Why it does matter when a service runs late

摘要

Bus driver Karl Bartle (You Write, January) asks if it really matters that buses are late. It depends on four questions. What am I doing and what effect it will have on me personally? How late is it running? How often does it run late? Why is it late? If I were just going into town shopping or having a leisure day, then no it would not matter. On the other hand, if I am intending to make a connecting service or catch a train, then it matters to me. I might be late for work, meaning I lose pay or miss my hospital appointment. It is not always possible to plan earlier trips to avoid being late, as some services run hourly, so a reliable bus service is vital to some passengers. So Mr Bartle, yes it matters. Up to 5min late is the official acceptable limit at any timing point and would mean the bus being on time. How late it arrives may not matter if I can get to my destination in time for my planned day. However, if I cannot get there, then it matters to me. How often the bus runs late may depend on the circumstances of the day. Mr Bartle rightly points to volume of traffic, breakdowns, accidents and roadworks. These are not the drivers' or companies' fault, and I have to live with that.