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Original poster

Just don’t get this - waiting for the bus

110 replies

Auburngal · 12/04/2024 11:32

My dad who is in his 70s had a hospital appointment this morning at 9:50am. So he had to pay for the outward journey as got bus about 8:55am. He goes on bus to that hospital as parking is a nightmare.

When he got to the bus stop 7-10 mins earlier, there were 3 elderly people - none of them were together. Bus pulled up and dad offered the 3 to board before him. “We are waiting for the first bus after 9:30am” - that’s when travel is free for pensioners. Dad gets his return trip free as it’s always after 9:30am when he leaves hospital.

Why on earth are people standing outside waiting for a bus at least 45 minutes before they can get free travel? The bus stop is in a wind tunnel. This happens every time my dad goes to hospital for that department as his appts are more/less same time.

OP posts:
Danikm151 · 12/04/2024 11:47

In Brum twirlies can pay £1 to get the bus before 9:30. Some still don’t do it

AtomicBlondeRose · 12/04/2024 11:47

I never understood why elderly people got up so early - why not enjoy a luxury lie in? But since having small DC and working full time my body is trained to wake me before 7am. If you are used to getting up as soon as you wake, and you wake up early, 9.30 is halfway through the morning. Hanging around at home waiting to go out is excruciating to me; I’d much rather wait nearer where I need to be. And if there’s people to chat to and stuff to watch, so much the better.

Catza · 12/04/2024 11:43

Why do people queue for a supermarket on Sundays? I assume, the same reason although I can't fathom what it might be.

LlynTegid · 12/04/2024 11:43

fiftiesmum · 12/04/2024 11:40

Because some of them will try getting on at 9am in the hope of getting away with it.
Used to see people queuing at the post office at 8:30 for pensions and benefits.
Parents at the school gates at least half an hour early especially those who "need" to park so their darling snowflakes don't need to walk

Given how poor customer service is at main post offices (not sub-postmasters in my experience), I can understand wanting to be first in a queue, to save having to wait a long time once it opens.

Trying to get on before 9am for free (or 930 if that is the time limit) is attempting to steal in a way. 100% support for any bus driver who politely refuses.

Caroparo52 · 12/04/2024 11:41

Live and let live

fiftiesmum · 12/04/2024 11:40

Because some of them will try getting on at 9am in the hope of getting away with it.
Used to see people queuing at the post office at 8:30 for pensions and benefits.
Parents at the school gates at least half an hour early especially those who "need" to park so their darling snowflakes don't need to walk

Aparecium · 12/04/2024 11:40

My MIL is a twirlie. It began when she had knee pain and needed a lift to the bus stop, because that was when FIL could give her a lift, but continued even after she could walk to the stop because she looked forward to the chat with the twirlie regulars.

Never heard anyone else use twirlie this way - is it a Yorkshire thing?

HarryUnicorn · 12/04/2024 11:38

Round here some of the drivers let them on early and just don’t register then getting on the bus, maybe waiting for one who’ll do that?

TheSnowyOwl · 12/04/2024 11:35

Perhaps it’s a convenient time for them to get a lift to the bus stop? Perhaps they like to leave lots of time to get places? Perhaps since a few of them do it, they chat at the stop and see it as a social occasion? Why don’t you ask them?

murasaki · 12/04/2024 11:34

Ah, a meeting of the twirlies. It makes no sense, why not turn up at 9.25?

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