Everywhere you look, there's now a double-decker bus, or four, on the streets. This week, First joined Arriva in running the 31 route around Oadby and into Leicester. Some aspects are welcome - the competition has led to drastic fare cuts, which at last makes a bus journey into town competitive with a car journey. And doubling the number of buses means that you scarcely have to wait more than five minutes for one. But there are downsides.In a period of less than sixty seconds, on Uplands Road yesterday at 9.15am I was passed by three buses. I counted a total of three people on them. This was quite a busy time for travellers, but one ten tonne bus per person, each with their own five litre engine, does seem excessive.
I guess the present situation is unsustainable, and that both First and Arriva are hoping that they can squeeze out the other. What will happen then to fares and timetables is something we'll have to see. Meanwhile, there's more traffic, more fumes and pollution.
