Until now the quest for self-driving cars has never really grabbed me, yes it would be quite cool to be able to sleep on the way to work etc. It has however just occurred to me that there is a significant use for this technology that is always overlooked. Replacing that great institution, the small minded bus driver.
Its currently 0305 in the morning, I have been stood around in the cold for longer than I care to think about. It is of note that the bus is functioning perfectly, thus the common expression “the bus was late” Is infarct incorrect. To be precise, the Bus driver is late… He is not gaining ground either, before I had even stepped foot on the coach he had started telling me what I can and cant do. I normal wax lyrical about how good the Oxford tube coach service is. Today it is however let down by MC Dave whos in flight announcement felt the need to define the the term legal requirement (Seatbelts) as meaning not an option. Soon we will have driver-less buses and 49% of the misery of coach travel will be removed. Just imagine the beauty!
A report on BBC news tells of a bus driver shortage “crisis” due to attacks on bus drivers. Apparently this is being addressed by fitting CCTV. I feel this is missing the point. Surely the main reason they are being attacked in the first place is that the majority are grumpy small minded little control freaks. It would be highly inappropriate of me not to point out that I have met some absolute gems who have made travel pleasant, its a shame there is no simple feedback mechanism whereby they can be rewarded whilst the guy driving me right now is offered employment in the prison service.
Bring on the automation!
