A bargain at a £1 each way! (Arriva)

Member Name: excelsior81

Product:	Arriva
Date:	23/02/09 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Regular as clock work

Disadvantages: I would prefer cabs all of the time!

I never imagined myself as someone who would spend time writing reviews about Bus Journeys, but I felt bound to leap to the defence of Arriva as they currently have a two star rating!

I should state that I do understand that services will vary enormously around the country and I have had some bad bus journeys in the past...but I have discovered a very reliable buse servie in Watford that I have been nothing but impressed with.

I regularly use the 142 or 258 from Watford Junction to Brent Cross as I often like to pop up to Bushey High Street, rather than go into Watford town centre...I feel it is important to support smaller local business, particularly in the current climate.

I can leave my home and walk 3 minutes down the road to the bus stop situated at teh train station. Arriva provide a very regular service on what is undoubtedly a busy route. The bus stop has a screen trhat updates me on the service and tells me when the next bus will be with me.

I have never had to wait more than 4 minutes for a bus...impressive stuff eh! The best thing is that we are all able to pay with our Oyster cards (for those non-london folk, this is a piece of credit card sized plastic that you put money onto) and the journey only costs me a pound each way....until very recently it was 90p, but then Boris Johnson took over the buses and charges!

The bus drivers vary, but usually they are polite and well mannered, I obviously return the compliment and will always thank the driver as I get off from the bus...manners cost nothing.

The buses themselves are very clean and importantly, I feel safe on them, I have even been on the bus at the dreaded school run hours and it has been fine, the children and teenagers - enjoying their subsidised travel behave very well.

They have a good range of security features on the bus too...the signage is very good and does not patronise. They remind you that certain seats are available for pregnant women and old people. They also benefit from a speaker system that tells you where you are and not just for the bus stops. This is great and must be of enormous benefit to the visually impaired.

My bus journey takes about ten minutes and it is comfortable and warm...and reasonably priced...before I discovered this bus route I would sometimes get a taxi....which was £10 each way...ouch!

Arriva have done a good job of providing a service to the watford community and I salute them.

Summary: Quick, easy and efficient.