashpoint machines) i was out on Red Rovers all day (well, 'til teatime) when I was 11 or 12.
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Jun 1, 2019 18:43:58 GMT
Heard that the minimum age for Go Sutton has been lowered to 13 Will post link if I find it again I wonder if they have been caught out by school holiday attempted use by teenagers? I also wonder if it's dawned on them that there may be some school travel related demand that would otherwise be untapped with the higher age limit?
|
|
|
Post by SILENCED on Jun 1, 2019 18:56:43 GMT
I wonder if they have been caught out by school holiday attempted use by teenagers? I also wonder if it's dawned on them that there may be some school travel related demand that would otherwise be untapped with the higher age limit? Assume they have to pay?
|
|
|
Post by snoggle on Jun 1, 2019 19:03:27 GMT
I wonder if they have been caught out by school holiday attempted use by teenagers? I also wonder if it's dawned on them that there may be some school travel related demand that would otherwise be untapped with the higher age limit? Assume they have to pay? Yes but parents may decide this a viable option compared to driving their kids on the school run. If you can get a minibus virtually front door to school yard then that may well be attractive for some. I suspect some of the better off bits of Sutton could afford this option. Just a thought - I'm just pondering as to why the rules were tweaked so quickly. After all kids are going to be very smartphone savvy.
|
|
|
Post by snowman on Jun 23, 2020 12:19:36 GMT
|
|
|
Post by busman on Jun 23, 2020 17:28:58 GMT
Interesting comment regarding the use of data to inform future services. If usage truly has been high, it could justify provision of a regular bus service along some parts of the Sutton and Ealing routes. I wonder if demand responsive bus services can be used to pilot new links in suburban areas. Useful data can be gathered showing demand, average passenger numbers, journey times and optimum frequencies. If the pilot isn’t used well enough, then the service can be canned within 12 months. No permanent infrastructure such as bus stops or road markings to contend with.
|
|
|
Post by danorak on Jul 12, 2021 21:08:16 GMT
|
|
|
Post by southlondonbus on Jul 12, 2021 21:37:00 GMT
I saw one of the buses in Mitcham the other day. Looked like it was being used a staff bus.
|
|