Card revolution offers the potential of a clippie

摘要

One imperative for the newly deregulated bus industry 25 years ago was reducing bus stop dwell times. In a competitive environment, the first bus to reach the next stop was more likely to carry the most passengers - because it got there first and also offered the quickest end-to-end journey. Hence the employment of redundant London Routemasters and re-introducing conductors. Hence also the introduction of high-frequency minibuses. It reversed the tide of the previous 20 years. By steadily increasing one-person operation from the mid-1960s to combat rising costs, falling demand and perpetual staff shortages, the industry's supplier-led approach increased dwell times and delivered an inferior service.