Megabus 95 duty (as writen about on Thursday) again today. Traffic was no problem at all today, early on every trip, some passengers were the problem this time. I pulled away dead on time at 10:20 from Greenline Coach station, got to the first set of traffic lights and two potential passengers were banging on the door. The company ruling is that we don’t pick up anyone unless they are at a designated stop on the route. My own ‘rule’ is that I will stop if it’s safe to do so. Traffic lights really should be a no, no but they were red and I was within a few inches of the kerb so nothing could get up the inside to hit anyone getting on, I was about to open the door and then I heard what they were screaming “It’s not yet 10:20” and then something which seemed to suggest they thought I had a solitary sex life! Take that attitude and there’s no chance you’re getting on! The lights went green and I pulled away. A few more yards and there’s another set of lights and another bang on the door. This time a young lady on her own mouthing the word ‘please’ which seems so much nicer than being called a wanker. Situation as before, I’m near the kerb but the problem this time was that she had a large suitcase. There’s no way that could quickly be brought up the coach steps, round the corner and into the coach. Besides, large luggage is not allowed inside and that’s quite reasonable. There was no way I was going to get out, open the hold and load the suitcase at traffic lights. So she too was left behind. I wish she knew why.
I often wonder what these people are thinking! Common sense says they have no chance of getting on talking like that or with gigantic cases, surely. They actually expect you to hold up half of London (we know how quickly traffic can back up!) just to get their case in??, yes they do…
The worst place for it is outside Sainsburys at those lights.
I normally just signal ‘go to stand 5’. It’s not my fault if they thought I was on my way round…shame…
Wasn’t too bad in HKO as doors are opened and closed like that but a definite no-no in a Neoplan, almost guaranteed the light will hit green, door won’t shut right, get out of seat to sort it, oh no it’s back on red again!